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Essentials in
Performance Skills
A Russian Odyssey
150 Barbershoppers bring America's music to Russia - and find love.
Updated: 5/7/2003 2:53:00 PM
By Dr. Greg Lyne, Director of Music Education & Services
In December 1997, we were pleased to welcome some Russian dignitaries to Harmony Hall. These musicians and artists represented the Russian government and came to the Society headquarters to request that we assist them in learning about this uniquely American art form called barbershop harmony.
At this first meeting, we listened intently as Alexander Demchenko, Deputy Head of the Ministry of Culture of the Russian Federation, told us of his dream to introduce barbershop harmony to his country. I believe our first reaction was rather one of disbelief that this man, the head of all music, art and dance for Russia, might have selected barbershop singing as a way to get more people in Russia (particularly young people) involved in singing.
He wanted master classes. He promised beautiful concert halls in which to perform. He told us that, if we should come to Russia, he would see that the country’s top musicians would be in attendance at all of these events so we could teach them about barbershop singing. We heard the words, but we also felt, somehow, those words were just too good to be true.
A dream realized
Somehow, they did. In July 1999, more than 120 Barbershoppers arrived in St. Petersburg, Russia. Our days were filled with rehearsals, concerts, cultural activities, numerous master classes and more. The musicians we brought with us were superb. The quartets were outstanding in performance and always willing to assist in the teaching of master classes. We all developed a real bond and sense of mission. Plus we had so much fun just putting this all together!
And what of those promises from Alexander Demchenko? They all came true and more! This festival met with far greater success than any of us (even Alexander!) could ever have imagined. What a rare opportunity it was for our Society! What wonderful friendships we made! How marvelously our music was received by these wonderful Russian people! It was truly the musical experience of a lifetime.
Highlights? So many...
We performed to packed houses at each concert. In fact, they were all filled to capacity an hour before each event. Concerts were met with foot-stomping and “bravos.” Flowers were brought to the stages. Many audience members were moved to tears as we performed “Moscow Nights” and “Kalinka,” which included some Russian lyrics. Autograph seekers sought us out. Audience members waited for us at our hotel after our concerts.
Embraced by top musicians
We were welcomed with open arms by some of the most important musicians in Russia today -- Vladislav Chernushenko, world-renowned conductor and rector of the St. Petersburg State Conservatory; Askold Makarov, artistic director of the St. Petersburg Academic Ballet; Gintautas Shyalvis, conductor of Opera and Music Theater at the Conservatory; Victor Andronov, director of the Male Choral Lyceum, and many, many others. There were numerous television and newspaper interviews. The concerts we presented have been broadcast throughout all of Russia. The Society received many gorgeous and lavish thank you gifts from the Russian government and from the Russian children. They are now proudly displayed in Harmony Hall.
By the time we left Russia, there were two quartets, a men’s chorus and a female vocal ensemble singing barbershop. We know now there are numerous male choruses throughout Russia, including one in the Ural Mountain region of Siberia, performing barbershop for the first time.
What might become of all of this? It’s too early to tell, but don’t be surprised if we hear a barbershop quartet from Russia at an international convention before too long. And let’s not be too shocked to learn of barbershop singing taking place at the St. Petersburg Conservatory of Music. Pretty amazing, isn’t it? I will tell you with great pride that I know it can happen because I was there and had the chance to see the Russian musicians embrace this thing we love so very much known as barbershop singing.
—by—
Dr. Greg Lyne is
Director of Music Education & Services
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