November 2010 "Moscow Virtuosi" Chamber Orchestra, Featuring Vladimir Spivakov U.S. Tour
RACH-C is proud to sponsor Maestro Artist Managment's presentation of the "Moscow Virtuosi" Chamber Orchestra, featuring Vladimir Spivakov in the following U.S. Cities:
The New York City Comptroller's Office hosted Russian Heritage and Culture Day at the Surrogate's Courthouse. RACH-C’s President Dr. Olga Zatsepina was among four honorees at this event. These four distinguished figures in the Russian-American community were commended by Comptroller John C. Liu for their work and dedication on behalf of New York City's Russian-American community.
RACH-C representatives took part in the celebration of Russian Language Day at the UN.
Dr. Olga Zatsepina, President of RACH-C, the major representative of the International Counsel of Russian Compatriots, made a presentation on “Modern tendencies on the Russian Language in the World”.
Launched as a new DPI initiative, "Language Days at the UN" strives to raise awareness among the UN community of the history, culture and achievements associated with each of the six official UN languages. As part of this initiative, DPI has designated official observance dates in accordance with a a historical connection or association with each of the six languages.
Russian Language Day (officially marked on 6 June, Alexander Pushkin's birthday) was celebrated at UNHQ on 8 June 2010 with an information fair, book market, film screenings and special activities organized by DPI, the Russian Language and Communication Program instructors, UN Russian Interpreters and Translators, and the Permanent Mission of the Russian Federation to the UN.
We are proud to report that the Fourth Children's Festival of Russian Culture that took place on June 5, 2010 in Manhattan was a great success!
As in previous years, our focus was on children performing for children. Groups of amateur performers and guests - mostly families with children - gathered in Tryon Park. Over the years the Children's Festival has been constantly improving, and has become both a tradition and an eagerly awaited annual event. We were very happy to see families who had previously attended the festival greeting each other like old friends, and to see children and parents meeting new friends. There was a very real feeling of community on the green Cloister lawn this year.
The young dancers and singers – many of them wearing beautiful national Russian, Ukrainian, Georgian costumes – performed traditional folk pieces, as well as popular songs from the era of World War II. The audience was utterly delighted by the "Cranes" group of 40 dancers, whose brilliant and virtually professional performance won the hearts of all the attendees.
The Honorable Andrey Yushmanov, the Consul General of the Russian Federation joined Dr. Olga Zatsepina, President of RACH-C in opening the festival. The distinguished guests included the Most Reverend Justinian, Administrator of the Patriarchal Parishes in the USA; Ms. Ludmila Kuzina, a representative of the Moscow City Government, Mr. Adriano Espaillat, member of the New York State Assembly and others.
Major sponsors of the Festival were: the Russkiy Mir Foundation, the Permanent Mission of the Russian Federation to the United Nations, the General Consulate of the Russian Federation in New York and the International Council of Russian Compatriots.
RACH-C distributed more than 6,000 St. George Ribbons by mail to several Russian American compatriots' organizations, to Russian and American veterans of War, to Russian Orthodox Churches in New York State, NYC, and New Jersey.
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April 25-26
Representatives of RACH-C participated in the World Russian Forum 2010 in Washington, D.C. dedicated to the 65th anniversary of the end of WWII and the meeting of Russian and American troops on the Elbe River.
May 3
Representatives of RACH-C congratulated the veterans of WWII living in Manhattan
May 4
Representatives of RACH-C took part in the opening of the photo exhibit organized by ITAR-TASS at the UN dedicated to the Victory Day.
May 6
Representatives of RACH-C participated in the UN General Assembly meeting dedicated to the 65th anniversary of the end of WWII
May 6
On the invitation of the Mission of the Russian Federation to the UN, representatives of RACH-C participated in the reception dedicated to the 65th anniversary of the Victory Day.
May 7
Representatives of RACH-C participated in the event, celebrating of the 65th anniversary of the Victory Day at the UN followed by the concert of The Symphony Orchestra of Russia under the conduction of Vladimir Spivakov.
May 7
RACH-C distributed St. George Ribbons in Sea Breeze Park, Brooklyn.
May 9
RACH-C distributed St. George Ribbons at the Parade in Brooklyn, NY dedicated to the 65th anniversary of the Victory Day.
May 9
RACH-C organized a concert of songs from the time of WWII and the distribution of the St. George Ribbons in Fort Tryon Park, NYC.
May 15
Dr. Olga Zatsepina, President of RACH-C gave an introductory speech in memory of the 65th anniversary of the end of WWII at the opening of the 40th Wall to Wall Behind the Wall - music marathon organized by Symphony Space in New York City. RACH-C was honored to be one of the sponsors of this event.
The Salute to Spring – RACH-C benefit event at the Ana Tzarev Gallery in NYC, Thursday March 25, 2010 was studded with art, music and dazzling guests.
Gracing the walls of the gallery was a new exhibit of the “Museum of Russian Icons” from Massachusetts provided by the Museum's Director, Gordon B. Lankton. Brightly illuminated glass cases along the walls featured a breathtaking exhibit of fine art jewelry by the world renowned designer, Alex Soldier. According to RACH-C tradition we choose two individuals per year – a Russian and an American - who have contributed to preserving and sharing Russian American traditions, and who have helped enhance cultural relations between Russia and America. This year RACH-C honored Mr. Gordon Lankton for “Outstanding Service” and Alex Soldier as “Distinguished Sponsor.”
The event was also graced by the presence of many charming guests who clearly enjoyed the evening and the opportunity to converse with one another. Two of the RACH-C board members, Prince Vladimir Galitzine and Elena Mayakovskaya, expressed their appreciation for the work of RACH-C in preserving and sharing Russian culture, especially with children who otherwise might risk losing part of their cultural heritage. Among the many distinguished guests were the wife of the Ambassador of the Russian Federation to the Permanent Mission to the United Nations, Irina Churkina; the Consul General of the RF in NYC, Mr. & Mrs. Andrey Yushmanov; the Consul General of the Ukraine Mr. & Mrs. Pohoreltsev; Bishop Jerome of Manhattan, Russian Orthodox Church outside of Russia; and other dignitaries and media representatives. The dramatic voice of singer - composer Valentina Iofe was a high point of the evening.
On January 25, 2010 the International Council of Russian Compatriots (MSRS) organized the first formal presentation of MSRS at the United Nations on its mission and goals.
Established just 8 years ago, this international NGO (www.msrs.ru), today incorporates the work of 140 organizations in 53 countries today. The president of MSRS is Pierre Sheremeteff.
MSRS achieved associative status with the UN (DPI) in 2008.
all photos by Ilona Kolesnio
You can read news articles about this event here and here
January 23-26, 2010 Hosting MSRS Delegation in NYC
RACH-C hosted a delegation of MSRS (International Association of Compatriots) that we are a member of. Dr. Olga Zatsepina, president of RACH-C, is the representative of MSRS at the DPI level at the UN. An MSRS delegation came to NYC to make a presentation describing its mission and works.
January 16-30, 2010 Hosting "RACH-C Child 2009": Anna Guseva in NYC
Once a year as a part of Children’s Festival of Russian Culture in NYC, RACH-C organizes an auction, the proceeds of which go to help a Russian child with medical issues. In May 2009 RACH-C chose Anya Guseva to help with an operation. She cannot see from one eye and only has 15% of vision in the other. In our efforts to help Anya we were able to bring two organizations together; The Sovereign Order of the Orthodox Knights Hospitaller of St. John of Jerusalem (founded in 1799 by Emperor Paul I) and the American-Russian Aid Association “Otrada” (charitable, cultural, and educational society of Russian-Americans).
We would like to thank these organizations, their representatives, the RACH-C family and countless others for contributing their support, time, involvement and funds in our mutual effort to help Anya;
The Countess Tatiana Bobrinskoy, Chancellor of The Order of St. John, for providing not only financial support but also hosting Anya and her family. Without her help we would not have been able to connect Anya with some of the world’s best doctors; Dr. Robert Rich, (Professor of Clinical Opthamology, Cheif, Claucoma Service, Surgeon Director, New York Eye and Ear Infirmary) and Dr. Bruce P. Rosenthal, (Cheif, Low Vision Clinical Practice, Lighthouse International)
The American Russian Aid Organization “Otrada,”and their Member of the Board Tamara Pozdnyakova, for their generous donation
For their donations, volunteering their time and opening their homes and hearts we thank; Olga Filyurskaya, Karina Filyurskaya, Galina Soldier, Alex Soldier, Natalia Kasyanova, Alexander Bogdanov, Julio Rodriguez, Lilya Gelfand, Tony Bhalla and Zina Mashin.
We would also like to thank those who donated and participated in RACH-C Auction 2009 to Benefit Anya Guseva; Donald L. Marx, Natalie Chapin, Olga Filyurskaya, Karina Grigorieva, Serge Hollerbach, Natalie Kasyanova, Dr. Vladimir Moliver, Natasha Pavlova, Tamara Podzdnyakova, Dr. Alexander Rouchkin, Mathew & Rene Rodriguez, Anna Sintsina, Marina Terentieva, Dr. Patricia Thompson, Alexandre Toubolets, Nikita Yaroshevich; Alex Soldier Gallery, NY; Elissee Furs, Inc., NY; Valerio 888 Gallery, NY; New Review Journal, NY; En101, NY
All of our combined efforts resulted in several outcomes. Anya returned to Russia after several consultations with world renowned doctors – Dr. Rich (Glaucoma Institute) and Dr. Rosenthal (International Lighthouse in NYC.) She learned that an operation will not be possible at this time because she is still growing. But, she received several pairs of custom made glasses and special devices which help her to see better and even to read, not only the books in Brail, but texts and pictures. That was a minor miracle that we were all part of! Once again we are very grateful to all the people and organizations who contributed not only their money, time, work, but also their hearts for that miracle to happen!
It has been the policy of RACH-C, since the first time we started collecting funds to help medically needy children, to choose an individual child, not an institution. That way we can all feel connected to that individual child. We always hope and pray for the best but whatever happens we share the experience directly by seeing it in the face of the child and we can give emotional support to the family as well; in the best tradition of Russian and American charitable volunteer organizations, "make a difference."
January 16, 2010 Yolka: New Year Celebration for Children
RACH-C has started the New Year right with another successful Yolka party which took place this past Sunday at the General Consulate of the Russian Federation in New York. With 96 children in attendance, RACH-C's fourth annual Yolka: Children’s New Year Celebration, is the largest we've had to date.
Adopted Russian children with their American Parents and Russian children with Russian parents came together to enjoy wonderful performances by Simon Shargo, a Clown Magician; the Folkloric group Golden Rooster under the direction of Irina Zagornova; students from the Sunflower Center in Long Island led by their principle Marina Terentieva; and students from the School at the Permanent Mission of the RF to the UN (Principle Loginov Sergey).
Also in attendance was the painter Serge Hollerbach who signed copies of his book of watercolors "Dogs and People" for parents contributing to the donation campaign for Anna Guseva, a young girl desperately needing an eye operation.
PLAYING CLAUDE DEBUSSY: L’isle Joyeuse IGOR STRAVINSKY: Trois Mouvements de Petrouchka FREDERIC CHOPIN: Ballade No. 1 in G Minor, Op. 23 LUDWIG VAN BEETHOVEN: “Ode to Joy” from Symphony No 9 in D Minor, Op. 125
(Arranged by Franz Liszt)
Critically acclaimed pianist TAKA KIGAWA has earned outstanding international recognition as a recitalist, soloist, and chamber music artist since winning first prize in the prestigious 1990 Japan Music Foundation Piano Competition in Tokyo, and the Diploma Prize at the 1990 Concours International Maria Canals de Barcelona in Spain, with such accolades from the New York Times as “Mr. Kigawa’s feat deserves the highest praise, especially since it was combined with such alacrity and sensitivity to the musical material … brilliantly done … a careful and serious-minded musician, quietly poetic and considerate,” and from the New Yorker “Unbelievably challenging program. Mr Kigawa is a young artist of stature.”
He has performed extensively as a recitalist and soloist in New York, Washington DC, Boston, Cleveland, Paris, Milan and Barcelona, with appearances in Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall, Alice Tully Hall, Kosciuszko Foundation, Severance Hall in Cleveland, Salle Gaveau in Paris, and Plau de La Musica Catalana in Barcelona. He frequently tours in his native Japan, appearing in Tokyo, Osaka, Nagano and Kyoto both as a recitalist and a soloist with orchestra and in chamber music groups. He has been a featured artist on many television and radio networks throughout the U.S., Europe and Asia.
His repertoire is extremely large and varied, ranging from the baroque to avant-garde compositions of today. Mr. Kigawa is well known for his recitals devoted to the works of a single composer, including J.S. Bach’s complete Art of the Fugue and Goldberg Variations, Chopin’s 24 etudes and 28 preludes, and the complete piano music of Debussy, Gyorgy Ligeti, and Pierre Boulez. He has collaborated closely with such renowned musicians as Pierre Boulez, Myung-Whun Chung and Jonathan Nott.
Mr. Kigawa grew up in Nagano, Japan, where he began piano studies at the age of three, winning his first competition at the age of seven. He received his Bachelor of Arts Degree from Shinsyu University, and his Master of Arts Degree from Tokyo Gakugei (Liberal Arts) University, graduating with honors in piano performance. During both his undergraduate and graduate years, he also studied composition and conducting, receiving high honors in both disciplines. He furthered his studies in the United States at the Julliard School in New York, where he studied with Josef Raieff, was recipient of the Distinguished Alexander Siloti Award, and earned his Master of Music Degree. Mr. Kigawa currently lives in New York.
RACH-C is proud to sponsor
