FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 29, 2015
For Immediate Release: June 29, 2015
Shelley Hymes (202) 364-3438
shelley@angelenterprisesdc.com
Russian Influences on Music and Dance in America
Important Cultural Exhibit Opens at Mariinsky Theatre, Russia
St. Petersburg, Russia: An important cultural exhibit based on materials from the United States’ Library of
Congress, entitled “Russian Influences on Music and Dance in America,” was previewed for the first time at the
Mariinsky Theatre in St. Petersburg, Russia. The exhibit illustrates the extent to which Russian music and Russian
émigré composers, conductors, musical performers, dancers, choreographers, and teachers have influenced the
musical and cultural life of the United States. The materials for this exhibition represent choral and orchestral
concert works, American musical theater and popular song, and dance. The exhibition also highlights Russian
performers and composers visiting the U.S. during cultural exchange tours. At the event, attendees were treated to
performances by world renowned artists Deborah Voigt, soprano, Mikhail Petrenko, soloist (bass), Vladimir
Feltsman, pianist and conductor, Lynn Harrell, cellist, and Ilya Kaler, violinist and teacher.
Maestro Valery Gergiev, Artistic and General Director of the Mariinsky Theatre, remarked on the significance of
this exhibit when he said, “This is a challenging but hopeful time for US-Russian relations. Thanks to brilliant
patrons like Susan Lehrman, there is hope the relationship between our two countries can remain balanced and
productive. We thank Susan for bringing this important exhibit from the capital of the United States to the cultural
capital of Russia.”
Said Susan Carmel Lehrman, Founder and Advisory Committee Chair of the Carmel Institute of Russian Culture
and History, American University, Washington, DC, "I am honored to play a role in showcasing this remarkable
exhibit, based on materials from the United State's Library of Congress, to the visitors of the magnificent Mariinsky
Theatre. I believe this exhibit will serve as an important reminder to its audiences of the deep cultural bonds that
the United States and Russia have shared and continue to enjoy in every area of the performing arts."
“The music and audio visual collections of the Library of Congress contain a wealth of original scores, films and
sound recordings that document the long and mutually enriching relationship in all areas of the performing arts—a
relationship that exists between Russia and America," said Librarian of Congress James H. Billington, who is also a
scholar of Russian culture and society.
Dr. Anton Fedyashin, Director of the Carmel Institute of Russian Culture and History, and Associate Professor,
American University, lauded Susan Carmel Lehrman’s efforts by stating, "Susan Carmel Lehrman deserves great
credit for encouraging cultural dialog between Russia and the US through such eloquent institutions as the
Mariinsky Theater and the Library of Congress. We hope that this inspires students on both sides of the Atlantic to
replace stereotypes with a focus on the history of mutual cultural enrichment."
The audiovisual exhibition is composed of thirteen separate segments that explore three themes:
• Russian Dance in America;
• Russian Music Translated into American Popular Culture;
• Russian Music in America.
Each of the thirteen segments includes clips from films, television programs, videos, and recordings from the
incomparable collections in the Library’s Packard Campus for Audio Visual Conservation. Digitized manuscripts
from the Library’s Music Division collections accompany many of the clips. The exhibition contains 33 clips (lasting
on average three minutes each) that visitors can select to view individually. Accompanying curatorial explanations
provide information about the pieces performed and the artists featured.
For photos please click on link: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/k5blb8ls9ypr3nf/AABOW0sPsJ45qztm7rLtdpLFa?dl=0
1.
Display at preview 2. Luncheon reception 3. Audience at preview 4. Video remarks by Librarian of Congress Dr. James H.
Billington 5. Susan Carmel Lehrman, Founder and Advisory Committee Chair of the Carmel Institute of Russian Culture and
History, Dr. Anton Fedyashin, Director and Associate Professor, Carmel Institute of Russian Culture and History 6. Video
display of exhibit 7. Exhibit display
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About the Carmel Institute of Russian Culture and History:
A gift from international philanthropist and businesswoman Susan Carmel Lehrman has established the Carmel
Institute of Russian Culture and History at American University, within the College of Arts and Sciences.
Ms. Lehrman’s gift will endow and elevate the former Initiative for Russian Culture (IRC) to fund the existing
operations of the IRC in perpetuity in order to enhance and expand its already robust programming in cultural
diplomacy. Since its inception, the IRC has promoted greater understanding of Russian culture’s versatility and
richness among all students in the Washington area’s Consortium of Universities. Its work continues to build lasting
connections between Russians and Americans. More than 14,000 students and guests in the Washington Metro
region have participated in IRC film screenings, panel discussions, and rich cultural experiences. The Institute, will
build upon this foundation by offering new classes, additional study abroad opportunities, and more robust
academic symposia.