Held June 1-12 on the stage of the historic Hall of Columns in central Moscow, the third Festival of World Symphony Orchestras was the culmination to this year's concert season. Those who took part included the London Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, the Bamberg Symphony Orchestra from Germany, the Swedish Radio Symphony Orchestra, and the combined Russian symphony orchestra conducted by Valery Gergiev. Musicians from across Russia joined what has been dubbed "Russia's national music team". Gergiev had earlier directed a similar team, the World Orchestra for Peace, established more than 10 years ago under UN patronage as a symbol of a war-free world. The combined orchestra is also a symbol of Russia's cultural unity.
Paco Rabanne unveils his protege in Moscow
A new fashion house was opened in the Pyotr Smirnov Mansion in Moscow's Tsvetnoi Boulevard in late May as world-renowned couturier Paco Rabanne presented emerging Ukrainian designer, Veronika Jeanvie, as his protege. Her new collection was shown in the Smirnov Mansion. The collaboration between Rabanne and Jeanvie began in Kiev, Ukraine, in 2006, where Rabanne was a jury member at a local fashion week. Since then the design duo of Rabanne and promising Jeanvie showcased a collection at Paris Haute Couture Week, where she was singled out for her fresh sense of fashion. She is currently seen as one of the most innovative designers in Europe.
Photobiennale 2008 held in capital
The Moscow Photobiennale 2008 ran throughout May. Classics of Russian and foreign photography were arranged in two basic themes: "Light and Colour" and "Amazement and Delight". More than a hundred shows were held at about a dozen venues, including the city's best-known museums and exhibition halls. The festival included retrospective shows by Ralph Gibson, Guy Le Querrec, Alex Webb, Harry Gruyaert, Anton Corbijn, Gueorgui Pinkhassov and Jim Dine.
Another major event, The Magnum Zone, was timed to coincide with the 60th anniversary of the world's foremost photo agency. Anton Corbijn's 170 portraits displayed in Moscow are among the most interesting biennale projects. He has photographed, among many others, David Bowie, Frank Sinatra, Bjork, Mick Jagger, Luciano Pavarotti and other stars. Depeche Mode say he is a member of the band, though not on the permanent staff. He fully deserves that recognition, as the group owes its public image to Corbijn.
Prigov's first personal exhibition in Russia
The exhibition ("Citizens! Please Mind Yourselves") of works by Russian artist and poet Dmitry A Prigov (1940-2007) was held at the Moscow Museum of Modern Art until June 15. Featured were pieces on paper, installations, books and more. Prigov's first personal exhibition in Russia presented the many sides of his work (he was a sculptor, musician, performance artist, essayist and actor, among other things). Prigov appealed to society through poetic texts on life and death, Russian literature and contemporary politics, sex and boiled chickens...
