November marks a celebration of Russian culture in Aberdeen with recitals, concerts, lecture, workshops and films organised by University Music at the University of Aberdeen, in association with The Russia Club of Aberdeen and The Belmont Cinema.
Members of the North-east public are invited to attend a series of events which will focus on various aspects of artistic endeavour in Russia from the end of the 19th to the middle of the 20th centuries. The first event will be held this evening (Thursday, 13 November) with a violin and piano recital by Ruth Waterman and Florian Uhlig at Mitchell Hall, Marischal College. This will be followed by a workshop with Ruth Waterman on Friday, 14 November at 11.45 in GB7, Hilton Campus. (A Recital will follow at 1.10 pm in the Hilton Theatre.)
Roger Williams, Director of University Music said: "The Russian Masterpieces series marks a wonderful opportunity to celebrate what makes creative artists from Russia so distinct. To set musical masterpieces within the context of films and the political climate will be instructive. We look forward to welcoming several internationally celebrated musicians to Aberdeen for this important mini festival."
Next week, Monday, 17 November, a concert by the outstanding Tchaikovsky Quartet on their first visit to UK, will be held in the Picture Gallery at Mitchell Hall. This will be followed by a workshop at Hilton Campus on Tuesday, 18 November. On Wednesday 19 November, Professor Paul Dukes will deliver a public lecture on The Rise and Fall of the Soviet Union at 1pm in the Theatre, Hilton Campus. Visiting artist, Mikhail Kazakevich will give a piano workshop on Friday 21 November at 11:45am in GB7, Hilton Campus followed by a Recital of Piano miniatures from Russia (in the Hilton theatre).
The Russian Masterpieces series will conclude on Sunday, 23 November with a concert by the University Choral Society and Symphony Orchestra in the Mitchell Hall, Marischal College. At this concert will be the World Premier of Illumination by the young Welsh composer Paul Mealor.
A series of Russian films will also be shown at The Belmont cinema over the weekend November 14,15 and 16.