Andrey Pavlovich Petrov (September 2, 1930 – February 15, 2006) was a prominent Russian and Soviet composer renowned for his contributions to film and classical music. Born in Leningrad (now St. Petersburg), he was the son of a military doctor and an artist. His interest in music was sparked at the age of fourteen after watching "The Great Waltz," which led him to pursue composition studies at the Leningrad Conservatory under Orest Yevlakhov.

Petrov's career was marked by his versatility across various musical genres, including operas, ballets, symphonic works, and songs. He gained international acclaim for his ballet "Creation of the World" (1968), based on Jean Effel's drawings, and featuring performances by Mikhail Baryshnikov. Petrov composed scores for over eighty films, including classics like "Walking the Streets of Moscow," "Beware of the Car," and "Office Romance." His work on the Soviet-American film "The Blue Bird" (1976) further exemplified his cinematic influence.

From 1964 until his death, Petrov led the St. Petersburg Union of Composers, a position he was introduced to by Dmitri Shostakovich. He also founded and directed a music festival in St. Petersburg. Throughout his life, Petrov received numerous accolades, including the title of People's Artist of the USSR in 1980 and the USSR State Prize. In 1998, he was named an honorary citizen of St. Petersburg, and asteroid 4785 was named in his honor.

Petrov's family included his wife, Natalya Yefimovna, a noted musicologist, and his daughter, Olga, who collaborated with him on several works. His legacy continues to resonate in Russian and international music circles. Petrov passed away in St. Petersburg and was laid to rest at the Volkovo Cemetery.