On Saturday night Jennifer and I went to a concert at the Tchikovsky Concert Hall as part of the Moscow Easter Festival.. It was a new venue for me and an interesting experience.
Six choirs had been invited to sing from different traditions and places. I think Easter and spring must have been the theme. Some did it in a more interesting way than others.
The stage - the writing says
Moscow Easter Festival and the name of the director
Flowers on the stage
These bells were rung between each choir as though in church. I was sitting on the wrong side to photograph the men ringing them.
The opening choir were from Moscow. They had such a long name I didn't ever get it. They sang a wide vatiety of songs, including one where they stood in different places in the auditorium.
What beautiful dresses - so elegant
Then came an all male choir. It was ok but a bit tedious and no interesting costumes. Then came this choir from Ossetia. Like the hats?
They were better but there was nothing particulary joyful. The next choir from Crete were even worse. They sang four songs that sounded all the same and were incredibly tedious. They were singing in the Byzantium style but they sounded as if they should have been in a monastery.
Sorry photos is a little shaken as I wasn't using a flash.
The next choir was the best of the evening. It was a girls' choir from Hungary and were superb. They sang unaccompanied as did the other choirs, but they sounded as if they were really enjoying themselves. The music was just as serious as everyone else but was just so much more interesting. They started with a few girls on the stage and the rest around the auditorium. A clever technique and a glorious sound.
Standing on the stairs in the auditorium
The final choir of the evening were a famous choir from St Petersberg, but as they sang a part of the Easter litergy it was very heavy going. Still it was an interesting experience. As a mum as school gave me the tickets for nothing then I'm not complaining. Jennifer was good company and it was an good way to spend the evening as Peter was camping.
Yesterday was Victory Day when Russia remembers the end of WW2. It is a bank holiday and many people use it as an opportunity to get away to their Dacha. Peter and I decided to go to Victory Park as we watched the parade last year. Here are pictures of our day.
Veterans, often accompanied by family, are given flowers by strangers as a 'thank you' for their service. many were in uniform, but not all, though they did wear their medals. Some looked rather frail.
Flowers for sale to give to veterans
Tat for sale. Note the foraging hats with coloured hair attached
Entertaining the troops with songs from the past
This brave young lady stood to say a poem. Sadly she was so quiet we couldn't really hear her and everyone started talking which made it even harder for her.
We went to Victory Park thinking it would be a good place to see the fly past - which didn't happen. However these helicopters flying flags still came past. Look carefully as you realise they flew between the two tower blocks!!!
Just as were leaving the park we saw this sight!! Like dog like owner?
As the crowds were getting busy we left and caught a bus to the Arbat. I couldn't believe Mosgortrans were so efficient. they had ladies selling tickets on the pavement to make geeting on the buses quicker. Amazing.
A stage had been set up and various acts were performing. We caught these girls dancing.
We then walked down the hill to Alexndra Gardens and then up to Lubyanka. Here are a few more images of the day.
By then we were shattered so headed home and enjoyed the fireworks at ten o'clock.
Part two of the Golden Ring will follow soon.
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