Inspiring Russian encounter

By Mahes Perera

The Embassy of the Russian Federat ion in Sri Lanka in collaboration with the Galle Face Hotel, Colombo held an evening of classical songs on June 29 performed by well-known singers from Russia Vladimir Gerts - baritone, Maria Undritsova and Svetlana Khobibrashmanova - soprano. It was an inspiring experience, with the singers performing more than twenty-five songs by various composers.

Maria Undritsova	Svetlana Khobibrashmanova

The well balanced programme was opened by the resonant baritone Vladimir Gerts singing a selection of songs by Giordani, Glinka, Dargomyzhski and Tchaikovsky. His interpretation of Giordani's "Caro mio ben", "A Fire of desire burning in the blood" by Glinka and Tchaikovsky's "At a hilarious ball" were something special.

This is the second time we have heard Vladimir Gerts in performance in Sri Lanka and the magnetism in his voice is awesome. Piano accompaniment by Alla Turjanskaja was consistent and sophisticated and she effortlessly guided the singer through his songs. In fact she accompanied the other singers as well with an attractive flair.

Maria Undritsova the young soprano who came in next opened her section with a strong "Amarilli" by Kaeeini, then moved into a selection by Pergolesi "Que ne suis" and her expression of "Don't worry my dear mother" by Gurilev was plaintive. A pleasant surprise was the soprano Svetlana Khobibraslimanova - a strong soprano whose opening song the old Russian romance "He didn't love" and Bulahov's "Why does my heart beat so much" came alive emotionally.

The audience were given a pleasant surprise when in the second half of the program she played the violin which gave an added attraction to her performances. The second half comprised songs in a lighter vein and the stand outs were "Hug Me Kiss Me" sung by Vladimir Gerts, Maria Undritsova's rendition of the pop hit by Elvis Presley "Love Me Tender" and the unforgettable "Memory" from Cats by Andrew Lloyd Webber. The violin was in focus along with her singing when Svetlana soared through Je t'aime and "Hello Dolly" from the musicals.

It was left to Vladimir to bring the well chosen concert to a close and he did so admirably, singing the Russian folk songs "Volga River" and "Along Piterskaya Street" and finally all three singers interacting with the audience in a rousing hand clapping "Those Were the Days."

We hope the Russian Embassy will give Sri Lankans more opportunities to enjoy the artistry of Russian singers.