The performance features music performed in 1917 as well as music composed or arranged during the Civil War and the first years of peace.
The programme includes:
* Kastalsky’s large-scale ‘Requiem for Fallen Brothers’ in its entirity, performed for the first time in 1917 in Russia and Britain (conducted by Sir Henry Wood) and subsequently forgotten for many decades
* Choral compositions by classic composers
* Songs sung by soldiers of the White and Red armies
* Choruses written by ‘proletarian’ composers
* Folksongs
The composers and arrangers include Viktor Kalinnikov, Nikolay Cherepnin, Alexander Gretchaninoff, Grigory Lobachov and Sergey Pototsky. Nikolay Medtner’s Sonata Tragica of 1919 will be played by pianist Ivan Penev. Russkaya Cappella will be supported in this concert by Susan Sheldon (solo soprano,) Alexey Gusev (solo baritone,) and the string quintet from the Orchestra of Scottish Opera.
