Tchaikovsky
www.tchaikovsky-research.net

Achilles Alferaki (1846–1919)

Achilles Alferaki

Russian composer, pianist and statesman of Greek descent (b. 21 June/3 July 1846 in Kharkov; d. 27 December 1919 in Petrograd), known in Russia as Akhilles Nikolaevich Alferaki (Ахиллес Николаевич Алфераки, Ahilles Nikolaevič Alferaki, Akhilles Nikolayevich Alferaki).

After studying at Moscow University, he moved to Taganrog (home town of the composer's brother Ippolit), where he served as mayor from 1880 until 1888, and encouraged the town's musical and dramatic activities. He became acquainted with Tchaikovsky after his removal to the Russian capital in 1888, and subsequently became Chancellor of the Ministry of Internal Affairs (from 1891), and Director of the Russian Telegraph Agency.

Correspondence with Achlles Alferaki:

• 3 letters from Tchaikovsky to Achilles Alferaki have survived, dating from 1888 to 1891.