9th of May has traditionally been celebrated in Russia as Victory Day, marking the end of The Great Patriotic War and WWII. For all who were brought up in the USSR, this day brings back distinctive memories. It used to be marked with a truly public celebration, when both the old and the young join together in special street processions to honour veterans and in remembrance for all those who fought in the War. You become part of the crowd following a military band, carrying banners and waving flags, sharing emotions with veterans. The latter, fully dressed in their parade military uniforms, decorated with St. George ribbons and holding red carnations in their hands, either march with the orchestra or watch the parade standing on the tribunes. They are greeted with flowers, handshakes, smiles, kisses and sometimes even tears by children and adults.This year we will be celebrating 68th anniversary of Victory Day. There are very few surviving veterans left, but they are always with us, whilst their memories are alive. The Cambridge Russian-Speaking Society is holding an evening of Memories to honour veterans, their family members and friends who fought in the Great Patriotic War of 1941-1945. We invite you to share your stories with us during this evening in remembrance for those who are not with us any longer.
Come and join us for this special evening with music, informal talks, wine and nibbles.
There will also be a special exhibition display of wartime drawings ART AT THE FRONT created by professional artists-soldiers. These original personal encounters are of unique historic and artistic value and will be shown for the first time outside Russia. www.wartimeart.com
Please let us know if you wish to deliver a short talk, or just share photographs of the family members and/or friends that you would like to remember on the day. Please email us at camruss@camruss.com with your suggestions.
WHEN: 09 May 2013, 17:00-21:00
WHERE: The Upper Hall, Jesus College, Cambridge, CB5 8BL
For location: Click here
For location: Click here
HERE YOU CAN VIEW THE PHOTOS OF THIS EVENING OF MEMORIES, ART AND MUSIC.
Из отзывов: Я и мой отец (Иван Афанасьевич) хотели бы вас сердечно поблагодарить за прекрасно организованный вечер, посвященный празднованию 68 годовщины дня Победы в Великой Отечественной войне, и полученное удовольствие от встречи со всеми присутствующими. Нас глубоко тронули рассказы-воспоминания реальных участников войны и работы художников. Я хотела бы обратиться к вам с просьбой предоставить мне контактные детали (имена и имейлы) выступивших участников (ветеранов) войны. Ирина Ступак-Рожко
“ART AT THE FRONT” – an exhibition of wartime drawings, created by Russian artists-soldiers, who crossed Europe from Russia to Berlin with a rifle, a pencil and a sketchbook . The exhibition draws on a collection of drawings and watercolours from the family archives of the artists, which will be on show for the first time in the UK.
These individual visual recordings made during the most intense and tragic times are of special historical and artistic value. Some portraits, made at immense speed during rare moments of calm between the battles, represent the last living records of those who never made it home.
There are very few surviving witnesses of those days and their visual records become increasingly precious for us, our children and generations to come. It is an important part of our history and heritage, which carries a message of eternal wisdom to humanity: do not let such disasters happen again; try to avoid conflicts, impacting the lives of others; actively seek understanding and foster mutual respect and peace between people and nations.
The exhibition “Art at the Front” will continue in Jesus College Chapel from 10th until 20th May. Please view the exhibition leaflet by clicking this link.
Location: The Upper Hall, Jesus College, Cambridge, CB5 8BL
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