The Hindu : Tamil Nadu / Chennai News : Russian artists enthrall Chennai audience

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Thursday, Jan 18, 2007
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Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu - Chennai

Russian artists enthrall Chennai audience

Staff Reporter

`Bastenki' presents songs and dances

FROM RUSSIA ... WITH LOVE: Artists performing folklore dances and songs at a concert organised by the Russian Centre of Science and Culture and the Indian Society for Cultural Cooperation and Friendship on Wednesday. — PHOTO: K.V.SRINIVASAN

CHENNAI : Differences in linguistic, national and cultural identities hardly mattered when the cultural team from Russia performed before a local audience here on Wednesday.

Organised by Russian Centre of Science and Culture with Indian Society for Cultural Cooperation and Friendship (ISCUF), the programe was an interesting compilation of folk songs and dance numbers. The ensemble `Bastenki' (derived from a Russian word, which means beautiful) presented songs and dances from Russian inhabitants of Western Siberia and Altai.

The leader of the group Nazhedha Luganskaya said traditional Russian instruments were used in the show. Even the gorgeously colourful outfits were traditional costumes of the Russians, she said.

The show was held in Thanjavur, Kumarapalayam, Salem, Pondicherry and finally in Chennai, to mark the upcoming visit of their president Vladimir Putin to India.

The eight-member artists' group earlier had a short meeting with veteran music director Illayarja at his residence on Wednesday. "It was really interesting to meet a great composer and musician. We sang with him. It was lovely... " said Ms.Luganskaya.

P.Thangappan, secretary, ISCUF felicitated the musicians for their wonderful show.

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