Тhe reception at the consulate really sticks in my memory.
It was an honor and also a very comforting moment to be welcomed to this "home" away from home by the consul and staff. And I thought that the consul's remarks perfectly summed up our activities. She emphasized how a cultural exchange can foster meaningful experiences, and in a very plain way it summed up the nature and purpose of the trip!
As if to prove the point, after the reception you then sent us on our way with Alex, Dmitri, and Igor. I can't say enough good things about these guys and how well they hosted us that night--and for the rest of the week. We shattered our preconceptions about each other and were delighted by the great fun and friendship that we enjoyed.
And yet, this is kind of experience that we found at every turn! We were glad--even anxious--to share our music and knowledge. And clearly our Russian compatriots felt the same way. Beyond barriers of language and national, this was a meaningful exchange, and it has changed the way I think, feel, and speak about Rusisa and about the power of music and culture.
Sincerely,
Dan
Maura Matlak / Мара Матлак
I had just given my workshop to students in Moscow at the State University of Arts and Culture. About 60 students were there. They were curious, engaged, and enthusiastic about learning every aspect of how Pop music works in the US, eager to share details about how similar or different the Russian music industry is, and we shared laughs and jokes even though speaking two totally different languages. I performed for them live, and played some recordings. Several students asked about recording techniques and how they could set up small home studios to record their own music, which is a very popular method in the American indie music scene. After the workshop, I was taking the metro and a student, Mikhael, from the workshop happened to be in the same train car. He came up to me and hugged me and said that he writes music because he wouldn't survive if he didn't. He said he feels it's his only connection to the world and he would die without music. He wants to record his own songs and he felt like now he had the information to set up a small studio. I felt like Russia and the United States were very close at that moment, because I think we all play or sing or write for different reasons, but it's truly a Universal language that can heighten and liberate and free you, and it connects everyone's happiness and sadness into one common humanity.
Julie Thomas / Юлия Томас
Thank you so much for including me in the tour. It was definitely an experience of a lifetime! I feel so fortunate to have spent that time with Jennifer, but also to have met all the wonderful people (both American and Russian) that were connected to the program. I think wonderful people gravitate towards you!
I appreciate what a logistical challenge it is to organize such a program and diverse group. You did such a good job of it though!
We fell in love with St Petersburg – and getting to know the “olgas”/librarians was a treat. I would like to send each of them a note...
One group I was thinking about the other day was the High School that we toured the day you were sick. They put on such a wonderful tour and afternoon program for us. As mentioned, they are hoping to find an equivalent school in the US where an exchange can take place. I am sure that you sent a note them….but if you correspond again, please let them know how much we enjoyed the afternoon.
I hope you were able to get some rest at some point, and really get rid of your cold. It seems like you never slept!
Thanks again for introducing us to Russia.
Best wishes,
Julie
Светлана Нестерова / Svetlana Nesterova
В октябре 2001 года мне посчастливилось, в составе студенческой делегации от композиторского факультета Санкт-Петербургской Консерватории, побывать в Америке. Это была незабываемая поездка! Подлетая к Нью-Йорку, мы увидели завораживающую картину: тысячи ночных огней на побережье Атлантического океана и возвышающуюся над всем этим великолепием Статую Свободы. Америка сразу восхитила нас своим величественным размахом, гостеприимством, доброжелательностью и улыбчивостью людей. Мы побывали в легендарном Гарварде, съездили к побережью Атлантического океана, посмотрели оперный спектакль, организованный силами Бостонского университета, подружились с американскими студентами и обменялись с ними профессиональным опытом. Эта поездка была не просто познавательной, она была душевной. Огромное спасибо Людмиле Ароновне Лейбман, профессору Бостонского университета, которая организовала такое замечательное мероприятие, ставшее одним из самых сильных впечатлений всей моей жизни!
Светлана Нестерова, композитор Санкт-Петербург
I was lucky to be part of the student-composers delegation from St. Petersburg Conservatory that visited America in October 2001. This trip was unforgettable! When our airplane was approaching New York, we saw a stunning picture: thousands of lights in the darkness along the Atlantic Ocean, and the Statue of Liberty shining above. Right away we were fascinated by America with its grand style, hospitality, and friendly and smiling people. We saw the legendary Harvard, went to the Atlantic coast, attended an opera performance organized by Boston University, and made friends and shared experiences with American students. This trip was not just educational, it was inspirational. A thousand thanks to Boston University professor Ludmilla Leibman, who organized this wonderful project that made one of the most amazing impressions on my life!