A Decembrist Returns to Moscow

I have taken some time off to move up to Brisbane where I've enrolled at Griffith University to undertake my Master of Screen Production.

Since I'm a little short of material to update the site these last few weeks I'm putting this link up because I found it so interesting. I hope you find it worth your while to read too.

I thought it was especially interesting in light of recent political activity and the emergence of a class of educated Russians willing to publicly support alternate viewpoints - to effectively debate politics in civil society, which I think in the long run is a healthy thing in any country.

It's the story of a descendant of a participant in the 1826 'Decembrist' revolt, who returns to Moscow. In the end it is the contribution of the Decembrists to the development and culture of the Far East that imortalises them.

To Read the Article - CLICK HERE

Christopher Mouravieff-Apostol

So it is also in the spirit of those who came from Russia to Australia that I make this post and somehow the contribution they made to our society should eventually be expolored and recognised.

Also I reccomend the website which provides a steady stream of interesting commentary on life and politics in Russia.

Merry Christmas!

It's Christmas for Orthodox Christians around the world.

Wishing a Merry Christmas to all!

'Nativity of Christ' Russian, Novgorod School, 16th century.

Vanya & Apollinaria Voronoff

The Voronoffs came separately to Australia in 1914 and stayed on together, performing and playing in various ensembles. Apollinaria (Apa) and Ivan (Vanya) who came here from Chita, Siberia.

Willian (Valya) Krasnik, was also born in Siberia in 1911, came here at an early age. Many years later (after Vanya had passed away) he wrote about meeting Vanya here and holidaying with the Voronoffs when they were living in Catherine Hill Bay.

"It was his love of music and of good records, which influenced me very strongly in my childhood.  I have always treasured and been inspired by the memory of Heifetz playing the First Hungarian Dance by Brahms, when you lived at the Bay. The sadness of the melody, the perfection of the playing, the keen sweet pain of the music, the ideal setting in the mysterious Australian Bush, all mingled into an unforgettable and deeply touching experience."

Apa & Vanya (centre) in a Tent Camp - possibly in Queensland

The Voronoffs did their best to promote friendly relations between Russians and their new compatriot Australians. This photo of Apa was taken at 66 Pitt Street in Sydney.

Friendship Promotion - 'Turizm'

Valya Krasnik became a violist with the London Symphony Orchestra and his younger sister Olga Krasnik, born in Rockhampton, became a pianist of note in Australia and remained a longtime friend of Apollinaria. Valya writes again of Vanya...

"Vanya had the valuable gift of showmanship, which enabled him to impart a special quality to simple acts, thus raising them to the level of great occasions.  This showed in his success as a Balalaika player, for he possessed the art of giving pleasure to others."

Ensemble with Vanya and Apa Voronoff

Vanya played balalaika in several ensembles along with Apa; together they wrote plays and generally followed a life of music and performance which might have seemed quite colorful in a predominantly Anglo-Saxon Australia.

My thanks to relatives for their assistance.

If you have stories of interest I am keen to hear from you.

"Union With Reality - The Art of Leonard Brown"

Now showing at the QUT Museum Gallery in Brisbane.

I travelled up for the opening, meeting Professor Sasha Grishin who opened the event.

You can read more here on my personal website;

Union With Reality 

Leonard Brown is Australia's foremost minimalist, winner of the 2010 Blake Prize and renowned painter of Icons who was ordeigned by Bishop Constantine (now in repose, as Saint Constantine). The 'Miracle of Saint Michael at Chonae' is my own (by Leonard Brown) This exhibition could be interesting for anyone interested in their Russian heritage, to see the influence reflected in Australia culture.

"Elena" at The Russian Film Festival

I attended the Opening night of the Russian Resurrection Film Festival at the Chauvel in Paddington on Thursday night and it was a sell out event. The film chosen to open the two week festival was “Elena”  winner of  a Special Jury Prize at Canne, 2011. It is the recent film by director Andrey Zviagintsev. I loved his 2003 film “The Return” but with “Elena” he has created an even more beautiful film on every level. You can read my complete thoughts on my webpage at www.filmicvision.

I also attended the event at "THe Russian Coachman" restaurant where wonderful food and complimentary  Vodka was provided by 'Russian Standard'. I met and spoke with a few wonderful veterans and younger members of the Russian community, as well as meeting Greg Dolgopolov and Nikolas Maksymow. I was a little unwilling to push myself in front of the community, because it was really their night but as I feel more at ease I'll do more to raise awareness of my project.

I really did enjoy the nights events; Elena was fabulous and it was like music to hear the Russian language spoken! It took my memories back to my travels in Russia.