El Salvador and Russia unite in a concert in tribute to pianist Rachmaninov

El Salvador and Russia united through music to pay tribute to the famous Russian pianist, composer and conductor Sergei Rakhmaninov, with a concert for the 150th anniversary of his birth held at the National Theater of El Salvador.

“This is a very special concert that we perform in conjunction with the Russian Embassy, and we bring to share, with the Symphony Orchestra of El Salvador, two very talented Russian musicians,” said Saturday night the Salvadoran Minister of Culture, Mariemm Pleitez.

The official highlighted that the gala featured the participation of pianist Marina Kostérina and flutist Víktor Jotuliov, soloists of the Symphony Orchestra of Omsk, Russia.

“Music, without a doubt, has the capacity to transmit a range of emotions, transforms cultures and elevates the human being,” she said at the ceremony, describing Rakhmaninov as one of the most influential musicians of the 20th century.

The Russian ambassador in Nicaragua and recurrent in El Salvador and Honduras, Alexandr Jojólikov, said that Rachmaninov is one of the symbols of Russian music, with an extensive work of worldwide impact performed by the most important pianists and orchestras of the time.

The diplomat pointed out that the concert also takes place on the eve of the 78th anniversary of the great Russian victory over fascism in World War II, on May 9, 1945.

He added that Rachmaninov, who was in exile at the time, dedicated his concerts to collect funds that he gave to his country to contribute to the defeat of the Nazi invaders.

He informed that pianist Kosterina and flutist Khotuliov are touring Central America to give benefit concerts to spread Russian music in a region “with which historically we have – he stressed – an obvious affinity and deep reciprocal sympathy, which unite our countries and our peoples.”

The Symphony Orchestra of El Salvador, conducted by maestro Jeffry Newberger, accompanied the two Russian soloists in the performance of works by Rachmaninov, including his famous Concerto No. 2 for piano and orchestra.

The Minister of Culture highlighted that as part of the cultural exchange between the two nations, the Orchestra also performed the piece Criaturas de maíz (Creatures of Corn), by Salvadoran Daniel Domínguez.

The concert, preceded by the opening of a graphic exhibition on the life and work of Rachmanivov, was attended by the Minister of Tourism, Morena Valdez, cultural personalities, representatives of the diplomatic corps and the general public, who filled the National Theater.

With information from Sputnik