Museum of Russian Icons 2017 Fall Newsletter Volume 6 | Page 3

Serving Up Fairy Tales
From Firebird to Fisherman:
Twelve Fairy Tale Plates
September 28, 2017–March 18, 2018
Anastasia Seifetdinova
Rita Mitsel
CONCERT: Music of
Russian-Jewish
Classical Composers
Anastasia Seifetdinova (piano)
Rita Mitsel (oboe)
Saturday, October 28, 3:30pm
Members $18, Nonmembers $22
Purchase tickets by calling the
Museum, 978.598.5000 x121, or visit our
website, museumofrussianicons.org/
classicalconcert.
The “Jewish art music” movement
originated at the end of the 19th
century in Russia and developed a
new, characteristically Jewish genre of
classical music. This concert features
four prominent composers of the
movement (Joseph Achron, Solomon
Rosowsky, Alexander Krein, and Pesach
Lvov), as well as several works by
Mieczyslaw Weinberg, a lesser-known
Polish-Russian composer who is slowly
being rediscovered as a 20th century
genius.
Anastasia Seifetdinova gave her first
solo recital at age eleven, went on to win
numerous international competitions,
and now performs around the world in
solo concertos with orchestras, in solo
recitals, and with chamber ensembles.
She is currently on faculty of the New
England Conservatory.
Rita Mitsel, principal oboe of Symphony
C and Glens Falls Symphony, earned
her doctorate from Julliard. She has
taught at The New School and Queens
College, performed with orchestras
across the U.S, and recorded with
International Contemporary Ensemble
for the Naxos label.
Twelve decorative plates designed
and crafted by accomplished artists
from the villages of Palekh, Kholui,
and Fedoskino will be featured in the
Museum’s new mini-exhibition. Each
plate illustrates a different Russian fairy
tale, examples of the myths and legends
that provide a window into Russia’s
fascinating and diverse culture.
Check the Museum website for
programs related to this exhibition.
New Program Series: Russkie Posidelki
Conversation and Conviviality
First Thursday, November 2, 6:00-8:00pm
First Thursday, December 7, 6:30-8:00pm
Free program and free admission for all visitors on the first Thursday of each month
from 4:00-8:00pm.
We are excited to introduce a new series of programs based on the rural Slavic
custom of posidelki, a traditional evening “sit-round gathering” when peasants
enjoyed conversation, jokes, songs, food and handicrafts. Larger festive posidelki
with music, dancing, games and rich dinners took place on holidays and other
special occasions. 
Our posidelki series will focus on conversation: an informal, open discussion and
exchange of ideas related to Russian traditions, culture, history, language, literature,
and the arts. Anyone curious and/or passionate about Russia is welcome to share
experiences, ask questions, or just come to listen and learn.
Beginning October 1, look for the “Posidelski Post” box at the Museum to submit
questions and topic ideas for upcoming sessions.
The debut session on November 2 is a special two-hour program that begins at
6:00pm and will feature tea, vodka, smoked salmon, and other zakuska. Hostess
Mila Subbotina, the Museum’s Russian Community Liaison, will lead a conversation
about Russian and American sayings, idioms, and other linguistic quirks, and will
also invite ideas for shaping the posidelki series.
The December 7 gathering begins at 6:30, and will include traditional tea service
and Russian treats. The topic for the month will be announced after the November
program.
FALL 2017 |3