3rd Annual Russian Rhapsody
Natural History Museum, London, 18 April 2004
In 2004, the Central Hall of London's spectacular Natural History Museum created the setting for a truly memorable event, where extravagance and luxury were the watchwords for the 530 guests. Both in his capacity as conductor (of his ensemble, the Moscow Soloists) and as one of the world's most renowned soloist violists, Yuri Bashmet continued his tradition of delighting guests at Russian Rhapsody.
Olga Borodina, the most sought after mezzo-soprano in the world, captivated the audience with a thrilling rendition of Delilah's Aria from Samson and Delilah. She was preceded by the Incognitos boys' choir from Eton College, who fanned down the sweeping staircase in red and white cassocks to perform specially arranged pieces in Russian, their angelic voices soaring to the top of the hall's gothic arches, very appropriate in this "cathedral to science". The evening was rounded off with saxophonist Igor Butman playing jazz into the early hours of the morning.
A spectacular 'moving wallpaper' was projected onto the walls of the Central Hall throughout the lavish proceedings, to help transport guests through time and space: to the imperial splendour of the Winter Palace, the frescoed ceilings of the Kremlin, and the vast, snow-laden expanses of Siberia. The display also included images of some of Russia's most celebrated composers, artists and writers.
Important pieces of Russian avant-garde art, including an original Kandinsky masterpiece from elite art dealer Galerie Gmurzynska, itself worth over £1m, were hung in the gothic archways lining the central hall. The exhibition also featured unique Karl Lagerfeld dresses in Russian avant-garde style: only the second such time that these dresses have been displayed alongside the Russian paintings that inspired them.
