Daily news of travel and culture in Saint-Petersburg

November 30, 2010: The State Academic Capella of Saint-Petersburg
The State Academic Capella of Saint-Petersburg
The State Academic Capella of Saint-Petersburg is the oldest domestic professional musical institution in Russia. It has determined the activities, the establishment and development of all Russian professional musical culture, and, for several centuries the musical face of Russia. In 1701, in St. Petersburg, there was established the Courtier choir, and in 1763 - the Imperial court chapel. In 1738, for the needs of the choir, under the decree of Empress Anna Ioannovna, there was founded the first special music school. In 1882, there was created the Courtier Musical Choir of Capella - so was called the first Russian symphonic orchestra. After the 1917 revolution, the structure of the Capella was destroyed, the regency classes were canceled. The choir, symphonic orchestra and the musical school were separated from each other. One of the major music centers disappeared from European musical map. Nowadays, in Russia, by the leadership of country's and St. Petersburg Governments, there has begun the process of revival of the oldest musical institution in Russia. Since 1991, the Symphonic Orchestra of the Capella was restored. The next step is the reconstruction of the entire structure of the old historic Capella, and the modern construction of one of the most important bastions of the music culture of Russia.

The State Academic Capella of Saint-Petersburg is inviting to the evening of chamber music, which will be held in the Chamber Hall of the Capella on November 30 at 19.30. That evening in the music room will include the works of two Russian composers, whose affinity is caused by sharp-lyrical reflection of the image of Russia. In Part I, there will be featured the "Variations on a Theme of Corelli" and "Vocalise" by Sergei Rachmaninoff performed by the laureate of international competitions Tatiana Kozlova (piano) and winner of international competition Elizaveta Zhuchenko (violin). In Part II, the leading soloist of Capella, winner of international competitions Ludmila Sidenko will perform the famous "Russian Notebook" by Valery Gavrilin.
November 28, 2010: On the shores of three seas. An exhibition of works by Tatiana Chernova in the museum-apartment of Brodsky.
On the shores of three seas. An exhibition of works by Tatiana Chernova in the museum-apartment of Brodsky.
Tatyana Chernova is a graduate of the State Academy.of Art and Industry of Mukhin, a member of the Union of the Artists of Russia. She is actively presenting in the artistic life of Saint-Petersburg in Russia and abroad. Tatyana Chernova carefully preserves the traditions of Russian art school, professing complete immersion in nature, giving immediate full-scale experiences, sometimes fleeting feeling that unites Russian artists of 19 and 20 centuries with French Impressionism. The paintings by Tatiana Chernova are notable for fineness and strength of harmony of color. The exhibition "On the shores of three seas" is the result of plein airs, held in France, Montenegro and Italy in 2008-2010. A series of paintings includes about 30 works. These are landscapes, still lifes, genre scenes. You'll see Norman heartland, take a look at the narrow shady streets, ancient, almost untouched landscape of northern France. Sparkling Adriatic, the grandeur of mountain ranges, radiant nature constitute the main content of the Montenegro works, filled with air and the sun. The exhibition runs until 12 December.
November 27, 2010: The torches on the Rostral Columns in Saint-Petersburg will light up again after the reconstruction.
The torches on the Rostral Columns in Saint-Petersburg will light up again after the reconstruction.
The Rostral columns symbolize the naval victories and maritime glory of the country. They usually look like a standalone columns, which barrel is decorated with rostrums of the defeated ships, or their sculptural images. The tradition of setting the rostral columns is dating back to the days of the ancient Roman empire, and Russia have proliferated this tradition in the era of classicism. The Rostral Columns in Saint-Petersburg are located at the Spit of Vasilevsky island. They symbolize the naval power in Russia. The triumphant brick columns beacons were designed by the architect Thomas de Thomon. Their height is 32 meters. They are decorated with ornamental rostrums of ships, pictures of naiads and anchors. The sculptured figures at the foot of the rostral columns are made of limestone by the sculptors I. Camberley and J. Thibault, and symbolize the four great Russian rivers - the Volga, Dnepr, Volkhov, and Neva. The rostral columns served as a beacons at the approach to the Saint-Petersburg seaport.
Today, the torches at the Rostral columns, will be tested after a very long repairs. Now the torches can be lit up with a touch of a button. The gas burners of the columns beacons have been renovated. A completely new equipment was installed - ignition system, ignition devices and control units. Note, that the latest global reconstruction of the Rostral columns was carried out over 10 years ago. In this year, this very famous attractions of Saint-Petersburg will celebrate the 200 years anniversary.
November 26, 2010: Metamorphosis. Georges Braque
Metamorphosis. Georges Braque
Georges Braque (May 13, 1882 - August 31, 1963) French painter, graphic artist, stage designer, sculptor and decorator. He was born in Argenteuil (Seine and Oise), in the the family of the artist-decorator.In his early career, the artist was close to Impressionism, most of all, he was inspired by Corot, but soon, experiencing the influence of Matisse and Derain, he turned to Fauvism. Braque enthusiastically adopted the idea of using pure bright colors in a painting for the transfer of strong emotions and experiences. Meeting with Picasso at the end of 1907 was remarkable for Braque. In the years 1909-1912, together with Picasso, Braque was working on a theoretical justification of cubism, and became one of the founders of this movement. Artists together investigated the verge of a new direction, increasingly venturing into the analytical and synthetic cubism, developing the technique of collage.At the end of his life , Braque came to the conclusion that in the painting, he had told all, or nearly all, and decided to turn to the applied art. The artist suggested to the influential and well-known jeweler Eger de Levenfeld to create jewelry, small sculptures and decorative fabrics, basing on the favorite motifs of his own paintings. Their collaboration began in 1961, with the creation of a ring with a cameo, named "Hecate", made by the picture outline of Braque. In these works, Braque is faithful to the subjects, that had drawn him in the recent years - zoomorphic figures, fantastic birds, the heads with double profiles, subjects, taken from ancient mythology. De Levenfeld masterfully handles the material entrusted to him, playing with contrasting textures, boldly combines precious and semiprecious materials. The result is a collection, that contain all the most important ideas of Braque, his vision of form, his love of daring combinations, the spirit of the great experimenter of art. This collection, as well as a series of gouache sketches was called "Metamorphosis" and, in 1963, was presented at the Louvre. Braque has become the first artist, whose exhibition was held at the museum during his lifetime. The exhibition was a great success, and during 35 years it was shown in 160 showrooms worldwide. You are welcome to see this beautiful collection at the exhibition at the Hermitage Museum.
November 25, 2010: Celebration of the 170th anniversary of Tchaikovsky in the Hermitage Theatre of Saint-Petersburg
Celebration of the 170th anniversary of Tchaikovsky in the Hermitage Theatre of Saint-Petersburg
A concert of music, opera and ballet, dedicated to the 170 th anniversary of Tchaikovsky, will take place at the Hermitage Theatre (34, Dvortsovaya Embankment ), on November 25. The show will present the fragments of the works of the great composer. The concert presents several stars of the classical music and dance - the soloist of the Mariinsky Theatre, winner of international competitions Anastasia Kolegova; the winners of international competitions - Vladimir Tselebrovsky (baritone) and Katarzyna Mackiewicz (soprano, Poland); the Governor's Symphony Orchestra under the direction of People's Artist of Russia S.K. Gorkovenko; the soloists and artists of St.Petersburg Theatre of the Russian Ballet. You will hear music from the operas: "The Queen of Spades", "Eugene Onegin", the arias from the operas "Iolanthe", "The Charmer", the romances "Amid the din of the ball," "No, the only one who knew". There will be performed the fragments of the world-famous ballets of Tchaikovsky: Swan Lake, Nutcracker, Sleeping Beauty. The duration of the concert - 2,5 hours (2 parts). Concert is organized by the Theatre of the Russian Ballet of Saint-Petersburg.
  • The Hermitage Theatre
  • Address: 34, Dvortsovaya Embankment
  • Gala-concert starts at 19:00
  • Nearest metro station: Nevsky Prospect
November 24, 2010: LEDA ATOMICA MUSIQUE (Marseille) and Theatre Ish (Tel Aviv) present: CRACHCACHOCAS and Mad Odyssey at the Saint-Petersburg Theatre Buff
LEDA ATOMICA MUSIQUE (Marseille) and Theatre Ish (Tel Aviv) present: CRACHCACHOCAS and Mad Odyssey at the Saint-Petersburg Theatre Buff
CRACHCACHOCAS - An unusual story in songs about the money and the crisis

Funds are depleted. Ticket offices are empty. We are talking about the economic crisis or the crisis of laughter? Phil Tourelle, Marie Ange Zhanusilo, Jean Salie Dolett and Daniel Stephan, in their songs, warn you of failures of financial transactions and safely meet the Invisible Hand of the Market.
Actors, in grotesque and humorous form, discuss the topic of economics and finance, and, together with the audience, plunge into the absurd world of money, not so far from reality. Four actors, musicians and singers are applying to the world-renowned repertoire, remake the old French songs with a modern twist. Unexpected arrangements of familiar songs, turn them to a whole new sound.

The program presents the songs of Edith Piaf, Gilles and Julien, Bertolt Brecht, Viana, Pierre Dhaka, Jean Jan, Jean Poiret and others.

Mad Odyssey

This is a cabaret show based on the myth of the wanderings of Odysseus (Ulysses), king of Ithaca. The newfound father of the forever screaming baby Telemachus, submissive husband of an angry Penelope, crushed by family lifestyle in small apartment with a crazy grandfather, is fleeing into a fantasy world, in which he becomes a fearless Odyssey. He comes into battle with Poseidon and Cyclops, he is captured by the nymph Calypso, he descends into the darkness of Hades, but always, as it befits to Odysseus, he returns home. Three actors (clowns) perform multiple roles, play on musical instruments, dancing and singing.
In 2010, the play was shown at international festivals in Canada, Colombia, Panama, India, Turkey, Slovenia, Slovakia, Croatia, Serbia, Brazil and Ecuador.
  • Theatre Buff
  • Address: 26, Zanevsky prospect, building 3
  • Show starts at 19:00
  • Nearest metro station: Novocherkasskaya
November 23, 2010: The culinary master-class of the famous Russian chef will happen in the restaurant Dostoyevsky
The Norwegian Committee on Seafood Export invites you to a culinary master-class of famous Russian chef Ilya Lazerson. The master class is devoted to the cultural festival "Northern Lights" and will take place at the restaurant Dostoyevsky, at the address Vladimirsky prospect, 9. Mr. Jan Eirik Johnsen , the director of marketing for NSEC in Russia, as well as representatives of the Norwegian Consulate in Saint-Petersburg will participate in this event. This day will be held as an unusual meeting of culinary arts, painting and pantomime. Famous Saint-Petersburg chef Ilya Lazerson will cook three dishes with salted herring: a fast snack - the vol-au-vent with a mousse of salted herring, "the holiday dish" - a roll with mashed potatoes and salted herring, "a dish for picnic" - baked potatoes with a salad of salted Norwegian herring. Young artists, mimes from th etroup "Co-creation", which was awarded with the Grand Prix at the theater festival in 2006, will describe the process of eating of the prepared dishes, using the techniques of pantomime. The well-known Saint-Petersburg artist, Thumann Zhumabayev, will present ten compositions, that are featuring herring. The favorite fish had inspired the artist to create a stylistically different paintings, in which the artist reaches the level of association.
  • Restaurant Dostoevsky
  • Address: 9, Vladimirsky prospect, 9
  • November 25, Thursday, at 12:00
  • Please confirm your presence to Ms. Catherine Kotskaya by the phone: +7 (903) 790-39-95
November 17, 2010: Exhibition 'The old Petersburg. The capital and it's suburbs' in the Roumyantsev Mansion
The exhibition brings together more than 160 paintings and original graphics of XVIII - mid XIX centuries, from the collection of the Museum of the History of St. Petersburg. It presents the landscapes of St. Petersburg, Tsarskoe Selo, Pavlovsk, Peterhof, Gatchina, Pargolovo, Black River, Neva islands created by the best Russian artists and foreign artists who lived in Russia - Michelle Ladies-Demartre, Charles Knapp, Domenico Lamoni, Hilary Moshkova, Gavril Sergeyev, Jean Travers. Along with the urban landscapes, the exhibition offers the domestic and genre scenes, views of interiors of St. Petersburg and the country palaces, mansions and public buildings, that tell about everyday life in the capital of the Russian Empire , during the period of time from the era of Peter the Great to the reign of Emperor Nicholas I. The earliest exhibition item here is the picture by the architect Niccolo Michetti "Colonnade" Curves Gallery at Gateway in Peterhof " (1723), that captures the spirit of "Peter the Great's era.". Especially valuable among these works, are the represented views of St. Petersburg, Pavlovsk and Tsarskoe Selo, made in 1780-1800 by architect and a wonderful artist and painter Giacomo Quarenghi..
  • Roumyantsev Mansion
  • Address: 44, Angliyskaya embankment
November 16, 2010: Exhibition of rare porcelain in the Stroganov Palace of Saint-Petersburg
The Russian Museum invites to the exhibition "Porcelain of the Factory of the Duke Nikolai Borisovich Yusupov". The porcelain studio, that was established in 1814, in the suburban estate of "Arkhangelskoe", along with the serfdom-based theater, the greenhouse of rare plants, and an art gallery, was one of the major hobbies of the Duke Nikolai Borisovich Yusupov. The porcelain, was painted by the serfs artists, that had passed a training under the guidance of French specialists. It was not intended for sale, but for the gifts to members of the imperial family, friends and guests of the Duke. The exhibition from the collection of the Russian Museum will present a variety of dinner sets and wine glasses, decorated with the portraits of Duke Nikolai Yusupov, Emperor Nicholas I, Empress Maria Feodorovna, the plates with flowers and fruits and other porcelain masterpieces. The exhibition will run until the beginning of February 2011
November 15, 2010: Saint-Petersburg football club "Zenit" has become an early champion of Russia
The players of FC Zenit have become the football champions of Russia ahead of two rounds before the end of the championship. The gold medals of the Russian Football Championship went to the players from Saint-Petersburg after a home victory over the FC "Rostov", with a score 5:0. The score was opened in the first half of the game, by Danko Lazovic, who had realized a foul shot. Zenit kept the minimal advantage until the 74th minute, when Sergei Semak scored the second goal. On 81th minute, Alexander Kerzhakov brought the score to a major. And later, Alexander Bukharov had completed the defeat, scored twice in the very ending of the match. The closest pursuer of Zenit - FC CSKA from Moscow had a draw with FC Spartak from Nalchik (1:1), and lost all chances to catch up with the Saint-Petersburg team. The fate of silver and bronze medals of the Russian championship will be decided in the last two rounds. Currently, the FC CSKA is two points ahead of FC Rubin from Kazan. Zenit came to the current success under the guidance of Italian coach Luciano Spalletti. Spaletti had dedicated the victory in a championship, according to his own words, to "the players, the boss, who has a huge heart in the colors of the club, and to the beautiful city of Saint-Petersburg and the fans of the team". Zenit had scored 66 points, and regardless of the result of the remaining two matches, will finish the Russian Football Championship at the first place. Zenith was the football champion of Russia in 2007, as well as the champion of the USSR in 1984. In addition, the Saint-Petersburg football team has twice won the Cup of Russia, once the UEFA Cup, and once the European Super Cup. FC "Zenith" of Saint-Petersburg is the richest club in Russia. It's main sponsor is the natural gas monopoly "Gazprom".
November 14, 2010: Famous Flamenco dancer Joaquin Cortes - the only one concert in Saint-Petersburg
Many people call the spanish dancer Joaquin Cortes "The Dancing God ", "New Rudolf Nureyev", "The Fiery Prince of Flamenco ". Cortes has become a classical ballet dancer at the age of 15 years. He is the soloist of the National Ballet of Spain and the best flamenco dancer in the world. He is also the Ambassador of the Gypsies in the European Union, second in the history. The shows of Joaquin Cortes had gathered the full halls in the most famous venues around the world, including the Palace of Catalan Music, London's Royal Albert Hall, Radio City Music Hall, the Amphitheatre in Athens, the Bolshoi, the Mariinsky Theater, the Metropolitan Opera. He had staged the ballet "Carmen" at the Arena di Verona ", and performed at the world track and field competitions. Cortes had performed together with such musical legends as Maya Plisetskaya, Sylvie Guillem and Peter Shaufus. Apart from the career of a dancer and choreographer, Cortez is active in cinema. His debut on the big screen was in the movie "The Flower of my secret" cult director Pedro Almodovar. Artist took part in one of the films of the "Ballet trilogy" of Carlos Saura - "The Flamenco". He had also starred in the melodrama "Vanilla and chocolate" by Kiro Ippolito and in the criminal drama" Gypsy " by Manuel Palacios, where his partner was Laetitia Casta.

On November 14, in the Saint-Petersburg Big Concert Hall "Oktyabrskiy", Joaquin Cortes, will present a new stunning premier program"Cale", with the participation of more than 30 dancers of flamenco and the brightest Spanish musicians. Cortez has created an amazing fusion of music, dance and Spanish love. A mixture of modern and classical dance, the consummate professionalism of the performers, will bring to the audience a lasting impression. Do not miss the only performance of the famous gypsy dancer from Spain - Joaquin Cortes.
  • Concert Hall Oktyabrsky
  • Address: 6, Ligovsky prospect
  • Concert starts at 19.00
  • City transport:500 meters from metro station Ploschad Vosstaniya
November 13, 2010: Exhibition of contemporary and antique lace in the Institute of Finland in Saint-Petersburg
Exhibition of contemporary and antique lace On November 2 at the Institute of Finland will host an exhibition of lace, which will showcase the work of Finnish and Swedish authors.

Participants: College INVEON, Porvoo, Finland (www.inveon.fi)
College ECCO, Lappeenranta, Finland (www.ekko.fi)
Swedish Association of lace, Vadstena, Sweden
The Finnish School INVEON will demonstrate the modern methods of lace, using different materials: from metal thread to waste textile production. The exhibition will feature antique lace from the town of Vadstena, a small Swedish town, which is a widely known center of lace making. The South Karelian popular school of Lappeenranta will present the Christmas decorations made by students of the school.
For more information: Tel. 606-65-65
Address: Institute of Finland, 8, Bolshaya Konyushennaya, 3rd floor.
November 12, 2010: Opening of a new panoramic restaurant "Mansard"
On Friday, November 12, the Ginza Project company will officially open it's new restaurant "The Mansard" in the center of Petersburg, on the fifth floor of the Business Center "Quattro Corti", in a fully renovated historic house of Count Shuvalov. The main attraction of the restaurant is a great summer terrace, boasting an area of 400 square meters, with a stunning view of St. Isaac's Cathedral. The special guest of the opening of the "Mansard" will be a brilliant ex-singer of the group "VIA Gra - Vera Brezhneva. On November 12 you will be able to see with your own eyes the birth of a new popular place in Saint-Petersburg, which will, quite possibly, become one of the best panoramic restaurants of the city. The event will be supported by Martini. Gathering of the invites is scheduled at 21:00.
November 11, 2010: The Farewell concert of the legendary Norwegian band A-ha in the Ice Palace of Saint-Petersburg
Their songs are full of romance, sadness and mystery of light. They immerse listeners into the memories of the finest moments of their lives. The gorgeous Scandinavian band A-ha will play their farewell concert on November 11, 2010, at the scene of the Ice Palace in Saint-Petersburg. The last world tour of the legendary Norwegian band A-ha had started in early 2010, and will end on a huge concert in Oslo, on December 4, 2010. And, of course, the legendary band could not miss to come to Russia, where millions of people are their fans. For the first time ever, in one concert, the band will play theit 25 "gold" hits, which have made them famous all over the world. This will be the last chance for fans of the legendary band to be in their concert, hear a beautiful voice of Morten Harket, and enjoy a full show of the European level. The band will bring nine trucks of equipment to Saint-Petersburg to represent their show. During their brilliant international career, that had spanned almost 27 years, the musicians have done everything possible to make their team a real "musical jewel." There are 9 studio albums and 17 Top-20 international hits on their score. The band had won many nominations and awards, including eight MTV Awards. The members of the band A-ha had made an official statement about the end of their musical career. The famous band from Norway is leaving the big stage forever. The members of the band are: Paul Waaktaar-Savoy (composer, guitarist, vocals), Magne Furuholmen (keyboards, composer, vocalist, guitarist), Morten Harket (vocalist).
  • Ice Palace of Saint-Petersburg
  • Address: 1, pr. Pyatiletok, Saint-Petersburg
  • Concert starts at 20.00
  • Nearest metro station: 'Prospect Bolshevikov'
  • Ticket price from 1000 rubles up to 5 000 rubles (25-125 euros)
  • Informational website: http://www.newarena.spb.ru/afisha/#event/3551
November 10, 2010: The Maltese Chapel of the Vorontsov Palace in Saint-Petersburg
The Maltese Chapel is the part of the the architectural complex of the Palace of Vorontsov, which was built by the prominent architect Rastrelli in the middle of 18 century, for the Chancellor and Count Mikhail Vorontsov. Count Vorontsov had sold the palace to the Empress Catherine II. Later, at various times, the Prince Heinrich of Prussia, the Prince and admiral of the Russian fleet Nassau-Siegen, and, Count Osterman had lived in the palace: During the reign of Emperor Paul I, who was the protector and the Grand Master of the Maltese Order, the Vorontsov Palace was handed over to the Maltese Knights. In the years 1798-1800, the court architect Giacomo Quarenghi has attached the Maltese Chapel to the Vorontsov Palace, expertly inserted it into the architectural ensemble. The first Organ had appeared in the Maltese Chapel at the behest of Emperor Paul I, immediately after the construction of the building. This Organ had served until 1909 and passed through the lot of repairs. The new Organ was purchased by the decree of Nicholas II. This Organ was manufactured by the German company "Walcker". By the end of 1990, it came to the verge of complete destruction. The overhaul of the Organ was provided by the restoration company "Intarsia", with funds from the municipal budget and from a group of companies "Corinthia" (Malta). The official inauguration of the restored Organ of the Maltese Chapel took place on January 20, 2006. You are welcome to the Evening of Organ Music, on November 10, 2010, at 19.00. The evening will include works by the composers Bach, Grenier and Mendelssohn, performed by the organist Alexander Gorin (Israel).
November 9, 2010: The Central Concert Hall "Aurora" has opened in a unique place of Saint-Petersburg
The Central Concert Hall "Aurora" has just opened to the public. It is situated in a unique place of Saint-Petersburg, at the Pirogovskaya embankment 5.The huge panoramic windows of the building and it's unbeatable location, make it possible to conduct almost any kind activities, in front of the beautiful views of the northern capital. The Spit of Vasilevsky Island, the drawbridges and the legendary cruiser Aurora are just in front of the Concert Hall "Aurora". The hall of the venue is capable of one thousand standing places. There is also a VIP area, with a capacity of up to three hundred guests. For the convenience of the visitors, the space of the building is divided into separate zones, with the separate entrances and cloakrooms. It is, of course, possible to put extra chairs, instead of standing places, increasing the number of seats. The Aurora hall has it's own brewery Naytberg, where guests can taste 10 varieties of wonderful freshly-brewed beer, and a restaurant, serving European, Italian and Japanese cuisines.The Central Concert Hall "Aurora" is situated adjacent to the hotel "Saint Petersburg", which allows visitors and participants to settle right next to the playground. The most modern sound and light equipment, in conjunction with the above, allows to organize almost any kind of event, at the highest level of quality and comfort.
November 8, 2010: The exhibition ''Heritage of the Nation'' in the Cameron Gallery of the Catherine Park
The exhibition "Heritage of the Nation" tells the story of the town of Tsarskoe Selo. It is dedicated to the anniversary of the famous suburb of Saint-Petersburg. The exhibition is located in the Cameron Gallery of the Catherine Park. Here, are exhibited the layouts, projects, schemes of buildings, paintings, objects and photographs, depicting the history and ownership of the imperial residence. The first such exhibition was opened to the 200 anniversary of Tsarskoe Selo. It was held under the patronage of Emperor Nicholas II, and was intended to be an indicator of the historical development of the town of Tsarskoe Selo in the fields of industry, public education and the arts. The idea to create the same exhibition in our time, as close as possible to the first, proved to be unfeasible, because the historical events of the 20 th century, severely traumatized monuments and collections - many items have left the walls of palaces and pavilions. The main damage was inflicted during World War II, the architectural ensemble was turned into ruins. It's collection was reduced by two thirds. The current exhibition, prepared by the 300 th anniversary of Tsarskoe Selo, differs significantly from the past, but it still offers several objects, that were presented on the anniversary exhibition in early 20 th century. The new exhition is complemented with new materials related to the Soviet period, history of the Saint-Petersburg suburb. The exhibition features about 600 objects from the collection of the Museum, each of which has it's own unique history. The opening ceremony at the Cameron Gallery was attended by representatives of the Romanov family.
November 7, 2010: International festival of chamber music "Silver Lyre" in Saint-Petersburg
The First International festival of chamber performing "Silver Lyre", will take place in Saint-Petersburg from November 6 to 13, 2010. The concerts will be held in the Small Philarmonic Hall of Glinka, and in the Great Hall of the Saint-Petersburg Philharmony. The Festival program consists of 8 concerts, that will present music groups from Austria, Hungary, Mexico, Poland, the Czech Republic and Russia. There will be such well-known bands as: Orchestra of Vaclav Talih from Prague, a string quartet "Accord" of the Budapest, Ensemble of Early Music "Madrigal" of Andrey Volkonskiy from Moscow, piano duet «Duo Petrof» from Mexico City, Chamber Ensemble "Soloists of Saint-Petersburg", the duo "Igudesman & Joo" from Vienna and others. The repertoire of the Festival will represent the chamber music in all of it's diversity: "Eine Kleine Nachtmusik" by Mozart, "Pathetic Trio" by Glinka, "Serenade for Strings" by Tchaikovsky and Dvorak's, "Four Seasons" by Vivaldi, Concerto for Violin and Orchestra in A Minor by Bach, and many other music known and loved by all. Besides the concerts, the festival program also includes master-classes of the musicians. All concerts come with the idea of demonstrating the best modern achievements in the field of instrumental, vocal and orchestral chamber music. The organizers of the Festival are the Philharmonic Society of Saint-Petersburg, Committee of Culture of Saint-Petersburg, Committee of External Relations of Saint-Petersburg, Saint-Petersburg Academic Philharmony of Shostakovich and the Russian Copyright Society. This kind of events contribute to the popularization of the chamber music, highlight the talents and the skills of the professional musicians, who preserve the classical musical heritage, and, instill the good taste to the younger generation.
November 6, 2010: Concert of the Grand Orchestra of Paul Mauriat in Saint-Petersburg
On November 6, 2010, the Grand Orchestra of Paul Mauriat, under direction of J.J. Justafre, will perform a big concert in the best Concert Hall of St. Petersburg "Oktyabrsky", with the program, devoted to the memory of the Maestro. The Grand Orchestra, that worked for a long time, under the direction of the great composer and author of many memorable melodies himself, will appear now, in front of the Russian public, led by the favorite student of Paul Mauriat - Jean-Jacques Justafre. The follower of the maestro and the musicians of the orchestra, whose staff has not changed since the days of the Paul Mauriat, will perform the immortal works of the great French composer. It is noteworthy, that the year 2010 is declared as the "Year of France in Russia and Russia in France", and also, year 2010 marks the 45 anniversary, since that moment, when the musicians first came together. Everyone knows the incredibly beautiful and tempting music,performed by a virtuoso orchestra. The audience aknowledges their melodies from the very first chords. Over the years, Paul Mauriat and his Grand Orchestra had worked together with such famous singers as: Charles Aznavour, Dalida, Maurice Chevalier, Leni Iskudero and, of course, with Mireille Mathieu. Justafre will gather the musicians, who had started the story of "Grand Orchestra" in 1965 together with Monsieur Moriah. JJ Justafre and the musicians of the orchestra will honor the memory of the greatest musician in the history of France and his great work, and, of course, will give to the Russian public the unforgettable emotions.
  • Concert Hall Oktyabrsky
  • Address: 6, Ligovsky prospect
  • Concert starts at 19.00
  • City transport:500 meters from metro station Ploschad Vosstaniya
  • Tickets: from 20 to 75 euros in the box offices of the Concert Hall
November 5, 2010: Saint-Petersburg is expecting the increase of tourist traffic from Finland
Within one to two years, there is expected a large increase in the flow of Finnish tourists in Saint-Petersburg. This opinion was expressed by the Ambassador of the Republic of Finland in the Russian Federation - Mr. Matti Anttonen, during the video-conference Moscow-St Petersburg, as it is reported at the site of the Russian Union of Travel Industry. First of all, this is due to the opening of a ferry service between Helsinki and Saint-Petersburg this year, as well as the future opening of high-speed railway between the cities. This should contribute to growth in the number of short cultural visits. "Finns are interested in large cities, such as Moscow and St. Petersburg" - said the Consul General of Finland in Saint-Petersburg, Mr. Olli Perheentupa. - "Because we do not have such megalopolises, such a huge concert halls and museums". Mr. Ambassador, in his turn, could not answer the question of how many Finnish tourists visit Russia in a year. "I believe that it is hundreds of thousands" - gave an assessment Mr. Anttonen. - "It is difficult to distinguish tourists from the general flow of Finns, crossing the Russian border. In fact, many travel frequently, and residents neighboring the border areas, go to Russia once a week, to buy cheaper gasoline". As per estimation of Mr. Olli Perheentupa, the Finns coming to Russia are about 50% of Russians coming to Finland. According to the embassy information, it is recorded nearly 8 million crossings of the Russian-Finnish border a year, in both directions.
November 4, 2010: The new 5-star hotel will be opened in the very center of Saint-Petersburg
The new 5-star hotel in Saint-Petersburg will be opened in a building at the address 3-5, Bolshaya Morskaya street. The building on Bolshaya Morskaya has an excellent location - the world famous Palace Square and the Hermitage are just around the corner, and Nevsky prospect is only 50 meters away, too. The area of the building is 10 000 sq.m., and it is planned to reconstruct it into the five-star hotel with 130 rooms. The size of investment is estimated at nearly $ 50 million. According to the words of the Managing Director of Megapolis Property Management (a management company of the project) Boris Seliverstov, the reconstruction has not been developed yet, but, before the end of the year, the operator of the reconstruction will be determined, and, until the midlle of 2011, there will be signed a contract, and the works will start. This building is remembered by many Peterburgians and the guests of the city as a Central Public Telephone Station. Lately, until nowadays, it is used as an office building. Due to lack of hotels in the city, it was decided to alter it's function. According to the experts, the hotel might be interesting to many hotel operators, for example, to Hilton or some of the Arabic investors. The hotel may be set as a designer boutique hotel, or, for example, as a luxury apartments.
November 3, 2010: Evening of guitar music in the Small Hall of the Saint-Petersburg Philarmony - Concert of Flamenco by Oscar Herrero
Oscar Herrero is well known to professionals and amateurs, who play the guitar, for the creation of original method to learn to play an instrument. The musician is considered to be the first explorer of the principles of learning to play flamenco guitar. He had described his visions in the book "Tractate on flamenco guitar", and in a video course "Flamenco step by step". In 2005, Oscar Herrero was awarded the Special Prize at the International Festival of Minas in La Union, for the achievements in the field of didactics of flamenco. Oscar Herrero had become the first artist, who had professed the flamenco guitar at the Conservatory of Tchaikovsky in Moscow, the Music Academy of Chopin in Warsaw, and, in the University of Panama. He became the first flamenco guitarist, who had performed in Iceland. During his creative career, the musician has recorded 4 CDs, including classical works in the genre of flamenco, as well as his own compositions in a variety of rhythms - from the sad Soleares and Tarantos, up to cheerful Bulerias and Alegrias. Oscar Herrero had collaborated with many renowned artists of flamenco, among them are the musicians Serranito, Enrique de Melchor and Tito Duarte, dancers, Javier Baron and Sara Baras, singers, Gabriel Moreno and Jose Menes, the singer Carmen Linares and many others. "Flamenco - is my life," - says Oscar Herrero. The concert on November 4rd, will be held within the framework of the XIII Music Festival "Spanish Nights". Oscar Herrero will play the music of Spanish composers.
  • Small Hall of the Saint-Petersburg Philarmony of Shostakovich
  • Address: 30, Nevsky prospect, Saint-Petersburg
  • Concert starts at 19.00
  • City transport:Metro station Nevsky Prospect
  • Website: http://www.philharmonia.spb.ru
November 2, 2010: Tatiana Kapustina. Graphics. The Discovery.
Tatiana Kapustina was born in 1935. She is a well-known Saint-Petersburg artist, master of prints, drawings and watercolors. Her name is deservedly put among the best artists animalists Russia. Tatiana Kapustina graduated from the Academy of Fine Arts in 1961. She is continuing and developing the traditions of the Leningrad and Saint-Petersburg school of book and easel graphics. The most famous area of the creativity of Tatiana Porfirievna is an illustration. She had illustrated more than 100 books, including books of Tolstoy, Chekhov, Paustovsky and Seton-Thompson. Several generations of children became acquainted with the works of these writers, with the books with her illustrations. Works by Tatiana Kapustina are demonstrated in the best museums and galleries of Russia, in the Russian Museum of Saint-Petersburg, in the Komsomolsk-on-Amur, as well as abroad, in the private collections around the world. Her works were marked with the international awards in Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Vietnam and Germany. The exhibition presents more than 100 works from the series "Almost around the world". These works were performed by the artist during her travels to the most remote and exotic places of our planet. Tatiana Kapustina is an experienced traveler. Her works are particularly valuable for it's energy and confidence. She had visited the Pamir Mountains, the Amur River, in polar tundra of the Taimyr Peninsula, Kamchatka, the Crimea, the natural reserve Askania Nova, the North Caucasus, the Commandor Islands and the Arctic. The results of her visits are hundreds of drawings and watercolors, painted in the most unfriendly natural conditions. It is a lively evidence, reflecting the experiences of the artist. Tatiana Kapustina is an acknowledged master of graphic art. She had created her own artistic style, imaginative world full of unselfish love and kindness to all living beings.
  • Exhibition Center of the St. Petersburg branch of the Union of Russian Artists
  • Address: 28, Bolshaya Morskaya Str., Saint-Petersburg
  • Hours of operation: 10:30-18.00
  • The exhibition is open from 2 to 14 November 2010
  • Days of operation: Daily, except Mondays
  • City transport:Trolleybus 5 from metro station Nevsky Prospect
  • Opening hours: 12.00 to 19.00
November 1, 2010: Collection of Mstislav Rostropovich and Galina Vishnevskaya in the Constantine Palace
The State Complex "Palace of Congresses" combines the functions of a modern business center, historical and cultural reserve and state residence. The first stone of the Palace Constantine was put by the Emperor Peter I in 1720. Architects Michetti, Rastrelli, Voronikhin, Rusca and Stackenschneider had participated in the construction of the palace. Palace of Congresses was rebuild from the ruines. The renovation works had began in 2001, and, it took just 18 months to re-open the doors of the state rooms of the palace to the visitors. The exhibition introduces the former private collection of prominent figures of the russian musical culture, Mstislav Rostropovich and Galina Vishnevskaya. The beginning of the collection was initiated in 1970, when the couple were forced to leave Soviet Russia and live abroad. Russian paintings, graphics, objects of porcelain and glass, and handicrafts - have served them as a reminder of a distant homeland. In September 2007 the collection was received at the disposal of the auction house Sotheby's in London. However, shortly before the official start of trading, the collection was purchased for the eventual return to Russia. It was decided to put the splendid collection into the revived interiors of the Constantine Palace.
  • The State Complex "Palace of Congresses"
  • Address: 3, Berezovaya alley, Strelna, Saint-Petersburg
  • Hours of operation: 10:30-18.00
  • Days of operation: Daily, except Wednesdays
  • City transport:Minibuses 300, 424, 424-ą from metro station Avtovo
  • Note : only organized excursions are possible