Photo credit: Janet Donovan
It’s a good thing that the joint concert featuring Bolshoi’s Young Opera Program and Washington National Opera’s Domingo-Cafritz Artist Program at the Embassy of The Russian Federation hosted by H.E. Anatoly Antonov was held prior to the expulsion of many Russian diplomats in Washington, DC. Otherwise, who knows what would have happened to this marvelous occasion for those who believe in diplomacy and cultural exchange.
“I’m grateful and pleased to be able to once again introduce a new generation to the beauty of opera and the importance of cultural sharing. We are grateful to Ambassador Antonov for his continued commitment to support this wonderful cultural exchange.The Washington National Opera has a history of bringing people together to both foster greater cultural understanding as well as to celebrate commonalities between cultures,” said Susan Carmel, International philanthropist and founder of The Carmel Institute of Russian Culture and History. “As some of you may recall, in June of 2010, the Washington National Opera ball was held for the first time in this beautiful embassy. I had the honor of chairing this ball where young artists from the Bolshoi performed so beautifully, and stronger cultural relations have grown ever since that auspicious occasion. The chance for these young artists to visit each other’s countries to study together will be invaluable for their future careers. While the Bolshoi-Washington National Opera Young Artist Exchange Program is essentially about rigorous artistic training, it is also a vital collaboration that showcases the importance of building bridges to create greater unity through culture. The artistic world works cooperatively and tonight we highlight this cooperation and mutual respect through the beauty of music. We are so pleased to have you join us. So, thank you Mr. Ambassador from the bottom of my heart for your ongoing support of not one, but two very important U.S. Russia exchange programs, both represented here this evening.”
Susan Carmel
“It is clear evidence that despite the complicated situation in our bilateral relations, there is a great deal of interest towards the Russian culture,” said Ambassador Antonov. “Supporting talented young people in their artistic endeavors is an important and noble mission. Russia and the United States are countries with rich and colorful musical heritage. We have a lot to learn from one another in order not just to preserve, but also to multiply this heritage. The exchange program between leading opera theaters of our countries is a great model of such cooperation. Tonight is an artistic show of promising young performers from The United States and The Russian Embassy that has become a wonderful tradition since 2011. I would like to thank the leadership of the Bolshoi Theater and Washington National Opera as well as the artistic director of the Young Artist program Mr. Robert Ainsley for making this event possible. I extend my special gratitude to the sponsor of opera exchange programs and tonight’s concert – Susan Carmel for her relentless support and huge creative energy in developing cultural ties between Russia and The United States.”
Ambassador Antonov
“What a joyous past two weeks this has been for our program as we have hosted these incredibly gifted artists in the Bolshoi Theatre, making beautiful music together, showing them our great city,” said Robert Ainsley. “It is a universal language, music. It is something to celebrate, it transcends all boundaries, and it is a true honor to share the fruits of our labors together with you tonight. There could be no more stunning venue to celebrate this collaboration, this ongoing exchange program between two of the world’s great performing art centers – The John Kennedy Center for Performing Arts and Bolshoi Theatre.”
Rhoda Septilici
“I hope by now you’ve had a couple of glasses of that queen of drinks – that bubbly deliciousness of Champagne,” he added. Thank you, we did. “Please join me in raising a metaphorical toast to this wonderful collaboration.”
After the performances, guests were treated to a lavish buffet, more bubbly and left on a sugar high after consuming lavish handmade Fabergé Eggs.
