Participants' Experiences & Thoughts

Participants' Experiences & Thoughts

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

Irina Y. Gelman/Ирина Гельман

"I've just came from Brundibar. My eyes were full of tears at the end of the performance when kids turned to the audience with yellow stars. It touched my heart. I came a little later when you were leaving the stage after the introduction but I was able to hear the whole performance. Great job!!! How were you able to put everything together at only two rehearsals? Amazing!"

Olga Dunaeva / Ольга Дунаева

Dear Ludmilla,

I am Olga Dunaeva, the mother of Anna, one of the young participants in Brundibar. I want to thank you for the wonderful opportunity you provided for our children. In Boston, they were surrounded by kind, caring people, all of who they befriended. Special thanks to Katya, for her extraordinary sensitivity, attention and care.

Olga

Дорогая Людмила!

Я - мама Ани Дунаевой, участвовавшей в спектакле "Брундибар". Я благодарю Вас за эту чудесную возможность, которую получили наши дети. В Бостоне их окружали замечательные заботливые люди, с которыми они подружились. Особое спасибо Кате за удивительную чуткость, внимание и заботу.

Ольга.

Sofia Drabkina / София Драбкина

Hello! We and the children have arrived safely. Everyone is happy; they all wanted to stay. Our sincere gratitude to you, Ludmilla Leibman, and the wonderful people that welcomed us so warmly. We sang the whole way to the airport. Louie, our driver was happy too, and sang with us while conducting, almost forgetting to watch the road. The parents are all very grateful. We hope to see you in May. Many thanks.

Sofia

Добрый вечер! Мы долетели отлично, дети здоровы, очень хотели остаться. Огромное спасибо Вам, Людмила, и все добрым людям,которые нас так замечательно приняли. Всю дорогу до аэропорта в Бостоне мы пели, Луи-водитель был счастлив и пел вместе с нами, а также дирижировал, забывая про руль. Родители очень благодарят всех. Надеемся на встречу в мае. Спасибо.

София

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