Acclaimed Russian violinist Vadim Repin will open the Year of Language and Literature of Russia and the United Kingdom, the TASS news agency reported Friday, citing the Russian Embassy in London.
He will perform at London's Royal Festival Hall on Feb. 25, with members of the British royal family in attendance.
The Year of Language and Literature is designed to continue the diplomatic cultural exchange that began with 2014's Year of Culture. Many of the scheduled programs will involve the works of William Shakespeare, with 30 Russian towns screening versions of the British playwright's works.
Repin, 44, was born in the Siberian city of Novosibirsk, and began playing the violin at the age of five. He made his Moscow and St. Petersburg recital debuts at the age of eleven — rapidly gaining worldwide recognition.
A naturalized Belgian citizen, Repin lives in Vienna.
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Remind me later.
