Russia is at the forefront of my mind at present!
Firstly, I am delighted to have found a new Russian teacher, Marina. She lives in Bury St Edmunds which isn’t too far to travel. It is amazing how having a teacher gives one the incentive to try a bit harder! It’s just so embarrassing when one mumbles and stumbles over words which one knows one knew once but which now seem to have disappeared into the depths. Marina comes from Siberia so she isn't phased by the cold winter we seem to be having.
Secondly, at the end of last week, Nick and I drove along some very winding roads to Chevington to entertain a very well attended WI meeting with a talk about the sights of St Petersburg, with particular reference to its foundation by Peter the Great. Hardly anyone in the audience fell asleep, and no one took great exception to some of the rather lurid stories that seem to be an inevitable part of any talk about Russia’s colourful history! Illustrated above is the Church on the Spilt Blood in St Petersburg which marks the spot of the assassination of Alexander II.
And now some Russians are coming closer to home.
On Thursday 2nd April the Hermitage Ensemble of St Petersburg is making a second visit to St Lawrence Church in Great Waldingfield following a very successful concert last summer.
You really should try to go along. Those who heard the group last year could not praise them highly enough and I know that the evening will be very entertaining. The ensemble comprises five male singers who perform a wide range of music (unaccompanied as is the Russian tradition), including sacred hymns, folk songs and a cappella works.
Entry is by programme which can be obtained from the Post Office in Great Waldingfield, from Mike Stone at the Bures Business Centre or Chris and Ann Francis tel: 01787 370734.
