Please join the Harriman Institute and Barnard Slavic Department for Three Evenings with Alexander Zhurbin. Moderated by Mark Lipovetsky.

Unlike Tchaikovsky’s, Mussorgsky’s, and Rimsky-Korsakov’s operas, the contemporary Russophone opera remains relatively obscure for the world much like its American or French counterparts. This is unfortunate since a cohort of avant-garde composers have emerged in the post-Soviet years, and their compositions resonate more strongly with Western audiences, especially as many of them now reside in emigration. Nonetheless, Russian opera theaters continue to stage productions that offer a glimpse into contemporary musical expressions. Noteworthy examples include Desyatnikov’s Rozental’s Children, Shchedrin’s Lolita, Wustin’s Devil in Love,  as well Alexander Zhurbin’s operatic adaptation of Sologub’s Petty Demon. All of these and other operas will be introduced by Zhurbin. This event will feature video presentations of these operas, accompanied by expert commentary from the composer.