Rossiya: A Night Of Russian Music

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu will be treated to an enchanting evening of Russian musical ingenuity as the Embassy of the Russian Federation in partnership with the provincial government and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) presents a "by invitation only" concert dubbed Rossiya: A Night Of Russian Music.

The one-night event will be held this July 29, 6:30 pm at the Capitol Social Hall.

This is part of the 35th year celebration of the Philippine-Russian Relations and the Days of Russian Culture in the Philippines, wherein the NCCA previously signed a protocol agreement for cultural cooperation with Russia. The Ministry of Culture of the Russian Federation decided to send over their best ensemble a delegation of ten performers, two representing the Ministry and eight from the State Academic Folk Ensemble ‘Rossiya’.

In a media briefing attended by Consul Armi Lopez Garcia of the Russian Federation Consulate and NCCA representative Noe Vincent Fuentes, they described the visiting musicians as the finest national ensemble of soloists organized in 1968 in Russia. Thus, this event will be a perfect opportunity for Cebuanos, especially students, to be exposed and learn to appreciate Russian music.

Rossiya was formed when USSR national actress Lyudmila Georgievne Zykinoj decided to organize a national ensemble that would be both mobile and constantly in operation.

The group generated major exposure, played with popular musicians and soloists and made a great number of records under its first main conductor, Maestro Victor Gridina.

In 2004, Sobolev Anatoly Nikolaevich took the reins and became Rossiya’s next main conductor. Nikolaevich is also a musician, arranger and a composer of some of the finest Russian music.

Rossiya’s fame further expanded when award-winning composer and musician Dmitry Dmitrienko became its director and conductor. Most of the ensemble members own several instruments which allow them to do their own musical arrangements, adding to the uniqueness and versatility of their music.

Rossiya will first hold a show in Manila at the Cultural Center of the Philippines on July 26 before heading to Cebu to perform and enjoy our island’s sights.  (FREEMAN)