WHEN: Saturday, March 3, 6:00 p.m.

WHERE: RCC Our Texas (2337 Bissonnet Houston, TX 77005)

ADMISSION: $15/$12 for RCC members

Russian Cultural Center Our Texas presents Musical Evening dedicated to Great Russian singer Feodor Chaliapin.

Feodor Chaliapin is perhaps the most legendary operatic bass in history. Possessed of a large and beautiful voice, he devoted himself to all aspects of his art — most significantly his dramatic portrayals.

Program: fragments of unique documentaries with live Chaliapin, excerpts of audio records 1900-1927 years, exhibit of singer’s portraits, display of books and photo albums about Chaliapin, presentation by Mark Zaltsberg.

Mark Zaltsberg is the passionate lover of opera music and collects the materials about Feodor Chaliapin all his life. He is the owner of the full collection of Chaliapin’s records. For many years Mark was a translator for visiting Russian singers at Houston Grand Opera.

Advanced ticket purchase is recommended as seating is limited.

For more information please call 713.395.3301 or e-mail OurTexasInc@gmail.com

Sponsors:

WHEN: Saturday, February 11, 2 p.m. – 6 p.m.

WHERE: RCC Our Texas (2337 Bissonnet Houston, TX 77005)

We offer gently used Russian and English books: fiction, non-fiction, mysteries, travel, cookbooks, books for kids and adults.

Prices: Paperback – $1, hardcover – $2

For more information please call 713.395.3301 or e-mail OurTexasInc@gmail.com

Sponsors:

WHEN: January 27, 2012 at 7:30pm

WHERE: Dowling Music (2615 Southwest Freeway #220 Houston, Texas 77098)

ADMISSION: $30/$25 for seniors and students

Purchase tickets online

Russian Cultural Center “Our Texas” presents a unique concert “Bach in Jazz Style” featuring Russian pianist Valery Grohovski, violinist Mark Cheikhet and local jazz musicians: Adam Booker (bass) and Darren Kuper (drums). These brilliant musicians demonstrate a flawless transition from classical music to jazz.

THE PROGRAM:

Part I:

1. Felix Mendelssohn – Wedding March from “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”.
2. I. Bach – Piano Concerto in F Minor, BWV. 1056
3. Cole Porter – Love for Sale
4. I. Bach – 1-st Movement of Sonata for Viola and Piano
   Soloist Mark Cheikhet – Viola

Part II:

1. W.A. Mozart – The Piano Sonata in B-flat major, K. 333
2. G. Gershwin – Prelude No. 2
3. I. Bach – Concerto for violin with orchestra
   Soloist Mark Cheikhet – Violin
4. W. A. Mozart – Serenade in G major, K. 525 “A Little Night Music”, Finale

Program is subject to change

“Valeri Grohovski is the rarest of musicians – always playing with perfect taste.” – Tatiana Petrova, President of the Gnessin Music College, Moscow. A virtuoso classical pianist equally known for his jazz improvisational talent, Valeri Grohovski is in a class of his own. In addition to his busy concert and recording schedule, he composes, arranges and performs music in a wide range of styles for theatre and cinema. Born and raised in the former USSR, Valeri Grohovski received his doctorate in music in Moscow, before traveling to compete abroad, where he won numerous competitions in both Europe and the United States. Although he lived for a decade in the United States, he now divides his time between homes in Russia, France and Costa Rica.

Violinist Mark Cheikhet earned his master and doctorate degrees in violin performance from Moscow Conservatory. His influential teachers included Maya Glezarova, Eduard Grach, and Sergei Girshenko. He is touring widely as a soloist and in chamber ensembles throughout Russia, Germany, Italy, France, Mexico, and the U.S. His recent performances incluye Brescia-Festa Internazionale Della Musica, a festival of Russian Art in Marseille, France, along with The Promenade festival in Oldenburger, Germany and RAMA in Boston, MA.

Currently the bassist for the Kris Kimura Quintet, Adam Booker has been playing bass for over 20 years. In that short time he has been a member of the Jazz Pharaoh’s, The Asylum Street Spankers, the US Navy Band New Orleans, and others.

Darren Kuper, drums, has been playing music for over 20 years. Together with pianist Barry Brake, he spearheaded a new jazz group in 1990, naming it the Jazz Protagonists. In 2003 Modern Drummer magazine singled out his performances on “Bar Codes”, an album by Mike Brannon’s progressive-jazz group Synergy.

Please, purchase your tickets in advance as the seating is limited.

For more information please call 713.395.3301 or e-mail OurTexasInc@gmail.com

Sponsors:

WHEN: Monday – Friday: 8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m., Saturday: 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

WHERE: RCC Our Texas (2337 Bissonnet Houston, TX 77005)

Enjoy the broad assortment of traditional Russian souvenirs and gifts for Valentine, Easter and any occasion:

• Russian gzhel. The history of Gzhel dates back to old times and its will have a long life. The famous folk craft is gathering new force. The factory’s product range includes: vases, tableware sets and sculptured items.
• Lomonosov Vintage figurine (Imperial Factory). Lomonosov Factory is the first in the country to have worked out technology and set up production of thin-walled bone china items which are notable for enhanced whiteness, thinness and transparency in comparison with traditional hard porcelain.
• Beautiful jewelry boxes – lacquer miniatures, hand-painted with the Russian fairy-tale motifs;
• Golden “Khokhloma” (wood painting tableware);
• Nesting dolls – famous “Matreshkas”, big and small;
• Souvenir flasks;
• Beautiful icons, paintings and more

and many more will be a perfect gift for you and your family!

For more information please call 713.395.3301 or e-mail OurTexasInc@gmail.com

WHEN: December 16, 2011 at 7:30pm

WHERE: RCC Our Texas (2337 Bissonnet Houston, TX 77005)

ADMISSION: $8/$6 for RCC members

A film by Oksana Dvornichenko and Helga Landauer

Structured around the 1973 Soviet propaganda cruise to the United States, which Shostakovich took two years before his death, this film parallels an ocean voyage with the composer’s personal journey from child prodigy to bitter tool of the Politburo. Mixing Soviet propaganda films with snippets of symphonies and rare film of composer at work, directors Oksana Dvornichenko and Helga Landauer portray a man compromising his art to save his life.

As the film jumps back and forth from shipboard frivolities to ecstatic public adorations of Stalin, directors throw in random treasures of synchronized street ballets performance by beaming girls in bathing suits, Paul Robeson singing a Russian folk song, and Shostakovich confessing his hatred of movies and love of Guy de Maupassant.

While the composer’s motivation remains murky, the triumph of his music perfectly matches the aesthetics of Soviet agitprop, pushing Shostakovich’s personal beliefs aside until all that’s left is music for the masses.

Community screening with directors’ permission.

Please, purchase your tickets in advance as the seating is limited.

For more information please call 713.395.3301 or e-mail OurTexasInc@gmail.com

Sponsors:

WHEN: December 18, 2011 at 4:00pm

WHERE: RCC Our Texas (2337 Bissonnet Houston, TX 77005)

ADMISSION:  $15 for kids/adults

An Unforgettable Russian Christmas for children:

PUPPET THEATER
“Twas The Night before Christmas”

“TwasThe Night Before Christmas” puppet show combines poetry and dialogue to create a Christmas fantasy. The show opens in Santa’s North Pole workshop where we meet Santa, Mrs. Claus, the elves and Rudolph, the red-nosed reindeer. The sleigh travels to a snowy forest for scene two, where Rudolph’s nose has become frozen in the snowstorm. Interested to know what will happen to our friends next? Bring your kids and find out with us!

Presents from Father Frost to Each Child!

Please, purchase your tickets in advance as the seating is limited.

For more information please call 713-395-3301 or e-mail OurTexasInc@gmail.com

This event is sold out

Sponsors:

The Russian Cultural Center of Houston has teamed up with Hans Graf, the Houston Symphony, and renowned restaurateur, Tony Vallone, for a special evening “Imperial Russia New Year’s Eve Gala. Our first Annual Gala highlights the best of Russian music and cuisine and will bring in the New Year in classic Russian style, on Friday evening, January 13, 2012.

The gala is honoring the Music Director of the Houston Symphony, for his continued support of the Russian Cultural Center as a board member and the director of our musical programs.

In collaboration with the Houston Symphony, patrons and music lovers have the option of attending both the Jones Hall performance of Sergey Rachmaniniff’s Piano Concertos Number 1 and 4, with guest soloist Kirill Gerstein, and a Russian-style New Year’s Eve Gala at the Ciao Bella restaurant following the concert.

Please join the Russian Cultural Center, the Houston Symphony, and Tony Vallone for this extraordinary evening. Make it a date night or invite your friends to enjoy Gerstein’s performance of Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concertos and Chef Vallone’s special menu of Classic Russian dishes resurrected from the twilight reign of the Romanoffs. The Gala will commence at 10:00 pm, featuring open bar of premiere Russian vodkas, wine and beer, special 5-star three course supper, silent auction and music by the “Gypsies.”

Be a part of the special tribute to the most beloved Russian composer. Don’t miss the opportunity to reserve a table with this year’s Gala Honoree, Maestro Hans Graf, or with our special guests  Russian Consul General, Vice Russian Consul and world renowned pianist Kirill Gerstein.

Proceeds from the event are tax deductible and will be used to underwrite the cultural programs offered to Texans through the Russian Cultural Center. Together, we can boost visibility of the Russian culture and improve the quality of cultural events in Houston.

Individual Gala Tickets – $150

Gala Sponsor Level Tables of Ten

• $25,000 – seating with Maestro & Mrs. Hans Graf (table of 10)
• $10,000 – seating with the Russian Consul General and spouse (table of 10)
• $5,000 – seating with pianist & Mrs. Kirill Gerstein (table of 10)

The tickets are treated as a charitable donation and are tax deductible.

Purchase tickets online

Gala featuring Supper menu by Tony Vallone and music by the “Gypsies” band

Open bar with Russian vodka, wine, and beer

Silent Auction

Raffle for 2 round trip to Moscow, courtesy of Singapore Airlines

Attire: Black Tie Optional.

For more information and reservations, please call 713.395.3301

The Gala Chairs:

Jamie Stewart and John Sparacino

Victoria Filippov and George Nemeth

The Gala Committee:
Mrs. Donna Alexander, Ms. Lisa Whitaker,
Dr. Boris & Larisa Rubashkin, Dr. Alex Prokhorov,
Ms. Kate Campbell, Ms. Esther Olivarez, Ms. Lisa Lee

The Gala Honoree:

Hans Graf, Music Director of Houston Symphony. Known for his intensely musical interpretations of a wide ranging repertoire and creative programming, the distinguished Austrian conductor, Hans Graf, is one of today’s most highly respected musicians. This year’s gala honors Hans Graf for his service on the board of the Russian Cultural Center “Our Texas” and an important contribution to our musical program.

The Gala Sponsors:

2003. Director Yosif Feyginberg

Language: Russian, with English subtitles.

WHEN: Friday, October 7, 2011 at 7:30pm

WHERE: RCC Our Texas (2337 Bissonnet; Houston, TX 77005)

Admission is free

The musical icon Glenn Gould remains one of the best-known and most accomplished pianists of our time. “Russian Journey” is not a conventional biographical film about this musician, but a story of one great event in Gould’s life — his 1957 trip to Russia. This event had a long-lasting effect on the performer and his audiences, and would influence future generations of Russian musicians.

Along with new facts and details about Gould’s visit to Russia, this film features original Moscow and Leningrad recordings of Gould’s concerts, including the unreleased recording of Gould’s lecture/recital at the Leningrad Conservatory. Also featured are previously unknown, unreleased documents and photographs of Gould’s trip, many from his ‘confidential’ file in the Department of Foreign Affairs. The impact of his visit is also recaptured through the words of celebrated contemporary musicians Mstislav Rostropovich, Vladimir Ashkenazy, and other prominent musicians, musicologists, film and theater directors.

Community screening with distributors’ permission.

For more information call 713-395-3301 or e-mail OurTexasInc@gmail.com

Event Sponsors

This project is funded in part by a grant of the City of Houston through the Houston Art Alliance

The latest works of independent Russian movie makers, as well as a young Houstonian movie maker will be screened in four cities in Texas – Houston, Dallas, Austin and College Station in collaboration with five Texas universities: University of Houston, UT Arlington, SMU Dallas, UT Austin, and A&M College Station.

This year we will present the following movies:
“Harvest Time” and “The Weather Outside is Beautiful” by Marina Razhbezhkina
“Love me Please” and “Window Pane Nostalgia” by Valery Balayan
“Kamchatka: The Salmon Country” by Daniel Levine

Each movie presentation will be accompanied by a lecture and a Q/A session with our honored Moscow guests, acclaimed directors Valery Balayan, Marina Razhbezkina, and Daniel Levine from Houston.

Dates and Venues

Austin

October 24, 2011, 7:30 pm
“Love me Please”
UT Austin, UT campus in Calhoun Hall, Room 100
512.232.9123
Entrance: free

Dallas
October 25, 2011, 5pm
“Love me Please”
U T Arlington, University Hall 108
214.808.3503
Entrance: free

October 28, 2011, 7pm
“Harvest Time”
SMU Dallas, 3225 University Boulevard, Hall McCord Auditorium
214.768.2294
Entrance: free

College Station
October 26, 2011, 7:30 pm
“Love me Please”
Texas A&M College Station, Room 410 at EDMS of the Library Annex at Texas A&M University
979.574.1115
Entrance: free

Houston
October 27, 2011, 6:00 pm
“Harvest Time”
University of Houston, SEC Science and Engineering Classroom Building
713.743.8350
Entrance: free

October 28, 2011, 7:30 pm
“Kamchatka:The Salmon Country” &
“Window Pane Nostalgia”
Russian Cultural Center Our Texas
2337 Bissonnet Houston, TX 77005713.395.3301

October 29, 2011, 6:00 pm
“The Weather Outside is beautiful”
Russian Cultural Center Our Texas
2337 Bissonnet Houston, TX 77005713.395.3301

October 29, 2011, 8:00 pm
“Love me Please”
Russian Cultural Center Our Texas
2337 Bissonnet Houston, TX 77005713.395.3301

Event Sponsors

This project is funded in part by a grant of the City of Houston through the Houston Art Alliance

KSP-South is a group of enthusiastic people that organizes biannual gatherings called Slyots (literally translated as “fly-ins”) and helps unite all Russian-speaking people who enjoy the Russian style of camping.

KSP in translation stands for the Club of Amateur Song. These songs are usually written by average people about their ordinary lives, yet the simple human experience of each song is translated into a powerful message of wisdom and truth, about the value of friendship, family, and love.

Slyots of KSP-South are held twice a year, and organizers try very hard to make everyone feel welcome, even those whose song selection varies slightly from the traditional KSP style.  By bringing together the Russian speaking community, KSP-South not only allows them to experience their culture, but also to expose their spouses, children and friends to this beautiful Russian tradition.

Useful Contacts:

Group Registration & Campsite Reservation: Anna Frolov (832) 545-7225 or KSPsouth@gmail.com
Concert: Slava Nadvoretsky (713) 366-6687 or slavanad@gmail.com
Volleyball: Andrey Bednov (409) 739-6364 or aabednov@yahoo.com
Kids & Teenagers Concerts: Lenya Zborovsky (832) 922-2292 or theleonz@yahoo.com

Where:

Over and over again we are being welcomed by the Alabama-Coushatta tribe at their wonderful campground near Livingston, TX. It is located off US-190E, about 70 miles (from downtown) north of Houston (via I-59). As always, we will be occupying Section D. Amenities include: public bathrooms and showers, Laundromat is within a 3 minute drive, fire rings and charcoal grills, water, volleyball court, covered pavilion and a playground next to the beautiful lake in the pine forest.

How much:

Tickets are $20 per person.  This includes camping in section D of the campground and participation in the festival. Price is the same for those camping both nights, only one night, or not camping at all, therefore we recommend that you take full advantage of all the activities at the festival. Children 15 and under do not need a ticket. Please have cash with you as we do not accept checks or credit cards.

What:

Friday is the “move-in” day. After most people settle in, there will be a Guest Concert at 9:30PM where participants can listen to singing abd poetry of the invited guests from far away states. On Saturday morning people who arrived the night before enjoy the outdoors and meet their neighbors, as others continue arriving. Children’s Camp opens at 12:30 offering fun, active games. At 1PM adults are invited to participate in a friendly volleyball tournament or to play chess, checkers and dominoes in the pavilion. The Children’s Concert begins at 3PM where young talents get a chance to sing for us, followed by a russian rock concert for teens and adults. At 5:30PM we begin the main attraction of the festival, The Concert. If you are interested in performing, please contact Slava Nadvoretsky (713-366-6687) before 2PM on Saturday. It will consist of 2 parts with a break for dinner, and will last approximately till midnight. After the concert everyone is invited to join the circle of friends around the campfires for more songs. There will be marked (on the map) locations as well as those that appear unplanned but nevertheless very much appreciated. Sunday is the “move-out” day, as people exchange contact information and sing the last few songs before leaving the festival.

What to bring:

• Folding chairs or mats for the concerts.
• Camping equipment: tents, mattresses, sleeping bags, pots and pans, flashlights, lanterns, charcoal, plates, cups and utensils.
• Food and drinks. Warning: Lake Tombigbee is located in Dry County, so liquor stores (including stores selling beer) are far away from the campground.
• Most importantly, SONGS, GUITARS and other musical instruments.

How:

No registration is required. Tickets will be sold at the gate. It is recommended, however, for groups of 3+ tents to make a reservation. To do so, please send the name of your group, expected number of people/tents and the preferred location (quiet/singing zone) to KSPsouth@gmail.com. Non-Russian speakers are invited to join the International campsite. Just email us or simply mention at the gate that you prefer to camp there (space is limited). You can contact our hosts at (800) 926-9038, but DO NOT try to make reservations with them as we have pre-purchased the entire section.

Rules:

1. Dogs must be ALWAYS be leashed or tied off. No dogs near the stage.
2. Sheriff will be called after the second warning.
3. Speed limit on the campground is 20 MPH.
4. Parents are asked to keep the children away from the stage during The Concert.
5. No swimming after 8PM.
6. No stereos, karaoke equipment, or amplifiers of any kind will be allowed.
7. Please take all glass containers with you when leaving the festival.
8. Please leave your campsite clean.

Directions:

Houston:
Take US-59 N. Exit “Livingston/Woodville” (67 miles from 610 loop), turn right on US-190. Drive through the town. About 3 miles further you will see the entrance to the Alabama-Coushatta campgrounds (Park Road 56). Driving time from the center of the city is 1 hour 45 min.

Dallas:
Take I-45 S. Exit US-190E exit 116 (168 miles from US75S), turn left on US-190 and drive 44 miles to Livingston, TX. Drive through the town. About 3 miles further you will see the entrance to the Alabama-Coushatta campgrounds (Park Road 56). Driving time from the center of the city is less than 4 hours.

San Antonio:
Take I-10 to Houston (188 miles), then US-59 N. Exit “Livingston/Woodville” (67 miles from 610 loop), turn right on US-190. Drive through the town. About 3 miles further you will see the entrance to the Alabama-Coushatta campgrounds (Park Road 56). Driving time from the center of the city is 4.5 hours.

Austin:
Take TX 71 E (84 miles), then I-10 E to Houston (66 miles), then US-59 N. Exit “Livingston/Woodville” (67 miles from 610 loop), turn right on US-190. Drive through the town. About 3 miles further you will see the entrance to the Alabama-Coushatta campgrounds (Park Road 56). Driving time from the center of the city is 4.5 hours.

Bryan:
Take TX-21 E (37 miles), then right on I-45 S. Exit US-190E exit 116 (26 miles from TX-21), turn left on US-190 and drive 44 miles to Livingston, TX. Drive through the town. About 3 miles further you will see the entrance to the Alabama-Coushatta campgrounds (Park Road 56). Driving time from the center of the city is less 2.5 hours.