Mikhail
Poliakov
Mikhail (aka Misha) Poliakov was born in Saint Petersburg, where he began studying piano at the age of five. Ten years later, he graduated from music school with honors.
In 2012, he entered the Saint Petersburg State Theatre Arts Academy, where he studied acting. During his studies, he taught himself several additional instruments, including the accordion, which became one of his main instruments on stage. He also began composing music for theatre productions and creating arrangements for concerts and live performances.
After graduating, he joined the ensemble of the Alexandrinsky Theatre before co-founding an independent theatre company with fellow graduates. There, he worked as an actor, composer, and musical director, contributing to nearly every production.
Alongside his theatre work, he hosted a children’s music television program.
In 2022, Mikhail moved to Germany. He is now based in Berlin and works as an actor, musician, composer, arranger, and musical director. He plays accordion, piano, guitar, double bass, flute, clarinet, drums, and various other instruments. He collaborates with Kirill Serebrennikov on productions at the Komische Oper Berlin, Düsseldorfer Schauspielhaus and other international venues. His work brings together dramatic theatre, live music, and performance.