Zimin, Sergei Ivanovich

Born June 21 (July 3), 1875, in Orekhovo-Zuevo; died Aug. 26, 1942, in Moscow. Russian theater figure.

Zimin graduated from the Moscow School of Commerce. In 1904 he traveled abroad (Vienna, Berlin, Naples, Rome, and Paris) to familiarize himself with operatic organization and to broaden his general knowledge. That same year he organized an opera company in Moscow, which led to the formation of an opera theater. Zimin invited famous singers to his theater, and young actors, whom he often helped with their musical and artistic education. In 1917 the theater became a state theater, and Zimin continued on as a member of the board of directors. In 1922–24, he was chairman of the S. I. Zimin Free Opera, a joint-stock company. He was art consultant of a branch of the Bolshoi Theater during 1924–42.