Russian and Slavic experiences, tradition, belief, politics, ritual and art are explored through this intriguing multimedia event, curated for Bath Music Festival's annual series On the Edge of Life. This year sacred art sits alongside Crimean relics, contemporary paintings, decorative collections, and poignant photography, all blended with Russian Orthodox Church music and a specially-commissioned sound installation.
The pieces have been collected from places all across Bath, and each object is accompanied with the unique tale of how it journeyed to the city. Items have been sourced with the generous help of many organisations, including Bath’s local Orthodox Church Parish of St John of Kronstadt. Eastern iconography is explored through traditional Russian icons from the Victoria Art Gallery’s collection, and contemporary pieces created by Bulgarian artist Silvia Dimitrova. Silvia’s vibrant art uses traditional techniques of icon painting and her work can be seen from numerous private and public commissions, including those for St Paul’s Cathedral in London, Hertford College, Oxford, and in her previous post as Wells Cathedral’s artist-in-residence.
There will be a showcase of beautiful 19th century domestic items from The Holburne Museum’s extensive collection – including a stunning cup ordered by Tsar Nicholas II as a Coronation gift to the Russian people. Everyday Russian life is documented through moving family souvenirs and photography from the early twentieth century right up to the present day.
An inspiring experience that challenges our perceptions of Russia and offers a space to reflect on unique narratives and universal messages.
Presented in collaboration with Bath Spa University’s MA Curatorial Practice
Free entry
Bath Royal Literary and Scientific Institution have programmed a series of lectures in conjunction with Bath International Music Festival. Click on the links below to book tickets for these events:
Thursday 26 May 1pm
Dmitri Shostakovich’s struggle to survive in Soviet Russia
Wednesday 1 June 1pm
Image and Likeness: Icons and the Quest for Holiness in Russian Orthodoxy
Friday 3 June 1pm
Pasternak & Solzhenitsyn
Friday 3 June 7.30pm
Russian Film in the Noughties: Revival of the Spirit