Michael Gruenbaum

Commenting on the performance of Maria Lyudko
at the Harvard University Lowell House

October 25, 2015

Ludmilla:  It was TERRIFIC !  What a voice Maria  has!  At times so strong and at times very soft – tremendous control!  And when I found out about the program I wondered how you could have a soprano accompanied by a clarinetist.  The answer is: very well!  I liked best the Puccini aria (probably - because I knew it and it’s so melodious.) and the encore (what was that? – it was really great! It was so whimsical!)  My friends all like it as well.  Many thanks!

And I am so glad we were able to sing Happy Birthday to Maria – that’s something she will never forget… And of course cudos go to you, for always finding first class performers to participate in these festivals!  I don’t know how you manage to keep up an find out who is so good !

Best,

Michael

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Elena Selezneva
Vice Chair
Department of International Education and Cooperation
Saint-Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering

June 3, 2015

Dear Ludmilla,

I am thrilled that the Festival went faultlessly. It owes its success first and foremost to you and your enormous efforts. We were very excited to meet our old friends from Boston and also Festival participants from other Russian Universities.

We are very much looking forward to seeing everyone again.

Best regards,

Elena Selezneva

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Zinaida Kartasheva, PhD
Dean of the Department of Jazz Orchestras and Ensembles
Moscow State University of Culture

May 29, 2015

Dear Ludmilla,

The Festival, as always, flew by like a bright comet in the sky, and as has become customary, left great impressions, memories and new connections, as well as potential promising opportunities.

I anticipate an article about the master class to be published in our newspaper. Will forward.

Zinaida Kartasheva

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