Fedor was born in Saint-Petersburg in 1992. He began playing music from the age of 8, attending a small percussion class at Anna Ahmanova Gymnasium. He then started his lessons with Svetlana Soboleva, a teacher specializing in music education for young students. After 7 years of lessons, he began studying with Krichashvilli Pavel Alexeevich, a respected teacher of many generations of great musicians. Fedor then studied at Saint Petersburg Conservatorium under professor Alexander Mikhailov, percussionist of Saint-Petersburg Philharmonic Orchestra.

Alongside his studies at the Conservatorium, Fedor was supported in his musical endeavors by professor Peter Sadlo. Fedor spent many masterclasses, lessons and ensemble performances playing together with Peter, who was a big influence on Fedor’s career. In 2014, Fedor organized Peter Sadlo’s visit to Saint-Petersburg with a programme entitled ‘Peter Sadlo and friends’ and he gave a masterclass to the Saint-Petersburg students.

In 2013 Fedor auditioned for and was successful in gaining a place in the percussion section of the Mariinsky Orchestra. In 2018 he was awarded the job of Solo Timpanist of the Mariinsky Orchestra.

In 2019 Fedor was invited to be a Timpani teacher at Saint-Petersburg Conservatorium and in October 2019 organized a masterclass from Marinus Komst.

In 2012 Fedor became a member of Renaissance Percussion ensemble, which gives many concerts at the Mariinsky Theatre Concert Hall and other venues in Russia.

Fedor has a very active social media presence, you can follow him on Facebook (fedor.khandrikovor) or Instagram (fedorkhandrikov) or follow his ‘Practice with Fedor’ videos on the Insoundmallets Facebook and Instagram pages. 

Every Monday ‘Practice with Fedor’ videos are released covering technique, mallet choice, repertoire, using practice pads and his own old Dresden calfskin timpani manufactured by “Jähre und Moruvka”.