December 2, 2024. Almaty. With the blessing of Metropolitan Alexander of Astana and Kazakhstan, a creative literary evening titled “A Frank Conversation” took place, featuring performances of original songs.
The event was dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the birth of the renowned Soviet poet, bard, and composer Bulat Shalvovich Okudzhava.
The creative literary evening was organized by the Russian House in Almaty and the Department of Culture of the Kazakhstan Metropolis.
The concert was attended by: Bishop Gennady of Kaskelen, Administrator of the Orthodox Church of Kazakhstan; Protopriest Evgeny Ivanov, Acting Rector of the Almaty Orthodox Theological Seminary and Head of the Metropolitan District’s Information and Publishing Department; Protopriest Alexander Gaychenya, Sacristan of the Cathedral of the Nativity of Christ and Head of the Church History Department of the Almaty Orthodox Theological Seminary; M.S. Simakova, Head of the Russian House in Almaty; T.V. Zubkova, Head of International Humanitarian Projects of the Russian House in Almaty; L.E. Goricheva, Head of the Department of Culture of the Metropolis and Chair of the Choir Directing Department of the Almaty Seminary; S. Romanova, Manager of the “Interfax” Press Center; clergy from Almaty churches, seminary students, representatives of news agencies and analytical portals, bloggers covering cultural and artistic topics, benefactors of the diocese, and parishioners of the Southern Capital’s churches.
Participants of the creative literary evening included: I. Autov, Honored Artist of the Republic of Kazakhstan, poet, composer, and leader of the rock band “Motor-Roller”; L. Korotichenko, laureate of the International “Romansiada” Competition, actress, and singer; L. Kolesnikova, laureate of the International “Romansiada” Competition and composer; V. Tsytsarev, winner of the Grand Prix of the “Mountain Echo-2019” International Author’s Song Festival; A. Kareva, composer and performer; and G. Sangulova, a performer of author’s songs.
The project was supported by the “Interfax-Kazakhstan” agency.
Before the event began, Protopriest Evgeny Ivanov read a message of greeting from Metropolitan Alexander of Astana and Kazakhstan to the participants of the creative evening. “In these special days preparing us for the feast of peace and God’s love for mankind—the Nativity of Christ—we have become participants in the author’s song evening, ‘A Frank Conversation.’ Through music, it is possible to express the most intimate and complex human emotions. Author’s songs are an ancient and beloved genre for many peoples, and spiritual themes have always played an essential role in this form of creativity. Such art allows for heartfelt conversations with people searching for God and the meaning of life. I hope that this event, bringing together performers and admirers of bardic creativity, will become a continuation and development of the festival, ‘Confession of the Heart,’ which has earned public love and recognition. I wish the authors and performers new creative successes and achievements, and I wish all of us strength, peace, well-being, and God’s grace,” Metropolitan Alexander’s message stated.
During the creative evening, songs based on the poetry of Bulat Shalvovich Okudzhava were presented to the audience.
Bishop Gennady addressed the audience with a welcoming speech, in which he highlighted the Christian motifs in the works of famous Soviet bards.
At the conclusion of the event, the participants and concert attendees performed Bulat Shalvovich’s famous song, “I Will Bury a Grape Seed in Warm Soil,” together.
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