An Interview with Yuriy Gurovich

I grew up in St. Petersburg, Russia, where I obtained a PhD in physics-acoustics and worked in this field. Since 1993, I’ve lived in the United States, becoming a U.S. citizen in 1998. Working at a consulting company in Arlington, Virginia, I led an applied acoustics group and published dozens of scientific articles, conference papers, and technical reports. Upon completion of my scientific career, I turned to long-sought literary activities in creative writing, including prose and poetry.
I began my literary education in 2022 with the online storytelling workshop at Chicago Goodman Theatre and currently pursue BA education at Wesleyan University. I published a novel, Metamorphoses of Heart and Mind (in Russian, under pen name Yuliy Salomon, Liberty Publishing House, New York, NY, 2023.)
My translation of the previously unknown to the English-speaking public short children’s story Scrambled Boots by Anton Chekhov, renowned classic Russian writer, was published by the same publisher in July 2025.
Currently in the works is my new novel (in English), which is coming from the press in 2026.
A short story The Opera, offered for this interview, was written in 2022.

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Who/what made you want to write? Was there a particular person, or particular writers/works/art forms that influenced you?

As it often happens when people finish their major career, they try to fill unexpected free time with hobbies or other activities. I felt some interest in writing since my high school years but had no opportunities to develop the skill through the years.

What inspired you to start writing this book?

When visiting Sicily and its capital Palermo, I attended an opera performance in the famous Massimo Theatre. That night and the opera spectacle prompted me to write this short story.

Tell us the story of your book’s title. Was it easy to find, or did it take forever?

The title of the story, The Opera, was just natural to it, as it is quintessential to what happened there.

If your book had a soundtrack, what are some songs that would be on it?

The major arias and music from the opera I Puritani by Vincenzo Bellini.

What other professions have you worked in? What’s something about you that your readers wouldn’t know?

I was educated and obtained a PhD in a physical science of acoustics—a science of sound. I worked in this field for many years. In the short story The Opera, there was a more detailed description of the amazing acoustics of the Massimo Theatre. Unfortunately, I had to shorten that part to fit the required ten-page limit for the short story submission.

What books did you read (for research or comfort) throughout your writing process?

This short story was written in just three or four days, and no reading was necessary.

What advice would you give your past self at the start of your writing journey?

In general, I would say: Trust more in your writer’s instincts but verify yourself with hard work.

What’s one thing you hope sticks with readers after they finish your book?

I wish the readers who like opera would enjoy and be somewhat educated further by the story, and the ones who don’t—just be amazed by what can really happen over there.

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