Russian Accent | Blog of Nadia Sikorsky

For the first time in my journalistic career, I want to tell you about a concert I have no intention of attending. And the reason, of course, has nothing to do with the brilliant composers whose works appear on the programme, nor even with the performers. The problem is the “packaging”, which deeply shocked me.

I offer reflections on a documentary film by a former school videographer from a provincial Russian town, "Mr Nobody Against Putin", which has sparked heated debate in professional circles and on social media.

The country’s largest art museum has decided to become a leader in preserving the heritage of Switzerland’s greatest artist and one of the most important sculptors of modernism on a global scale, whose double anniversary is being marked this year: 125 years since his birth and 60 years since his death.

The decision of the Music Society of La Chaux-de-Fonds not to cancel the concert by Elisabeth Leonskaja and The Jerusalem Quartet, scheduled for 22 March, has turned what would have been an ordinary cultural event into a victory of reason and professionalism. I will explain why and present an exclusive interview with the outstanding pianist.

Today, bookshops in Switzerland, France, Belgium and Canada will receive the book «Vasyl Stus. Palimpsests. Poetry and Letters from the Gulag» (« Vasyl Stus. Palimpsestes. Poésie et lettre du Goulag »), devoted to the Ukrainian poet whose verses have been translated into French for the first time by the renowned Slavist. Lovers of poetry owe this literary event to the Lausanne publishing house Éditions Noir sur Blanc.

Let me clarify at the outset: this is not about a specific musical composition, but about an ensemble formed just over a year ago which, after a successful debut in Zurich, is now preparing to demonstrate its artistry in Geneva.

The personal relics of the last King of Italy, preserved within the family until today, will be presented to the public in Geneva for the first time. This month, Piguet Hôtel des Ventes will offer at auction a unique collection of orders of chivalry and decorations that belonged to Umberto II (1904-1983). They will be exhibited in the Maison’s salons from 12 to 15 March, before being offered to collectors during the auction week beginning on 16 March.

On 15 March, the outstanding pianist of our time, Evgeny Kissin, will give a recital in Zurich as part of the "Les Grands Interprètes" series presented by the Caecilia agency. The programme may be described as a romantic evolution of the pianistic “self”.