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In 1996, the Russian Arts Foundation made a commitment to help the children in Moscow’s orphanages and special facilities for the mentally and physically disabled. These poorly financed institutions struggle to provide their young residents with even basic services, and have no resources for enriching exposure to the arts. Working with administrators and care-providers, the RAF designed the Magic of Music to bring the joy of creative self-expression to children living under difficult, challenging circumstances.
From September to June, teachers and volunteers go on-site for structured activities in art, crafts and music. Field trips to museums and performances occur regularly during the nine-month cycle of the program. The supplies required to experiment and create in different artforms are provided. A highlight for the young artists is the How I See Music Exhibition. Their paintings and drawings, produced around a different theme each year, are shown at the Moscow Conservatory on the night of a Russian National Orchestra performance. Members of the audience serve as “judges” and all participants receive prizes; the work receiving the first prize award is used for an RNO concert poster.
Today, the Magic of Music serves youth in eleven Moscow institutions
and has grown to include other components as well. The program makes it possible
for hundreds of disadvantaged youth to attend the RNO’s annual special
productions of The Nutcracker by Tchaikovsky, Prokofiev’s Peter
and The Wolf and Young person’s guide to the orchestra by Britten.
The Magic of Music also sponsors a mentorship program for young musicians and a ticket distribution program in Moscow for music students who otherwise would not be able to attend concerts and recitals.
Through the Magic of Music Choir, youth of all ages receive vocal training and gain performance experience.
Recently, the RNO gave a concert for children in Cologne, Germany. Concertmaster Alexei Bruni (photo at left, below) portrayed Pyotr Tchaikovsky and spoke to the young audience before the concert, conducted by Carlo Ponti, Jr. (photo at right, below).
The Russian Arts Foundation has commissioned several Magic of Music concert programs by the Russian National Orchestra — programs that have been an integral part of the orchestra's annual Summer Concert Series in the US.
The Magic of Music was launched with the gift of a generous American donor and remains entirely funded by private contributions. Major support from the following corporations, foundations and individuals has enabled the program to grow.
Gary W. Ross
Founding Patron
Corporate and Foundation Supporters
Chevron Neftegaz Inc.
Jazz'd 4 Life
Russian Arts Foundation
The Headlands Foundation
Individual Supporters
Sophia Loren
In the US, tax-deductible contributions to the Magic of Music can be made through the Russian Arts Foundation, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization. Checks should be made out to the Russian Arts Foundation and mailed to the address below. Please indicate that your gift is in support of the Magic of Music.
For further information on the RNO's Magic of Music, contact:
Martha Bredon
Russian Arts Foundation
1350 Treat Blvd., Suite 400
Walnut Creek, CA 94597
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