Within music festival“The Art of Good” will host a series of concerts in Moscow with the participation of leading Russian, Spanish, Norwegian, French, Swedish and Swiss performers.
Among the most famous participants in the project are V. Zinchuk, A. Chernov, L. Stoll, G. Idenstam and others.
The main goal of the festival is to introduce domestic listeners to the treasures of world musical culture, as well as to support dialogue between different cultures of the world.
All proceeds from the event will go to charity.
Festival program:
27th of December – Grand opening X International Christmas Festival. Performers: Festival Orchestra under the direction of Freddy Cadena (Ecuador-Russia), Ensemble of Soloists of the Solveig International Vocal Center, soloist of the Novaya Opera Theater. E.V. Kolobova Olga Ionova (soprano), soloists of the State Symphony Orchestra " New Russia» under control Y. Bashmeta Ilya Pirogov (flute) and Nina Gvamichava (harp), soloist of the Moscow State Orchestra for Children and Youth under the direction of. Ivan Rudin Mikhail Kuzin (oboe d'amore), laureates of international competitions Oleg Yakubovich (oboe), Alkhas Ferzba (bass) and Ilyas Nevretdinov (trumpet), titular organist Cathedral Marina Omelchenko (organ), as well as Roman Golovanov (trumpet) and Alla Nikitina (organ). The program includes: festive works by A. Corelli, G.F. Teleman, I.S. Bach, G.F. Handel, V.A. Mozart, C. Debussy and J. Rutter;
December 29th- Christmas mystery of Notre Dame Cathedral. The authentic medieval mystery of the Parisian school of Notre Dame (c. 1170 - c. 1230) will be presented by “Ensemble Labyrinthus”: Anastasia Bondareva (vocals), Ekaterina Liberova (vocals), Irina Dubrova (vocals), Alexander Gorbunov (viela, rebec) and Danil Ryabchikov (12th century cytol, 13th century cytol, leader of the ensemble);
December 30th- the traditional Christmas gala concert “Musical Dynasties about Christmas” will bring together outstanding performers who will perform together with their children. A wonderful holiday for the whole family;
31th of December- New Year's Eve in the Cathedral. Gunnar Edenstam (organ, Sweden): on the last evening of 2017, the only organist from Northern Europe who won the prestigious international competition on improvisation Grand Prix de Chartres. The Royal Academy of Music (Sweden) named Gunnar Edenstam "Performer of the Year", an award the musician accepted from the King of Sweden, His Majesty Carl XVI Gustaf. Idenstam is a recipient of the royal medal "Litteris et Artibus" and a member of the Royal Swedish Academy of Music;
January 2- daytime concert for the whole family - Festive fairy tale “Twelve Months”. Organ, choir and theatrical action. Concert based on the work of S. Marshak. The Melodiya Children's Choir and students of the organ class of the children's music school will perform. CM. Maikapara;
January 3- Christmas in flamenco style. Juan de la Rubia (titular organist of the Sagrada Familia Basilica in Barcelona) and Pau Figueres (guitar, Spain);
5 January- Scandinavian Christmas. Saxophone and organ. Performers will be Ola Rokkones (saxophone, Norway) and the cantor of the Ris District Church in Oslo, Terje Bagered (organ, Norway);
6th January- Melodies of the Alpine mountains. Alpine horn and organ. The Christmas program will be performed by Lisa Stoll (alpine horn) and Esther Bollinger (organ);
Jan. 7- the premiere of the program “Christmas in Pre-Revolutionary Russia” will offer listeners the Third Piano Concerto of S. Rachmaninov, arranged for organ and piano. Also performed: music by P. Tchaikovsky, popular Christmas and New Year melodies of the early 20th century. Performers: Veniamin Smekhov (art), laureate of international competitions Alexey Chernov (piano), titular organist of the Cathedral Anna Vetlugina (organ) and Dmitry Maksimenko (organ);
13th of January- Victor Zinchuk. Christmas concert on Old New Year's Eve. An unusual concert for guitar and organ that will present festive classical music in a new sound;
January 14- Premiere of the JazzAntique project. Closing ceremony of the Christmas Festival. Laureate of international competitions Nikolai Gladskikh (countertenor) and the Sedov Jazz Trio ensemble will offer viewers a stunning mixture of baroque and jazz music.
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For all fans of fiery Spanish music, a new festive Christmas concert in flamenco style will be an incredible surprise. The guitar parts accompanying one of the most beautiful national dances of Spain allow you to feel the unique flavor of the culture of this country. Two talented Spanish musicians - Pau Figueres and Juan de la Rubia - will perform before the guests of the program. Today the name of Pau Figueres is known throughout the world. This talented young guitarist has amazing technique. It mixes elements of traditional guitar playing with modern sounds.
Excellent ownership different styles, he prefers the flamenco direction. His duet partner in this concert will be the famous Spanish organist Juan de la Rubia. Today he is the winner of the Primer Palau prize, awarded by the Catalan Palace. Fans of his work note his mastery of the art of improvisation. Not long ago, the organist performed the complete works of Johann Sebastian Bach. The evening program will feature vibrant Spanish compositions. To make a musical trip to Spain, you must definitely buy tickets for the Christmas flamenco concert.
The festival, organized by the Art of Good charity foundation, is aimed at introducing listeners to the treasury of world musical culture, preserving family traditions and maintaining intercultural dialogue in modern society. Spectators are waiting holiday concerts organ, instrumental and vocal music. From monumental classics to folk, from crossovers to covers of popular Christmas carols, as well as two world premieres. All proceeds from the concerts will go to charity.
The winter festival will traditionally be held in the Moscow Cathedral on Malaya Gruzinskaya Street, where one of the largest organs in our country is installed - a Swiss wind instrument from Kuhn. The concerts also feature a unique Allen organ.
Leading performers from Russia, Spain, Norway, France, Sweden and Switzerland will perform as part of the tenth anniversary Christmas festival “The Art of Good”. Muscovites and guests of the capital can expect two bright premieres and performances by star performers, including: Honored Artist of Russia Viktor Zinchuk (guitar), winner of the “Performer of the Year” award (presented by the King of Sweden, His Majesty Carl XVI Gustaf) Gunnar Idenstam, titular organist of the Sagrada Familia Basilica in Barcelona Juan de la Rubia, laureate of international competitions Lisa Stoll (Alpine Horn, Switzerland), laureate of the XIV International Competition. Tchaikovsky Alexey Chernov (piano), etc.
The festival is supported by the Embassy of the Kingdom of Spain in the Russian Federation, the Embassy of Switzerland in Russia, the Embassy of Sweden in the Russian Federation, the Embassy of the Kingdom of Norway in Moscow, the Cervantes Institute in Moscow, as well as the Scandinavian Nordic School and the Antik Hotel (Moscow).
In a programme:
December 30 – traditional Christmas gala concert “Musical Dynasties about Christmas”
Outstanding performers will perform together with their children.
December 31 - New Year's Eve in the Cathedral on Malaya Gruzinskaya Street
Gunnar Idenstam (organ, Sweden): On the last evening of 2017, the only organist from Northern Europe to win the prestigious international improvisation competition Grand Prix de Chartres will perform at the cathedral. Idenstam is a recipient of the Royal Medal “Litteris et Artibus” and a member of the Royal Swedish Academy of Music.
January 2 – afternoon concert for the whole family – fairy tale “Twelve Months”
Organ, choir and theatrical action. Concert based on the work of S. Marshak. The children's choir "Melody" and students of the organ class of the children's music school named after S.M. will perform. Maikapara.
January 3 – Christmas in flamenco style
Performers: Juan de la Rubia (titular organist of the Sagrada Familia Basilica in Barcelona) and Pau Figueres (guitar, Spain).
January 5th – Scandinavian Christmas
Saxophone and organ: Ola Rokkones (saxophone, Norway) and Oslo Ris Church Cantor Terje Bägerød (organ, Norway).
January 6 – Melodies of the Alpine mountains
Alpine horn and organ: Lisa Stoll (alpine horn) and Esther Bollinger (organ).
January 7 — S. Rachmaninov’s Third Piano Concerto, arranged for organ and piano
Also performed: music by P. Tchaikovsky, popular Christmas and New Year melodies of the early 20th century.
January 13 — Victor Zinchuk “Christmas concert on the eve of the Old New Year”
An unusual concert for guitar and organ will present holiday classical music in a new sound.
January 14 — premiere of the JazzAntique project
Closing ceremony of the Christmas Festival.
With a detailed program and additional information can be consulted .
Each country has its own characteristics and traditions of celebrating winter holidays. Spain is no exception in this regard. In all cities and provinces, streets, shop windows, and residents' homes are decorated with various lights, Christmas trees are put up, which creates a festive mood.
Christmas Eve is celebrated in Spain on December 24, the day before Christmas. This is a family holiday, like Christmas, so only family members gather at the table. According to established tradition, children sing songs and eat sweets that are laid out on the table.
Children also receive symbolic gifts. The pagan character "Caga tio" is not uncommon in Catalan homes. This log doesn't look normal. It has a human face, front legs and is covered with a blanket. Children either buy it or make it themselves. It is believed that if you take care of it, it will bring gifts.
Caga tió (Tió de Nadal)
At night, at two o'clock, all the people gather for the Rooster Mass (Misa de gallo). According to legends, it was the rooster who saw the birth of Christ first and then spread the news throughout the world.
When is Christmas celebrated?
Christmas is officially celebrated on December 25, but the celebration itself begins a little earlier. Christmas is an exclusively family holiday in Spain. Every family gets together, even the most distant relatives come. All houses, according to ancient custom, are illuminated with kerosene lamps. On Christmas night festive table filled with numerous sweets and seafood. The main dish is turkey with mushrooms. And after dinner until the morning everyone has fun and sings Christmas songs at the tree.
Christmas traditions
The celebration of Hogueras is an ancient Spanish tradition of celebrating winter solstice. This is the shortest day of the year. In some regions, Spaniards jump over fires, and this is considered a ritual that protects against disease.
The most popular and important traditional symbol is, of course, the belen. It is shaped like a model that demonstrates the birth of Christ. It is a real decoration of the city and houses. All shops, offices, restaurants display their own henbane on public display. And the most beautiful Christmas compositions are located on the main square of each city. These are real works of art that reflect a piece of life. Now any store in Spain sells items for the construction of a henbane, and the material is very diverse. Therefore, each family has its own composition.
Every year, residents are entertained by fireworks shows, music, Christmas markets and traditional fairs. All this provides a special mood. In a town located in the province of Málaga, in Andalucía, Christmas is celebrated in flamenco style, with competitions and corresponding concerts. This is the most important cultural event. The tradition is not ancient. It arose quite recently. Residents enjoy performances by singers and dancers. And also, tasting of anise liqueur, dessert wine and locally produced pastries.
Archena becomes a real medieval shopping center at Christmas. The market sells antique jugs, herbal mixtures, and wine tails. Clowns, witches and fortune tellers are an integral part. Residents seem to be transported back to the last century.
Every year on December 25, the first Sunday of January and January 6, the Fellowship of the Good Name of Jesus performs an unusual ritual in Caudete (Albacete province). On these days, dances are held “Reinado infantil” (“Children’s Kingdom”), then “Reinados adultos” (“Adult Kingdom”). The scene is Church Square. From the square, all the fun is transferred to the halls of the local Compars Association.
Residents of the town of Galisteo, located in the province of Caceres, have a slightly different Christmas experience. Members of the brotherhood, formed in 1662, perform an Act of Faith. The actors present to the audience only one “play” of the brotherhood. Preparations begin on the first Sunday in November. The director himself chooses the theme of the rehearsals. On Christmas Eve, at about 10 o'clock in the morning, the assistant steward appears on the street and beats the drum. Thus, he calls all the members of the brotherhood to the steward's house. There is already a cradle with the baby Christ there. All the brothers bow to the cradle. After a peculiar ceremony, they all collect Christmas alms. During the process they sing various songs. And on December 25, the manager treats all the brothers to lunch. In parallel, Carantolya, who personifies Herod, “scares” people on the street with his appearance. The performance of the “Sacred Act”, starting at 3 o’clock in the afternoon, brings the holiday to its logical conclusion.
Jerez, located in the province of Cadiz, amazes the city with New Year's illumination on the eve of Christmas. The Christmas program includes a market, competitions, and the Cotillion festival. The tradition is to sing hymns in honor of the Virgin Mary and the Child Christ accompanied by sambobo. This is an ancient noise instrument. Impromptu concerts are also held and songs are sung.
Vejer de la Frontera in the province of Cádiz has its own traditions. During the Christmas period, the town is simply filled with the sounds of sambobo. There is also a whitewashing competition among all residents and a screening of “Living Pictures of Bethlehem” is organized.
Spanish New Year's carols, or "", originated in the 13th century and spread to Spain in the 16th century. The term itself is associated with the word “villa” - village. That is, this suggests that songs originally originated in villages. In those days they were performed by peasants at various festivals and had absolutely nothing to do with Christmas. But already in the 19th century everything changed. These songs became associated with the birth of the baby Jesus.
December 28th is celebrated. It is an analogue of the Russian April 1st. The Spaniards are cheerful people, so they know how to joke with each other. On this day, newspapers publish various false advertisements and fountains are filled with soap foam. A standard joke is to stick a “monigote” figurine to the back of a friend. It is also popular to replace sugar with salt. family table. This day, by the way, has a religious origin. According to Catholic traditions, this is the Day of Infant Martyrs. And it is celebrated in memory of the children who were beaten on the orders of Herod in Bethlehem.
When is New Year celebrated?
Celebrated on the night of December 31 to January 1. It is public in nature, as all residents flock to the main squares of cities and wait for the chimes to strike. New Year in Spain this is exactly what distinguishes it from a quiet and family Christmas with the family. Of course, in New Year's Eve Spaniards have dinner with their family at home or in restaurants, but afterwards they always go outside.
New Year traditions
Most well-known tradition is eating 12 grapes, which must be eaten when the chimes strike. Grapes in Spain have long symbolized wealth, happiness and health. By the way, stores sell ready-made packages of grapes (12 pieces).
Red, which mostly symbolizes Spain, is also the color of choice for the New Year. It is believed that wearing red underwear will bring good luck and happiness in the New Year.
The Spaniards have one symbol called “Caganer” (“El Caganer”). This is not an ordinary figurine. It represents a man defecating, which turns out to symbolize good luck in the new year. It is believed that it thus fertilizes the earth.
San Juan de Beleño has its own unique New Year celebration. A mysterious figure collects New Year's offerings on January 1st from the people of Belegno. This figure is accompanied by 40 people on horses. "Girria" - main character, dressed in white pants with red inserts, a cap on his head, and a bag of ash on his shoulders. With this bag he beats women who prevent him from approaching him. Every year "Girria" is different. And the face is revealed only at the end of the ritual.
Final holiday
The series of Christmas and New Year's holidays and traditions on January 6, which is the day. This is a children's holiday. There is a performance on the square with the participation of fairy-tale characters. According to traditions, children write a letter not to Santa Claus, but to the Three Wise Men.
During the holiday you can also watch the procession in all cities of Spain. Kings on camels walk through the streets and scatter candies, and children and adults collect them. It is on this day that children receive long-awaited gifts. The procession itself begins around 7 pm and is broadcast on all central channels.
Christmas and new year traditions are numerous in Spain. Each town and province has its own, but the festive mood, brightly decorated streets and cheerful character of the Spaniards make the series of New Year's holidays unforgettable.