Canadian pianist Paul Stewart joined Moscow's 90-member State Television and Radio Orchestra in a performance of Rachmaninoff's fourth piano concerto at the Moscow Conservatory's Great Hall on Saturday night.
"We would like to see more Canadian artists working with Russian artists here," said Greg Alton, a spokesman for the Canadian embassy, who added that there are 500 Canadians registered with the embassy in Moscow. But Alton estimates the number of Canadians living in Moscow is "probably double that."
The concert was attended by about 750 people. The State Television and Radio Orchestra was formed in 1978 by Alexander Mikhailov, who was recently killed in a car accident. Igor Golovchin, second conductor of the Moscow State Symphony, conducted.
In 1997, the State Television and Radio Orchestra plans to visit Canada.
The performance, arranged with the assistance of the Department of Cultural Affairs and International Trade of Canada, will be broadcast on June 14 on Radio 1 Moscow.
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.