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Tchaikovsky. Composer of Swan Lake, Eugene Onegin and the Nutcracker. Successful in his own lifetime and now celebrated throughout the world for his dramatic, impassioned music. One of the greatest Russians of all time, of whom his homeland is justifiably proud. Yet Tchaikovsky was tormented by his homosexuality. He put himself through a disastrous marriage and battled with depression as a result of the secrecy and double-life demanded of him by 19th in 2013, Russia has legislated for homophobia by passing a law banning the distribution of "propaganda of non-traditional sexual relations". Baritone Alistair Sutherland and pianist Horacio Lopez want to highlight the irony of Russia's pride in their great composer, coupled with the country's recent anti-gay legislation and the rise of homophobic hate crimes. Presenting a programme of Tchaikovsky's songs (performed in Russian with printed English translations) interspersed with readings (in English) from his letters, the recital will explore the impact and inspiration Tchaikovsky's sexuality had on his music. The programme includes 'My genius, my angel, my friend'; 'It was in early spring'; 'None but the lonely heart'; and 'Why?'

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2014 (1 listings)