 Belyayev's increasing commitment to the promotion of Russian composers led to a gradual retreat from his activity as a wood dealer.In 1884 he became founder of the "Glinka prize", which was awarded annually.In the first years the winners included Borodin, Mily Balakirev, Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov, César Cui and Lyadov.