Evgeny Svetlanov. “There Is No Figure Equal in Stature”
Novosti Kulturi, Moscow 03 May 2012 On 3 May we remember the conductor, pianist, and composer Evgeny Svetlanov. “Diamond conductor,” “the last romantic of the 20th century” — these are only a few of the rapt epithets bestowed on the musician. “When you see him at the podium, you marvel at how he manages […]
How I was driven out of Russia
Evgeny Svetlanov, 2000 It has been six months since I was “excommunicated” from the Russian State Symphony Orchestra. When the Minister of Culture, Mikhail Efimovich Shvydkoi, signed the order for my dismissal, he knew full well that this order would not only deprive me of my job with the orchestra but would quite simply prevent me […]
Open letter to the President of the Russian Federation, V. V. Putin
Evgeny Svetlanov, 17.04.2000 Dear Vladimir Vladimirovich, I am aware of your countless daily obligations and the scale of the problems that you are constantly required to solve, yet I address this letter to you, the head of our state. Exceptional circumstances leave me no choice. As a man, musician and citizen, I am asking for […]
Evgeny Svetlanov in His Own Words
Répertoire n°158, June 2002 Repertoire: Your concert and recording experience is immense, and yet there is little talk of you specializing only in Russian music. How do you explain this paradox? Evgeny Svetlanov: I have certainly devoted my whole life to Russian music, but that does not exclude others. I wanted to mark an important […]
The Master of Music
On the 80th Anniversary of Evgeny Svetlanov Cultura, No. 33 (643) Over a long career in journalism, we had the chance to interview many outstanding figures from various professions. We were once even fortunate enough to interview a genius — Evgeny Svetlanov. A sovereign of music and its devoted servant. … The musical season had […]