Petrov, who grew up in St. Petersburg (formerly Leningrad), received a degree in musical composition from the Rimsky-Korsakov Conservatory.
The composer's legacy includes many classical pieces, such as operas, ballets, symphonies and concertos. His ballet "The Creation" toured the world, with Russian emigre dancer Mikhail Baryshnikov appearing in a lead role.
However, it was his film music that made the composer a household name in Russia. Petrov wrote scores to more than 80 films, including the 1976 Hollywood production of "The Blue Bird," starring Elisabeth Taylor and Jane Fonda.
As well as composition, Petrov devoted much of his time to coordinating programs to support fellow musicians and popularize classical music among the general public. He also founded an international festival, St. Petersburg Music Spring, and served as chair of the city's Composers' Guild, and Philharmonic Society.
