One of the favorite Russian winter traditions is the celebration of Tatiana’s Day, or Students Day, which take place on 25th of January. This tradition was established back in centuries: that day in 1755 Empress Elizabeth of Russia signed a decree for establishment of the Moscow State University, the first University in Russia. For many generations of Russians this day is a true symbol youth and happy student’s life.
25th of January 2024 we invite you to celebrate the Students Day with the Gnessin Russian Academy of Music and its alumni – two fantastic Moscow musicians , the singer Ilona Ananina and the pianist Alexey Vaker, who prepared the programme of light classics, from Glinka, Dargomyzhsky and Rachmaninoff to “tsigan” songs and brilliant tangos loved by students of all ages!
P.S. Champagne will be only in tango, but the traditional Moscow University “Sbiten” is a must! )))
Before the concert, a unique opportunity of feeling student again: an Open Lesson of Russian for the Very Beginners
It’s never too late for a pleasure of new learning!
Concert’s Programme
M. Glinka – The Fire of Longing Burns in My Heart
A. Dargomyzhsky – Sierra Nevada is Covered with Mists
F. Chopin – Waltzes op. 64 №1, 2
F. Chopin – Phantaisie -Impromptu
P. Tchaikovsky – Scherzo humoristique op. 19 №2
P. Tchaikovsky – Capriccioso op. 19 №5
L. Delibes – Les Filles De Cadix. Bolero
L. Arditi – Il bacio
S. Rachmaninoff – Polichinelle op. 3 №4
S. Rachmaninoff – Moment musical op. 16 №4
S. Rachmaninoff – А. Volodos – Polka Italienne
Е. Yuriev – Eh, yamshchik, goni-ka k Yaru (“Эх, ямщик, гони-ка к Яру”)
Ilona Ananina is a Russian soprano, laureate of many international competitions. She graduated from the Gnesin Russian Academy of Music as a choir conductor and a singer, then studied at postgraduate programs in Moscow State Conservatoire and in Alfred Corto Higher School of Music in Paris. She performs in the best Moscow concert halls such as the Chamber hall of Moscow Philharmonic, The Rachmaninoff and Small Halls of the Moscow State Conservatoire, the Chamber Hall of Moscow International House of Music. She also gives concerts all around Russia, solo and with different ensembles. Her repertoire includes music of all styles and periods, from baroque to works by contemporary composers. Besides chamber pieces she also performed many famous opera parts, such as Tatiana (Eugene Onegine by P. Tchaikovski), Contess and Cherubino (The Marriage of Figaro by W.A. Mozart), Zemfira (Aleko by S. Rachmaninoff) to name a few.
Alexey Vaker is a Russian pianist of young generation. He graduated from the Gnesin Russian Academy of Music in 2017, and has a successful career as a solo and chamber music performer as well as a special piano teacher at the alma mater.
The geography of his concerts embraces the prestigious concert spaces in Moscow, Saint-Petersburg, Napoli, Berlin, Paris, Lion and others. He also participated in festivals of Russian Art in Italy, France, China and was invited to give international piano master classes.
The year 2024 is really special for the Gnesin Academy. This year we celebrate the 150th anniversary of Elena Gnesina – a guifted pianist, teacher, manager, one of the founders and the first director of the Gnesin school and Institute. Her role in the establishment of the Russian system of musical education was extremely important. Due to her efforts, the small private music school created by her and her sister Maria in 1895 survived all the troubles of the 20th century and grew up into the unique complex of educational institutions which unites all three steps of professional musical education in Russia. Gnesin Institute and later Gnesin Academy became a home for many generations of musicians. Now the name of Elena Gnesina and Gnesin’s family is a legend, the symbol of true love to music and devotion to the cause.
