19 April 2003 20:36
* St Petersburg Anniversary LONDON
Since its foundation in 1703 by Peter the Great, St Petersburg has endured three name changes: to Petrograd in 1914
and then Leningrad in 1924, before reverting to the original a few years ago. Of all the Russian cities it has been, by
virtue of geography and culture, closest to western Europe, which is at least one reason why the South Bank Centre is to
celebrate its 300th anniversary with a series of orchestral concerts, recitals and opera. Celebrations begin with the
Philharmonia, under Valery Gergiev (pictured), performing the one piece of music that is indelibly associated with the
city: Shostakovich's seventh symphony, aka The Leningrad, famously written under siege during the second world war
and first, heroically, performed in absurdly difficult conditions. However, as much as we puzzle over the moral
ambiguity of two thoroughly corrupt regimes fighting each other, the cinematic power of the Leningrad symphony,
portraying the awfulness of siege and the triumph of survival, will never be lost. Anniversary events continue until
May. christopher lambton
Royal Festival Hall, SE1, from Tue 22
[UKIR [UK & Ireland Intelligence Wire]] |
RUSSIA IN FACTS
