While still pursuing his vocal studies at Moscow Conservatory, Russian baritone Yuri Batukov made his operatic debut as Eugen Onegin in his home town Syktyvkar, later returning as Conte Almaviva and Germont. He then became a member of Swerdlowsk Theatre where he performed in roles like Jeletzky, Schtschelkalow (BORIS GODUNOV) and Escamillo.

Early guest commitments led Mr Batukov to Osnabrück Theatre, Leipzig Opera and Wiesbaden State Theatre, followed by notable appearances as Eugene Onegin at Théâtre d'Avignon, Mandryka at Opéra National du Rhin Strasbourg, Graz Opera and Copenhagen Opera, Forester at Théâtre des Champs Elysées, Cardinal (JOAN OF ARC) at Montpellier Opera, Scarpia and High Priest (SAMSON ET DALILA) in Las Palmas and Alfio/Tonio at Nederlandse Opera Amsterdam. In Italy, he was heard at Teatro Massimo Palermo (GENOVEVA) and Teatro Comunale di Bologna (BORIS GODUNOV).

Mr Batukov is a regular guest at Erfurt Theatre where he appeared as Four Villains, Bartolo, Alfio, Kardinal, Klingsor and Dreieinigkeitsmoses (RISE AND FALL OF THE CITY MAHAGONNY). In the latter role, he also appeared at Komische Oper Berlin in 2010.

Recent highlights in Mr Batukov’s career include the King in Robert Wilson’s production of Philipp Glass' THE WHITE RAVEN at Teatro Nacional Sao Carlos Lissabon, Teatro Real Madrid and Lincoln Center Festival in New York City as well as his debuts als Tomski at Vienna State Opera (2007) and Teatro Regio di Torino (2009). As Frank (DIE TOTE STADT) he was seen in a 2001 production at Opéra National du Rhin Strasbourg, which was broadcast on European TV and has also been released on DVD.