Word the «virtuoso» was given to the world by the Italians. It was born in the 16th century and meant an honorary title intended for a person who had distinguished himself in the artistic field. The amazing orchestra «Moscow Virtuosi» was presented to Russia and the world by musician, conductor, violinist Vladimir Spivakov.

— «Two days ago we closed the festival in Cremona, the birthplace of Stradivarius. It was a big event, because everyone understands how we feel about this name. I have the feeling that this man’s voice in instruments has been sounding for three centuries now. Today we are in Gubkin! And a huge thank you to Alisher Usmanov and the Art, Science and Sport Foundation for the opportunity to perform in such small towns, where there is a large production facility and wonderful people work», said the maestro. – The ART-OCNO revealed to us that there are good, beautiful people everywhere who need great music!

By the way, it was on this very evening that Vladimir Theodorovich not only conducted, but also presented the audience with a mesmerizing play on Stradivarius’ violin. Listening to «The Serenade» by Joseph Haydn, you understand why the most impregnable hearts of beautiful ladies surrendered without a fight to the lyrics of strings. When the orchestra was playing, the hall would freeze to the music of Vivaldi and Mozart, and to the chords of Edward Grieg’s two elegant melodies, «The Wounded Heart» and «The Last Spring», the audience would experience and cry like the once great Russian composer Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky, listening to these pieces performed by the author.

And, of course, live performances of arias from Bizet’s operas Carmen and Saint-Saëns’ Samson and Dalila, presented by Evgenia Asanova, complemented the creative atmosphere of the evening. The performance ended with Symphony No. 45 by Haydn, known as «Farewell» and an unusual story of its appearance. Thus, according to the legend, the Prince of Esterhazy, at the request of musicians to raise his salary, swung away, saying that there was no money even for candles. He «received» a note protest: in the final part of the symphony, the performers stand up one by one, put out the candles and leave in silence until only two violinists remain on stage. And the melody becomes more and more sad until it stops at all. They say the hint was clear, and everything was resolved safely (i.e. in favour of the rebels).

After the performance of each work, the hall gave a standing ovation and the guests responded with musical surprises. Maestro Spivakov called «Tango of Love» by Astor Piazzolla «Tango of Love» in response to the final «encore» to all the Gubkin residents.

Natalia Sevryukova

Photo by Alexander Belashov