May 2013

Dear Professor Leibman,

First off, I want to thank you for introducing me to St. Petersburg and its music!  My time with the Educational Bridge Project in St. Petersburg was a transformative experience; I was able to not only see the beauty of St. Petersburg, but experience its culture by exploring Peterhof, the Hermitage, breaking bread with its residents, and attending an intimate salon where I was able to listen to music created by talented, up-and-coming musicians.  Days later, I still remember the gold-tipped domes and spires of St. Petersburg, the warmth and wit of all I met, and the music that can overwhelm one while attending a performance at the St. Petersburg Court Cappella.

I particularly want to thank Yulia Kushenko, Director of the Chekhov Central Library, for her warm welcome of me and tour of the library with Barbara.  Yulia did all she could to make my talk easy and welcome me to her library (and its wifi!).  I will never forget you, Yulia, Guila, Barbara, Professor Kholostova (who I adore), Tony, Ann, Annhe, Ilya, Vladmir, Anne, and Aaron – how lucky I am to have such great companions to celebrate The Educational Bridge Project with!

Best,

Stephanie Sandbeck