The song “Ой то не вечер” – Oy, it’s Not Evening is one of the first choices for modern Russians to sing round a table. Join us round OUR virtual table with Phil Price of the London Russian Choir for some singing and conversation. Sing with us, ask questions, share and enjoy!

The story begins in the 17th century. Stepan Timofeevich Razin, a Cossack-of-Don, led a major uprising against the tsar in 1670. He became a legend and a symbol of freedom, and numerous songs about him are sung all over Russia to this day. Our song is the most popular one of these.

In February 2021, Phil Price took on a project of putting together a virtual choral version of Oy, it’s Not Evening. Members of the London and Brighton & Hove Russian choirs helped make it happen, and members of both choirs are taking part, and we thought – hey, why not open the doors to the wide world? Over 40 singers from Germany, Poland, UK, Croatia, and the USA joined forces and sent their recordings. For some of them this is the first singing encounter with Russian music and language, others have sung this very song since they were children.

We will hear the history of this song, learn the melody, and hear some of the project participants’ impressions. Polina Shepherd, the Russian choir leader will teach a less known folk version of this song too.
The evening will close with the choral performance made by Phil Price and his international group of singers.

This event is FREE.
Please register here https://www.wegottickets.com/event/511502 and you’ll be sent a ZOOM link for joining.

 

The London Russian Choir: https://londonrussianchoir.wordpress.com/