Opera Prelude: Paris and the Russian Avant-Garde

Dr. Natalia Murray, Maria Levandovskaya (piano) and Ed Ballard (baritone)

Inspired by the recent exhibition at the Louis Vuitton Foundation in Paris ; Icons of Modern Art. The Shchukin Collection, Dr Natalia Murray (currently working as a visiting lecturer at the Courtauld Institute of Art and as a head of education and public programmes at GRAD (Gallery for Russian Art and Design), will explore the fascinating interplay that existed between French and Russian art in the first two decades of the 20th century and will examine the influence of the French modern art on Russian artists who fell under its spell at home or in Paris.

Sergei Shchukin (1854-1936) expended his fortune on French Impressionist, Post-Impressionist and Modern Art. Impressionist works adorned the music room of his mansion in Moscow where Rachmaninov and Shaliapin performed at his soirees. One of the most favourite of Shchukin`s composers was Alexander Nikolayevich Scriabin (1872 – 1915), almost ignored outside Russia until recent times. We will have the chance to hear one of his pieces played by Maria Levandovskaya, our Director of Russian programming. She will also will be accompanied by Ed Ballard (baritone) and together they will perform songs in French by Stravinsky, composed after his first visit to Paris and other numbers from Debussy and Rachmaninov.

Opera Prelude is a small charity about supporting young professional opera singers who give lecture recitals in London. These friendly and inclusive events will introduce you to the international opera singers of tomorrow by way of recitals, concerts and masterclasses.