Soviet lyrical tenor that made his career mainly in the Latvian Soviet Socialistic Republic. Vocal teacher. Acclaimed
artist of the Latvian Soviet Socialistic Republic (1943).
Born on 3rd of April, 1912 in the Vitsebsk region (today Belarus).
Studied at the Latvian conservatory with P. Sakss (1929–1931) and in Milan, Italy with S. Salvini (1934–1936). Performed
in Italy under the name Leonardo Zakhodini.
Was a soloist of the Latvian National Opera (1936–1941 and 1944–1947), a soloist of the Art Ensemble of the
Latvian Soviet Socialistic Republic (1942–1944), a soloist of the Latvian State Philharmonic (1947–1962) and a voice
teacher (1963–1985).
His most outstanding roles were Faust, Alfredo, Duca, Lenskij. In the 1930s, he became famous for performing trendy contemporary
songs.
In the summer of 1941, as a member of a delegation of famous Latvian actors, he went to Moscow for a number of concerts. But the
plans had to be cancelled due to the start of WWII. The wife and parents of Leonid Zakhodnik remained in Riga and were killed in the
war.
Among the pupils of Leonid Zakhodnik are a couple of well-known Latvian pop singers.
Igor Milner has provided the picture, the recording and the biographical notes: thank you!
