There is evidence to show that during the last 20 years or so St Petersburg has been the cradle of modern Russian singing. Gergiev’s work at the Maryinsky has been hugely important and influential. He is a charismatic presence and a magnet. His sister, Larissa Gergieva, is a very talented musician, a fine accompanist, and in leading the Academy at the Maryinsky, has been involved in the development and emergence of a splendid array of Russian singers.
I heard a good many of the Academy singers yesterday evening. They were all accomplished of course, some massively so. I would like to encourage them to come much better prepared than they were. Being a member of this elite group does not provide a free pass. It is a privilege that should bring with it a responsibility to represent the institution in the best way in all respects, not just as voices. The voices are a given. What is more difficult and takes serious time and focus, is thinking! And in this case thinking about the repertoire you are going to present, making sure that you prepare it to the highest standard of which you are capable, and putting not just your own best foot forward but that of the institution you represent as well. I am trying to be helpful here. Please do not take it as criticism!
I will be hearing a proportion of the young artists in the Jette Parker program at Covent Garden on Wednesday. It will make an interesting comparison!
Anyway, all that said, there will be two from St Petersburg going to the Neue Stimmen finals in October.
I had a fine last spin around the city this morning. One of the many pleasures was a good look at the Aleksandrinsky Theater, now known also as the Pushkin Drama Theater, a magnificent creation of Carlo Rossi, one of the most important architects of St Petersburg. Here below you have both the front and back of this amazing building, built 1828-32.
This is the theater from the Nevsky Prospekt side. The pediment has the Chariot of the leader of the Muses - Apollo.
And here you have the front of the theater looking up Rossi Street, really a startling beautiful street even by St Petersburg standards. And not a lot of traffic thank goodness - I was standing in the middle of the street to take this picture. At around 11 am today!
I am writing this on the flight to London where I now am! More excitements over the next few days. No more tonight though.
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