Russian Opera Stars Gala in Paris
May 30 2013 Paris, Maison de l'UNESCO |
During the last week of May the whole world was celebrating the 1150th anniversary of Slavic writing system. Way back in the 9th century The St. equal to the apostles Cyril and Methodius translated the New Testament into a new unknown language for the nations inhabiting Eastern Europe. “In the beginning was the word…” – so begin the first chapters of the Bible. Centuries have passed, the political map of the world has changed in many ways, but the “word” given to us by Cyril and Methodius is still alive. There enlightening mission gave the Slavic nations a massive push to develop their own culture, arts, history, politics, language etc. The aim of the event called up to celebrate such an important historic landmark is to present the highest achievements of modern Russian culture within the framework of the Common Slavic culture development process.
The best tool for it turned out to be the leading Russian theaters soloists Gala, as it’s a great way to address the European audience in the universal language of classical music, emotionally rich and easily getting to the hearts of people of various nations. The chosen event framework – the leading Russian theaters soloists Gala – was coherent with one of the priority directions of UNESCO cultural activity – encouraging cultural diversity. In order for cultural diversity to be efficient, it should be based upon mutual interest of people towards each other, acceptance of other cultures, interaction and mutual cultural enrichment. Therefore, it’s the relationship between people that provides for cultural wealth and diversity. And the best tool in the international arena for building balanced relationship based on convergence and mutual enrichment of cultures has always been the arts, in particular – musical performing arts.
Performing the best pieces of classic operas was coherent with another priority direction of UNESCO activity – preserving the heritage of mankind, in particular intangible cultural heritage, national musical creation. Furthermore a special goal of the project was to underline the continuity of the musical creative traditions in the new generation, that is why young and promising performers were invited to take part in the Gala, those who have already been acknowledged on the best stages of the world, but retain huge creative potential, the rising stars of Russian opera of the 21st century. This way the gala has become the site to open new brilliant voices and the brightest musical talents.
The soloists taking part in the Russian opera stars Gala: Vladimir Galouzine, the Honored Artist of Russia, prize winner of international contests; Oxana Shilova, Mariinsky Theater soloist; Khatchatur Badalyan, Mariinsky Theater soloist; Ekaterina Sergeeva, Mariinsky Theater Academy of Young Singers soloist.