Revival of a century-old tradition, the Russian Musical Seasons in Nice offer numerous opportunities to escape into music with four to six exceptional concerts throughout the year, featuring Russian artists from the most promising to the greatest.
Recreated thanks to the initiative of two Nice associations—the House of Russia in Nice and the Perspective Internationale Association—in honor of the centennial of Serge Diaghilev’s Russian Seasons, the Russian Musical Seasons aim to diversify and enrich Nice’s cultural landscape by appealing to the general public. Musicians, works, and composers are carefully gathered around programs that combine the pleasure of listening to and recognizing great classics with the joy of discovering rare gems from an unjustly forgotten repertoire.
Associated with one of the few official events of the France-Russia Cross-Year in the City, the Russian Musical Seasons of Nice are part of a year rich in celebrations, thus reviving a hundred-year-old tradition established by S. Diaghilev.
It is with the unwavering support of Elena Keylina, organist and musicologist from the Moscow Conservatory, where she served as Director of Chamber Music Halls and later as Advisor to the Rector for projects and sponsorships, that the Russian Musical Seasons come to life in Nice with a series of four concerts presented by the Perspective Internationale Association. These are precious musical pearls happily assembled with the rhythm of the seasons and delivered by internationally renowned performers from the most prestigious Russian schools, accustomed to the greatest stages and festivals worldwide, within the setting of the Anglican Church of Nice.
Each concert is a unique journey connecting East and West through different eras and musical influences, featuring illustrious and universally known works, as well as others that are entirely new or arranged for the occasion.
In this way, several of Russia’s most representative musical traditions are explored and presented to the public—with the first season showcasing one of the best known and appreciated traditions: the violin school and more generally, the strings. This is brilliantly represented by the young Regina Shteynman, a student of Yu. Bashmet, already well-known and appreciated by the public.
Summer will be an opportunity to present the vocal tradition, with an exceptional bass, Anatoly Safiulin, following in the footsteps of F. Chaliapin, who once brought fame to Russia. A great master of bel canto, he inherited his art from Professor G. Aden, thus inscribing himself in the lineage of E. Gandolfi, of whom he is considered the “spiritual grandson.”
Autumn will bring a new breath, carried by the oboe of Svetlana Usacheva, a soloist of the “Pratum Integrum” ensemble, where she transcends the teachings of her elders and illustrious predecessors, including the “Golden Oboe of Russia,” Alexey Utkin, official representative of the Lorée company in Russia and CIS.
Finally, to properly salute the end of this Year, winter will be an occasion to return to the very famous tradition established by M. Rostropovich and perpetuated by his disciple Mikhail Utkin, who, at the age of 15, won first prize at the Prague International Competition. Passionate about chamber music, he was part of a string quartet, and in 1974 he joined the highly celebrated “Moscow Trio,” with which he won numerous international competitions, including those in Liège, Budapest, Bordeaux, featured in the “final bouquet” of this edition, with many more discoveries anticipated for future editions.
To prolong the pleasure of these dreamlike journeys, some convivial gatherings will serve as an excuse for meetings and sharing with the artists, pleasantly concluding these evenings rich in emotions and discoveries in a warm and friendly atmosphere.
The concert will take place at the Anglican Church, 11 rue de la Buffa in Nice on November 25 at 7:30 p.m. “Point d’Orgue” Vladimir Ivanov (violin), Elena Keylina (organ) Works by Vivaldi, Handel, Locatelli, Tartini, Bach…
2011 The Russian Seasons invite…
March 25, 2011 Sergi Vicente (guitar), Regina Shteynman (viola & violin), Elena Keylina (organ)
June 17, 2011 Philip Nodel (oboe), Jurgen Hartmann (trumpet), Elena Keylina (organ)
September 30, 2011 Evgeny Yatsuk (trumpet), Andrei Ikov (trumpet), Elena Keylina (organ)
November 16, 2011 Alisa Gitsba (soprano) Alexander Pfeiffer (trumpet) Elena Keylina (organ)
November 18, 2011 “Point d’Orgue” Anatoly Safiulin (bass) Regina Shteynman (viola) Elena Keylina (organ)
Practical information: Inquiries at 04 93 51 95 56 / 06 23 92 02 62 or saisons.russes@gmail.com 3 points of sale in Nice: Tickets 2010 and subscriptions 2011 Le Transsibérien – 1 rue Bottéro 06000 Nice Le MUSEAAV – 16bis place Garibaldi 06300 Nice La Maison de la Russie à Nice – 3 avenue Cyrille Besset 06100 Nice
