Yesterday (Wednesday) I was invited to a concert at the St Petersburg State university of Culture and Arts, about 20 minutes walk from my flat on Nevsky Prospekt. I was the guest of Isabella who teaches English to the choirmasters, orchestra players and performers of tomorrow – very high standards. These were second year student, performing with professional classical musicians. There were some unusual instruments being played too – I wish I’d paid more attention to their names. I did recognise the balalaikas but of the others, one looked remarkably like a pipe, and one looked like a small rugby ball! (Here’s a smartphone video – apologies for the quality)
The building is magnificent – what a place to study in! And the concert was equally magnificent. The students – no more than 19/20 years old I think were on top form, performing with illustrious musicians such as Nicholas Walker. I learned he is keen to promote the works of the lesser known Russian composer Balakirev. I also learned that he speaks great Russian 🙂 Here he is with the students:
Thankyou, Isabella, for inviting me. Such a wonderful event, such committed students and teachers.