Bravin, Nikolai Mikhailovich

(pseudonym of Nikolai Mikhailovich Vasiatkin). Born Oct. 13 (25), 1883, in Astrakhan; died June 10, 1956, in Moscow. Soviet Russian operetta performer (baritone); People’s Artist of the RSFSR (1954).

In 1906, Bravin graduated from the Astrakhan Musical College (he studied under L.I. Kliuzner) and then studied at the Moscow Conservatory under U. A. Mazetti. He made his debut in P. P. Struiskii’s dramatic troupe in Astrakhan in 1906. From 1908 to 1922, Bravin worked in various musical theaters in Moscow and the Far East; from 1922 to 1956 he acted at the Moscow Operetta Theater. Bravin’s roles included Edwin in Kálmán’s Silva, Danilo in Lehár’s The Merry Widow, Barinkay in Strauss’ The Gypsy Baron, Adam in Zeller’s The Bird Seller, Nazar Duma in Aleksandrov’s Wedding in Malinovka, and Caesar Gallius in Dunaevskii’s Free Wind. He often performed in concerts. Bravin was awarded the Order of the Red Banner of Labor and medals.