> Events > 5th Annual Russian Rhapsody

5th Annual Russian Rhapsody
Old Billingsgate Market, London, 24 April 2006

On Monday 24th April Old Billingsgate Market, London played host to over 780 stars of world-wide cultural, art, business and political renown at the Fifth Annual Russian Rhapsody Gala Dinner and Concert.

Russian Rhapsody was first launched as a dramatic curtain raiser to the Russian Economic Forum, which in 2006 brought an all time high of more than 2300 delegates to London, to explore the growing impact of Russian business on the world economy.

While providing a valuable social net-working opportunity for Forum participants, Russian Rhapsody has become a well-respected cultural event in its own right and is frequented by Russians, Londoners and guests from around the world. In the five years of its existence, it has delivered a glittering array of top class musicians to some of London's most prestigious venues and evoked then just as it evokes now a spirit truly Russian in both spirit and scale.

"Russian Rhapsody is one of the most beautiful and elegant events in the world which annually celebrates the depth and significance of Russian culture and tradition."

Thierry Chaunu, President, Leviev

Russian Rhapsody has evolved to acknowledge both the creative wealth of Russia’s cultural past and the vibrant energy and sophistication of the new generation. This year the event reached new heights in elegance as Old Billingsgate Market on the bank of the River Thames was transformed into both a concert hall on the one side draped in rich red velvet, and a luxuriously decadent dining area, with towering feather and fruit arrangements with scattered crystals on the other.

Guests arrived at the main entrance before walking the length of the carefully curtained hall to where on the river terrace Audi 7s were displayed in style. Here they were treated to Imperia vodka shots and Moet and Chandon Champagne, before being invited to be seated for the concert presented by actor Colin Salmon, famous for his various roles in James Bond films.

The Russian Rhapsody programme featured some of both Britain’s and Russia’s most talented performers, from the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, whose majesty speaks for itself, directed by conductor Julian Gallant, to the supremacy of Ljuba Kazarnovskaya’s Operatic Soprano.

"[Lyuba’s] voice is dark in hue and alluringly smooth… a moving beautifully paced account of Tatiana's 'Letter Aria' and a final encounter with Onegin in which her turmoil was palpable."

New York Times

Since her debut in 1992 Ljuba Kazarnovskaya has received nothing but glowing accolades, and audience ovations have accompanied the spectacular rise of this brilliantly gifted Russian soprano. She has been given many names: "Russian wonder", "the greatest Salome", "the sexiest voice in opera" and "the last muse of Herbert von Karajan". In addition to talent, she has artistic daring and a fondness for taking risks with a triumphant, vital energy that has made her a veritable contemporary star. In the 100th anniversary year of composer Dmitry Shostakovich’s birth, Russian Rhapsody 2006 celebrated the life and work of this great Russian Composer. Considered one of the musical giants of the 20th Century, it seemed both timely and appropriate to celebrate this significant jubilee at the Fifth Russian Rhapsody.

Guests were also treated to a presentation of a new collection of stunning evening dresses by Russian designer, Irina Vitiaz. Irina's work ingeniously combines creative ideas with impeccable workmanship and the use of time-honed techniques (such as beaded weaving). The show incorporated music by Dj Alexey "Daclip" Sharikhin, one of Russia's most famous DJs and modern composers; soprano Karina Serbina, soloist of the Bolshoi Theatre; and supermodel Evgenia Volodina.

Later, according to the fine traditions of Russian Rhapsody guests were invited through to a sumptuous four course dinner and wine of the fine Chateau Thénac, the French vineyard owned by Eugene Shvidler.

Thierry Chaunu, the President of Leviev gave a few words of welcome before the audience was treated to a wholly unique show of aerialists and performers displaying in quite spectacular style Leviev’s latest diamond collection.

The evening continued with an awe-inspiring performance from the Turetsky Choir, arguably one of the best all-male choirs in the world. They brought a fresh and fully charged energy to their work, 10 singers from a tenor-altino up to a bass-profundo with a performance of international hits as well as traditional Soviet and Russian favourites.

A key moment of the evening was Sir Elton John’s video link from New York in which he announced to Rhapsody guests, complete with a toast made in Russian, a joint-charity project with the hosts of Russian Rhapsody. The Russian Economic Forum and the Elton John AIDS Foundation have joined forces to produce a high profile charity ball on 27th November in Moscow, in order to raise money for the fight against AIDS in the Russian Federation. The event is already in its pre-planning stages and promises to be a highlight in the Russian and Western social calendar.

The evening drew to a close with the award winning vocalist Tom Rust, whose professional vocals, musical talent and interpretation have established him as one of the UK's top Jazz performers. Backed by a full 30 piece orchestra, Rust took guests back to the crooning greats of the Rat Pack and beyond and gave them a chance to dance the remainder of the night away in good ol’ Sinatra style.