Mitrofan Petrovich Belyaev, a representative of the Petersburg merchant class, was a generous man known for his modesty and good taste. From a young age, he was passionate about music and seriously studied playing various instruments, which influenced his entire life.

Mitrofan was born in 1836 in Petersburg to a timber industrialist who had the right to engage in foreign trade. After receiving a good education, Belyaev entered the trading business and often traveled to Europe for work, where he acquired numerous gramophone records.

From 1884, his younger brother Sergey took over the family business, and Mitrofan dedicated himself to patronage. In his home in Petersburg, he hosted musical evenings on Fridays, featuring works by both well-known and young composers.

Over time, Belyaev gathered music enthusiasts around him. Among the participants in his circle were notable figures such as Pyotr Tchaikovsky, Anatoly Lyadov, Alexander Glazunov, Alexander Scriabin, Alexander Borodin, and Sergey Taneyev. Mitrofan Petrovich actively supported talented musicians, held competitions, established an award in memory of Mikhail Glinka, and financially encouraged young talents.

Practical Belyaev founded a music publishing company in Germany, "M. P. Belaieff, Leipzig," to publish works by Russian composers and promote Russian music. This company also ensured the protection of Russian composers' copyright in the West.

Mitrofan Petrovich Belyaev, a well-known patron and philanthropist, passed away in 1903. He dedicated his life, energy, and resources to the development of Russian musical art. A museum-apartment dedicated to Belyaev is planned to open in Petersburg on his birthday, February 22, 2023.