Music celebrates Rochester's connection to Russia | Arts & Culture

For the sixth year in a row, the Eastman Community Music School (ECMS) and Linkages of Rochester Inc. are collaborating on a special “Russian-American Friendship” concert. The annual free event features music by Russian composers and celebrates the connection with Rochester’s sister city Velikiy Novgorod.

The concert is held in the first week of January (the Russian Orthodox celebrate Christmas on January 7 according to the Julian Calendar) and this year it’s on Jan. 5, at 7:30 p.m. in Kilbourn Hall. Besides music by ECMS faculty and students, there’ll be an exhibit of works by local artist Rand Darrow, who writes, illustrates, and composes music for his own stories based on Slavic mythology. In addition, concert patrons will see photographs of Novgorod, which is located in northwest Russia and dates back to the 10th century. Today, many buildings from medieval times – churches, monasteries, even the city’s “Kremlin” fortress – are still standing.

And if the music, art, and photos aren’t enough, there’ll be a reception of Russian treats and sweets after the concert. It’s a delightful evening for the entire family, and it’s free – so come and enjoy!