Alexander Rybak 1 Alexander Rybak Alexander Rybak Rybak performing in 2009 Background information Birth name Alexander Igoryevich Rybak Born 13 May 1986 Minsk, Byelorussian SSR, Soviet Union Genres Pop, folk, adult contemporary, soft rock, crossover, Baroque pop, indie pop Occupations Singer, songwriter, violinist, composer, pianist, actor, model Instruments Vocals, violin, piano Years active 2006–present Associated acts Eurovision Song Contest 2009, Frikar Website www.alexanderrybak.com [1] Alexander Igoryevich Rybak (Russian: Алекса́ндр И́горевич Рыба́к, tr. Aleksandr Igorevich Rybak) or in Belarusian Alyaxandr Igaravich Rybak (Belarusian: Алякса́ндр І́гаравіч Рыба́к, tr. Alyaksandr Iharavich Rybak; born 13 May 1986 in Byelorussian SSR, Soviet Union) is a Belarusian-Norwegian singer-composer, violinist, pianist, writer, and actor. Representing Norway in the 2009 Eurovision Song Contest in Moscow, Russia, Rybak won the contest with 387 points—the highest tally any country has achieved in the history of Eurovision—with "Fairytale", a song he wrote and composed. His debut album, Fairytales, charted in the top 20 in nine European countries, including a No. 1 position in Norway and Russia. Alexander Rybak 2 Education Rybak has been a student at the Barratt Due Institute of Music in Oslo since the age of 10. Due to his success in the Eurovision Song Contest, he took a break from his bachelor's degree studies at the institute, but in 2011, he returned to his studies and in June 2012, he graduated from Barratt Due Institute of Music as bachelor in Violin. • Full scholarship at the English summer-school "Meadowmount School of Music", 2003 – given to three students in the world every year. •• High School (Videregående) at Rud Music, Dance and Drama. •• Bachelor in executive violin at Barrat Dues Musikkinstitutt, 2012. Grade A at final exam. Career In 2004, Rybak was awarded the Anders Jahre Culture Prize. In 2005, he entered the Norwegian version of Idol, Idol: Jakten på en superstjerne, reaching the semifinal. In 2006, Rybak won Kjempesjansen (“The Great Opportunity”), a talent competition hosted by the Norwegian Broadcasting Corporation (NRK), with his own song, "Foolin". Rybak has collaborated with artists such as a-ha's lead singer Morten Harket and Arve Tellefsen. In 2007, Rybak played the fiddler in Oslo Nye Teater's production of Fiddler on the Roof and won the Hedda Award for this role. Eurovision 2009 Rybak after he had won Eurovision 2009 Rybak won the 54th Eurovision Song Contest in Moscow, Russia, with a record 387 points, singing "Fairytale", a song inspired by Norwegian folk music. The song was composed and written by Rybak and was performed together with the modern folk dance company Frikar. The song received good reviews with a score of 6 out of 6 in the Norwegian newspaper Dagbladet, and, in an ESCtoday poll, he scored 71.3%, making him the favourite to get into the final. In the Norwegian national heats, Rybak achieved a clean sweep, gaining the top score from all nine voting districts and ending with a combined televote and jury score of 747,888, while the runner up, Tone Damli Aaberge, received a combined score of 121,856 (out of a total population of less than 5 million) The song competed in the second semi-final and won a place in the Eurovision final. Rybak later won the Eurovision final with a landslide victory, receiving votes from all the participating countries (except Norway, which was not allowed to vote for itself). Rybak finished with a total of 387 points, breaking the previous record of 292 points scored by Lordi in 2006 and scoring 169 points more than the runner-up, Iceland. Alexander Rybak 3 After Eurovision, film and the first album Rybak and a dancer from Frikar, at a concert in Norway, September 2009 Rybak's first album, Fairytales, was released after his Eurovision win. Rybak also co-stars as Levi in the film Yohan directed by Grete Salomonsen, which was released in March 2010. Rybak also went on a tour in Norway with former Norwegian Eurovision winner Elisabeth Andreassen, something that had been decided before his Eurovision win and participation. He and Frikar also toured Norway and Europe in 2009. In a December 2009 performance of his hit "Fairytale" at the Nobel Peace Prize Concert, held at the Oslo Spektrum, Rybak shared the stage with nine other acts. Too EMI Norway has just released a film entitled Fairytale, the movie, directed by acclaimed Norwegian director, Rune Langlo, documenting the journey of Alexander Rybak since claiming the top prize for Norway in Moscow. In 2009, he recorded the theme song, called "I Don't Believe in Miracles/Superhero", for the Russian action movie Black Lightning produced by Timur Bekmambetov. [2] - 2010–2011 Rybak performing in 2011 On 30 January 2010, Rybak performed one of his new singles, "Europe's Skies", in national final, Euroviisut 2010, to select the 2010 Finnish entry at the Eurovision Song Contest 2010. On 12 March 2010, Alexander Rybak performed his Eurovision 2009 winning song "Fairytale" on UK TV show Eurovision: Your Country Needs You. In April 2010, Rybak released a new song, featuring Opptur, called "Fela Igjen". Alexander released his second album on 14 June 2010, called No Boundaries. It was not as successful as his first album, so far it has peaked at number 7 in Norway, number 8 in Sweden and 32 in Finland. On 7 January 2011, Rybak was one of twelve contestants on the next Swedish season of the dancing show Let's Dance (Swedish version of television franchise Strictly Come Dancing), in the show Rybak danced to win the competition against other Swedish celebrities. Rybak made it to the Top 4 before being voted off on 11 March, having received the lowest scores from both juries and the voting public. In 2011 he released the album "Visa vid vindens ängar, a collaboration with Mats Paulson whom he describes as "a legend and a great friend" On December 11, 2011, he appeared as musical guest on X Factor (Romania). 2012-present In 2012 he released a new music video for his Russian song "Strela Amura". "Strela Amura" is the Russian version of Oah which is one of his previous singles released in 2010. The music video was shot in Kiev, Ukraine. Alexander said: "For me the main thing is what is going on inside a person, not the events around them. The video for the song “Strela Amura” is about me, about my life, which consists of the airports and hotels. You give happiness to others, and you are left alone yourself." Alexander Rybak 4 On 30 May 2012 he released a duet with Paula Seling called "I'll Show You". Seling placed third at the 2010 Eurovision. The song had already been promoted on Romanian television and radio. The German label Capsounds has signed the song and will be promoting it throughout Europe. A new single by Rybak titled "Leave Me Alone" was released worldwide on 12 October 2012. The premiere of the music video was also released shortly after the single which was on the 23rd of October. The release of the Russian version of the song "Dostala" was on the 12th of November "Leave Me Alone" is about a particular female fan who has been stalking him in various ways for quite some time. The new track which will be released during the day is co-written by David Eriksen who is well-known to fans of the Eurovision Song Contest for writing "Butterflies" for Tone Damli Aaberge which was the runner-up to Rybak in the 2009 Melodi Grand Prix. Rybak released a Christmas album on 23 November 2012 entitled Christmas-tales. Recording started spring 2012. In 2013, Rybak composed an entry for Melodi Grand Prix called "I'm With You" sung by Annsofi Pettersen, placing fourth in the Norwegian national final. [3] Personal life Rybak was born on 13 May 1986, in Minsk, Belarus—which at that time was the Belarusian SSR in the Soviet Union. When he was 4 years old, he and his family moved to Norway. Rybak was baptized and raised in the Orthodox religion. At the age of five, Rybak began to play the piano and the violin. His parents are Natalia Valentinovna Rybak, a classical pianist, and Igor Alexandrovich Rybak, a well-known classical violinist who performs alongside Pinchas Zukerman. [4] He stated "I always liked to entertain and somehow that is my vocation". Rybak bought a new apartment and lives now at Aker Brygge (Oslo, Norway). Rybak speaks Norwegian, Russian and English fluently, and has performed songs in all three languages. In 2010, several incidents of uncontrolled anger caused commentators to question whether Rybak has an anger control problem. During the trials for the ESC 2010 finals in Bærum, Rybak became so infuriated when a sound technician was not doing what he wanted that he smashed his own hand, breaking his fingers. Also, during trials for Swedish television in June 2010, he smashed his violin on the floor. His appearance was then canceled. According to his manager, Kjell Arild Tiltnes, Rybak does not have an issue with aggression. Tiltnes stated that "as long as he abreacts on objects and on himself, I see no reason for this to be something that he needs help dealing with." Rybak said, "I never raised my voice before, and that's why I did what I did. I'm just a human being—and perhaps not the glossy image many believe. So it was good to get out frustrations so I could go on. It's only me that goes beyond the same." Discography • Fairytales (2009) • No Boundaries (2010) • Visa vid vindens ängar (2011) • Christmas Tales (2012) Videography Film Alexander Rybak 5 Year Film Role Notes 2009 Fairytale – The Movie Himself Documentary about Alexander Rybak after his ESC-Victory 2009 Some Sunny Night - Live in Lillesand Ketil Moe Musical 2010 Yohan Levi Film 2010 How to Train Your Dragon Hiccup Animated Movie (Norwegian dubbed version) 2010 Mumintrollet - Kometen Kommer Mumin Animated Movie (Norwegian dubbed version) Awards •• Winner of "Sparre Olsen - competition for young classical musicians", in 2000 and 2001. • Winner of ”Anders Jahres Culture-Award” 2004. • Winner of TV- talent-competition "Kjempesjansen” 2006. • Winner of the ”Hedda-Award” to the “Newcomer of the year in Norwegian Theater”, 2007, for the title role in ”Fiddler on the Roof” at Oslo Nye Teater. • Winner of “Norwegian Melodi Grand Prix” 2009, with the highest score of all times. • Winner of “Eurovision Song Contest” 2009, with the highest score of all times. • Winner of “Australian Radio Listeners Award” for European musicians, 2009. • Winner of the “Marcel Bezencon Press Award” at Eurovision 2009. • Winner of Russian Grammy for ”Newcomer of the year” 2010. • Winner of Norwegian Grammy-awards: "Spellemann of the Year” 2010. • Winner of ”International Russian Name Award” in Moscow 2011. • Winner of ”Countrymen of the Year”. Belarus 2013 References [1] http:/ / www. alexanderrybak. com/ [2] "They said it would kill my career" Rybak: "I listened only to myself" (http:/ / www. esctoday. com/ news/ read/ 14744?id=14744& offset=81), esctoday.com, 2 January 2010 [3] http:/ / www. escdaily. com/ live-norway-melodi-grand-prix-2013-final/ [4] Biography: April 2009 (http:/ / www. emimusic. de/ info/ 84880. html) Alexander Rybak, EMI Music, Germany External links • Official homepage (http:/ / www. alexanderrybak. com) • Official Facebook Page (https:/ / www. facebook. com/ alexanderrybak) • Fan web-site(Russian) of Alexander Rybak (http:/ / www. alexandrrybak. com/ ) • Alexander Rybak Official International Fan site (English and Russian) (http:/ / www. facebookies. org/ ) • Alexander Rybak PR (http:/ / www. entertainmentarchitects. ie/ TheMusic/ Alexander_Rybak) in Republic of Ireland Alexander Rybak 6 Awards and achievements Preceded™by Dima Bilan with "Believe" Winner of the Eurovision Song Contest 2009 Succeeded™by Lena with "Satellite" Preceded™by Maria Haukaas Storeng with "Hold On Be Strong" Norway in the Eurovision Song Contest 2009 Succeeded™by Didrik Solli-Tangen with "My Heart Is Yours" Preceded™by Espen Lind Recipient of the Spellemannprisen as This year's Spellemann 2009 Succeeded™by Karpe Diem Article Sources and Contributors 7 Article Sources and Contributors Alexander Rybak ™Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?oldid=597873527 ™Contributors: !ComputerAlert!, 1exec1, 22dragon22burn, A bit iffy, A little insignificant, AKappa, Aca Srbin, Ace111, Adzione, Alansohn, Alexanderybak, Alina9797, Altenmann, Andrew c, Angela-Samshi, Annamkc, Apparition11, Aqwis, Arbor to SJ, Arekrishna, ArglebargleIV, Arwel Parry, Arwhfli, Auntof6, Auto, Avala, Avaya1, Avoided, AxG, Aznben2010, BD2412, BabbaQ, Barcelonaisbest1, Be-inf, Bel653456drh, Bender235, Bib, Bleddynefans, Blomekraft, BorgQueen, Brazillion, BrownHairedGirl, Bödeln, Catgut, Cathy Richards, Cemsentin1, Chandler, Chicklet95, Chloecte, Choij, Chrisportelli, Cocomilos, Commander Shepard, CommonsDelinker, CopperSquare, Crazy rash, CuriousEric, Cxz111, Czalex, Dabomb87, Dalib0rko, Damampaey, DannyBoy20802, Dateqirl, DeakinOfficial, Decltype, Dennis Brown, Derek R Bullamore, Digital1, DingirXul, Dmn, Domi-online, DrDrake100, Dremore, Drigioni, Drpickem, Dt128, Dunaszerdahely, Dzordzm, E-Kartoffel, EileenSanda, Eitch, Eivindgh, EllAR26, Elly Vesper, Enzino, Ericorbit, Erud, Euromexicomal, Eversman, Evlekis, F1jb4567, Falcon8765, FallenAngelII, Fetchcomms, Fishhook, Fkgunder, Fratrep, Fæ, Gagaloo4, Galassi, Gdrock, Geschichte, Gikü, Gilliam, Gjolb, GoingBatty, Goodday69, Goodvac, Gouerouz, Greenock125, Grk1011, Ground Zero, Guy1890, HOUZI, Hakky3, HappyInGeneral, Hapsala, Havarhen, Heitordp, HenkvD, Hoalong, Hogne, Hordaland, IAmTheCoinMan, Image of me, Imbris, Immunize, Ineuw, Ingumsky, J04n, JForget, JIP, Jackloko1092, Jambornik, JamesBWatson, Janfrie1988, Jarry1250, Jeremiestrother, Jezhotwells, Joe692, Judo112, JuneGloom07, Justme991, Kafka Liz, Kalenov, Kanonkas, Kappabk, Karina-marina, Karybut, Kbdank71, Kiril Simeonovski, Knuand, Korny O'Near, Kostas93, Ksnow, Kukosten, Kww, Lampman, LarRan, Lemur12, Lenin333, LewisHamiltonTR, LilHelpa, Lionhead99, Loginnigol, Loindepaname, London223, Lovlia, Luckz, MASolomko, MC10, MIKa-ha, Macarism, Macfergie, Maine12329, Mardetanha, Marek69, MarkusBJoke, Matekm, Materialscientist, Meco, Midom, Mike Halterman, Mike5995, Mikkifo, Mimmicry, MiniDude, MintChocChip, Mishatx, Mizmif, Mogism, Mohamed Magdy, Mxipp, Mycomp, Nick Druzyakin, Nicolas Love, Nimloth250, NoravianNouneh, Nymf, OfficeBoy, Ogredani, Ohconfucius, Organic Cabbage, OwenBlacker, Paracel63, PatrikR, Pawebster, Perkeleperkele, Phantomsteve, Ponyo, Porcina, Prari, Princess-pink95, ProhibitOnions, R'n'B, Raphie, RayBirks, Redpower94, Rettetast, Rexy, Rich Farmbrough, RichardMills65, RobinCarmody, Ruyter, RyanG222, Rōnin, Sacerdos79, Sanjoy94justperfect, Sebjarod, Shanes, ShoeflyDBM, Sigge365, Silverhorse, Sims2aholic8, Sjc07, Skippy-9, Sladen, Smartse, Sob2, Spelemann, Stadtpark, Stargal2009, Stephennarmstrong, Stevey396, Stillwaterising, StineM, Suarez18, Sun Creator, Surtsicna, Suwuken, Swagology, T. Anthony, TFOWR, Tessa Lande, The Evil IP address, The Thing That Should Not Be, TheWikiViking, Tide rolls, Tkreuz, Tkynerd, TobyInWonderland, TorSch, Tra, Triancula, Ukexpat, Undermedveten, Vespadj, Vihelik, Viplux, Vlebedeva918, WeedDJ, Welshleprechaun, Werldwayd, Wester, Windrays, Wtmitchell, XXN, Xelaxa, Yanis.baksha, YiddoGeth, Yt95, Zboralski, Zenon2009, ZeppelinStarz, Zscout370, Zzuuzz, ÅlandÖland, Óðinn, Александр Невский, ВікіПЕДист, 543 ,יש דוד anonymous edits Image Sources, Licenses and Contributors File:Alexander Rybak i Skien 3.jpg ™Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:Alexander_Rybak_i_Skien_3.jpg ™License: Creative Commons Attribution-Sharealike 2.0 ™Contributors: Ernst Vikne File:Alexander Rybak at the Eurovision press conference.jpg ™Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:Alexander_Rybak_at_the_Eurovision_press_conference.jpg ™License: Creative Commons Attribution-Sharealike 2.0 ™Contributors: Daniel Kruczynski File:Alexander Rybak i Skien 4.jpg ™Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:Alexander_Rybak_i_Skien_4.jpg ™License: Creative Commons Attribution-Sharealike 2.0 ™Contributors: Ernst Vikne File:Alexander Rybak at Handelsstevnet 2011.jpg ™Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:Alexander_Rybak_at_Handelsstevnet_2011.jpg ™License: Creative Commons Attribution-Sharealike 2.0 ™Contributors: Ernst Vikne File:Flag of Russia.svg ™Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:Flag_of_Russia.svg ™License: Public Domain ™Contributors: Anomie, Zscout370 File:Flag of Germany.svg ™Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:Flag_of_Germany.svg ™License: Public Domain ™Contributors: Anomie License Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 //creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/ . Alexander Rybak 1 Alexander Rybak Alexander Rybak Rybak performing in 2009 Background information Birth name Alexander Igoryevich Rybak Born. / www. facebook. com/ alexanderrybak) • Fan web-site(Russian) of Alexander Rybak (http:/ / www. alexandrrybak. com/ ) • Alexander Rybak Official International