Igor Krutoy - art director of The Contest, People’s artist of Russia, composer, President of the “ARS”holding

Igor Jakovlevich Krutoy was born on July, 29th, 1954 in the city of Gajvorone of the Kirovograd region. In the childhood Igor independently learned to play bayan and acted together with school tout ensemble. After schooling at music school Igor Krutoy proceeded on theoretical faculty of the Kirovograd musical school which he has graduated with distinction in 1974. He was not able to proceed to the Kiev conservatory because of not passing examination in a subject «CPSU History». Within next year Krutoy taught music classes at rural school.

In 1979 Igor Krutoy graduated from the conducting and choral department of Nicholas Musical Pedagogical Institute. In the mid 80-ies young composer met with the executor Alexander Serov, for whom he soon began to write songs. In 1986 and 1987, Serov won at international competitions with Igor Krutoy’s songs called “Vdohnovenye” (Inspiration) and “Sudbe nazlo” (In Fate’s despite).

Since 1989, apart from creative activities Krutoy starts to engage in producing activities. He heads the “ARS” company at first as an art director and then, since 1998 – as a president of “ARS” holding. The largest Russian media holding company “ARS” includes television channel “Muz-TV” and three radio stations – “Love radio”, “Radio Dacha” and “Xfm”, television festival  “Song of the Year”, three international competitions - the “New Wave” , “Kids’ New Wave” and “Version 01”, ”Copyright Independent Agency” (CIA) and “Music Publishing”, record label “ARS-Records”, a concert organization “ARS-Concert”, event-structure “ARS- Production”, the company has an extensive database of artists. Years since the founding of the “ARS” holding company proves that creative energy, Krutoy’s enthusiasm of labour of love and his businessman’s talent can achieve high performance.

Starting with 1994, “ARS” holding conducts creative evenings of the People's Artist of Russia, composer Igor Krutoy with the participation of Russian stars. Since 2002, Igor Krutoy together with Raymond Pauls holds international contest of young singers of popular music "New Wave" in Jurmala. Igor Krutoy and Raimonds Pauls are co-chairing the jury of the contest.

Since 2008, “ARS” holding conducts an International contest of young singers of popular music called "Kids’ New Wave".

In 2004, Igor Krutoy appeared as a producer of the popular Russian television project "Star Factory - 4" (similar to «American Idol»). Ratings in particular of this "Factory" are still the highest of the whole project.

Igor Krutoy’s creative, composing, performing and producing talents are appreciated by the State. Igor Krutoy is the winner of the Lenin Komsomol Prize, Merited Artist of Russian Federation (1991) and People's Artist of Russia (1996).

Certainly, collaboration with Igor Krutoy, the execution of his songs, participation in his projects - are a great honour for a show-business stars and genuine artists. The music of this brilliant composer has become an integral part of Russian musical culture in the late XX - early XXI century. Creative work of the composer is proven over the years quality mark. Measure of  composer’s talent is obvious and incontestable. Love for his music is a symbol of boundless devotion of an audience of many millions of fans. Composer’s giant working ability, talent and sense of purpose explain his success and huge popularity in public.

Tangible results of many years, during which the establishment and development of the “ARS” Holding Company took place, show that the manysidedness of Igor Krutoy’s personality is able to open up new horizons. Both in terms of  business and creative perspective. A wise businessman, an excellent musician, a wonderful man - all these qualities contribute to the prosperity of the Holding Company under the direction of Igor Krutoy. And creative strides of publicly favorite composer are confirmed by the long-term viewing of love and recognition.