MINSK, 26 November (BelTA) - On 25 November, the Belarusian-Russian Youth Symphony Orchestra gave a concert at the Belarusian State Philharmonic to celebrate the 185th anniversary of Pyotr Tchaikovsky's birth and the 80th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War, BelTA has learned
Under the baton of Yuri Bashmet, the orchestra performed one of the most popular pieces: Pyotr Tchaikovsky's Fifth Symphony. The orchestra also performed a musical-poetic piece “Requiem. Eternal Glory to the Heroes” (lyrics by Robert Rozhdestvensky, music by contemporary Russian composer Kuzma Bodrov. This performance featured Student Choir of the Belarusian State Academy of Music and the famous theater and film actor, People's Artist of the Russian Federation Sergei Garmash.
Yuri Bashmet explained that Belarusians and Russians share a common history, destiny, and indeed a musical school. He noted that the orchestra is inherently very strong. "But all sorts of things happen: some haven't yet learned to maintain concentration throughout the entire performance, others might think they are about to contribute positively, and usually they do, but sometimes, due to nerves, it doesn't work out as planned. Imagine: the sound of instruments in front of you, to the left, behind you; the conductor waving his arms, and you must watch him, while simultaneously reading the sheet music and knowing exactly where you are in the piece. It's a school of life in itself. It takes great patience to go through the same thing ten times over. A person can't always command their hands to do the right thing at the right moment. The most important thing is that these young musicians reaffirm their dedication to their profession,” he explained.
Belarus’ First Deputy Culture Minister Dmitry Shlyakhtin stated that the concert was a big event for all lovers of classical music. “The orchestra members are young people selected on a competitive basis so that here in Belarus they could demonstrate, together with Yuri Bashmet, everything they are capable of, and even a little more.” He also noted that the musicians performed quite complex pieces which allowed the audience to appreciate their high level of performance skill.
Under the baton of Yuri Bashmet, the orchestra performed one of the most popular pieces: Pyotr Tchaikovsky's Fifth Symphony. The orchestra also performed a musical-poetic piece “Requiem. Eternal Glory to the Heroes” (lyrics by Robert Rozhdestvensky, music by contemporary Russian composer Kuzma Bodrov. This performance featured Student Choir of the Belarusian State Academy of Music and the famous theater and film actor, People's Artist of the Russian Federation Sergei Garmash.
Yuri Bashmet explained that Belarusians and Russians share a common history, destiny, and indeed a musical school. He noted that the orchestra is inherently very strong. "But all sorts of things happen: some haven't yet learned to maintain concentration throughout the entire performance, others might think they are about to contribute positively, and usually they do, but sometimes, due to nerves, it doesn't work out as planned. Imagine: the sound of instruments in front of you, to the left, behind you; the conductor waving his arms, and you must watch him, while simultaneously reading the sheet music and knowing exactly where you are in the piece. It's a school of life in itself. It takes great patience to go through the same thing ten times over. A person can't always command their hands to do the right thing at the right moment. The most important thing is that these young musicians reaffirm their dedication to their profession,” he explained.
In his opinion, Sergei Garmash recited Robert Rozhdestvensky's poetry superbly and with profound emotion. “The entire orchestra is in love with him,” Yuri Bashmet added.
Belarus’ First Deputy Culture Minister Dmitry Shlyakhtin stated that the concert was a big event for all lovers of classical music. “The orchestra members are young people selected on a competitive basis so that here in Belarus they could demonstrate, together with Yuri Bashmet, everything they are capable of, and even a little more.” He also noted that the musicians performed quite complex pieces which allowed the audience to appreciate their high level of performance skill.
Anatoly Markevich, Head of the Permanent Committee of the Union State Representative Office in Minsk, emphasized that the orchestra is known far beyond the capital cities of Moscow and Minsk. “Thanks to journalists who report on this unique orchestra more and more people are learning about it,” he said. “Today, in a way, the media space is abuzz with news of the orchestra. We aim to expand the list of cities and include other locations in both Belarus and Russia. This topic has been discussed, and funding needs to be allocated for it. I believe that the emotions the audiences experience during the performances will help us extend the reach of the orchestra to the entire Union State,” he said.
Photos by Tatiana Matusevich/BelTA
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