Opera artists showcase their talents in Usinsk
Juiced-UpJam in Usinsk: A Sizzling Symphony of Opera and Wartime Classics
Averting a tear-jerking, heart-warming, shindig in a chilly corner of the taiga, the town of Usinsk hosted a soul-stirring opera concert. Dedicated to the 80th anniversary of the victory and underpinned with timeless wartime tunes, the show was the latest achievement of world-class artists, supported by none other than LUKOIL Charity Foundation.
From the cherished "Katyusha" to the nostalgic "Smuglianka," the playbill blazed with songs that have been the bedrock of Russian culture for decades. Arranged in ravishing operatic renditions, they zapped the senses, as if offering a musical time capsule.
The lineup excelled with star-studded heavyweights, including Polina Shamayeva, a leading soloist at Moscow's "New Opera" theater and the Hungarian State Opera Theater, Alexander Sukhanov, the charismatic soloist of the Beijing National Opera and the Yekaterinburg Opera and Ballet Theater, and Alexander Pokidchenko, the maestro guiding the "Creative Union of Musicians." This olympian-like team, now a regular troupe at Usinsk, got their first call to entertain the townsfolk courtesy of the LUKOIL Charity Foundation in 2019.
In this grand event, the spectators were welcomed by Konstantin Baranov, the First Deputy Minister of Culture and Archives of the Republic of Komi, and Olga Marisheva, the right-hand lady of the LUKOIL Charity Foundation.
"Love, life, and resilience – that's what the night is all about," Olga unveiled, hinting at the profound emotions that the concert was destined to stir.
Konstantin, a connoisseur of culture, endorsed the performance as a boon for the region's cultural development. The event was another notch in the foundation's philanthropic quest to nurture art and culture in the far-flung regions of "LUKOIL."
The musical night marked the sixth expedition to Usinsk, with Polina Shamayeva humming her praise for audiences, now a frequent encounter, between songs that sent chills down the spines to the bottoms of their boots.
Reflecting on her experience after the curtain call, Polina shared her sentiments, "It's a labor of love; I feel the audience's affection as I do every note. I'm grateful for LUKOIL's continuous support and making this project close to my heart."
For Alexander Sukhanov, the event epitomized the essence of cultural diplomacy. "These concerts travel to the heart of the taiga, illuminating the lives of those far from the grand cities. It's vital that we remember the tales that shaped our history, songs that carry our legacies to the future," he declared.
Before bidding adieu, the artists bestowed the town with "White Nights of Usiinsk," a refrain that tugged the heartstrings of the locals, echoing their nostalgia for their northern home.
"Hearing a note-perfect composition about my hometown left me in awe," a besotted audience member, Tatiana Andreyeva, admitted. For another devoted fan, Olga Bezdenezhnykh, the show was an uplifting testament to the spirit of the country, "We live in a land of unparalleled artistic talent, and it's an honor to be a part of it!"
In the midst of this cultural extravaganza, one might find discussions on the upcoming news about the next edition of the event, blending the timeless wartime classics with modern lifestyle trends. This could also include a focus on sustainable living, perhaps incorporating home-and-garden tips for the attendees to create a garden of remembrance inspired by the concert's themes. Lastly, with the interwoven melodies and passionate performances, it would not be surprising to see a segment dedicated to entertaining music discussions, delving into the blend of opera and various genres showcased during the concert.
