After receiving grant money from the College of Fine Arts, the WMU Viola Studio spent the following months carefully planning their trip, and in mid-May they departed to experience the music of Russia first hand.
Because of Fedotov's Russian ties, the group was able to experience some special occasions, said music student Rebecca Dube. Museums, ballets, and a special trip to the late Dmitri Shostakovich's actual apartment to meet his wife. Four of the students were also able to perform in a Master class at St. Petersburg Conservatory. "We were honored to represent Western Michigan University in Russia," Dube said.
After traveling to Russia, Dube says that when she now listens to the music of Russian composers "I have a different feel, look, and grasp. I've been studying this music under Professor Fedotov for four years, so to be able to go somewhere with him be where that music was written, it inspires you to learn so much more about the piece."
The students, who filmed everything, are currently working on putting together a documentary of the trip, which will be posted on MyWMU.com upon completion. Check back to watch our students in action!
Dube, who is currently an intern with the Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra, will graduate in December with a Bachelor of Art degree in Music and a minor in Non-profit Leadership. The photo above was taken with plenty of Bronco Pride in front of the St. Basil's Cathedral at the Red Square in Moscow.