Maslenitsa is the Russian Spring festival that marks the end of winter and combines traditional Russian Orthodox rituals with a much older pagan sun festival.
Established in 2009, the London Maslenitsa Festival celebrates its 10th anniversary this February with activities throughout the capital to mark the end of winter.
The 10th edition of the festival offers a wide variety of events to suit everyone – from traditional folklore to contemporary Russian style including: a children’s Maslenitsa event Matryoshki-Balalaiki that reveals the charming traditions of Maslenitsa to future generations; a concert by highly acclaimed balalaika virtuoso Bibbs Ekkel and his Trio with a special Maslenitsa programme; a view of the artworks of Russian and Soviet artists from the 1905-1954 period as part of a major exhibition at Tate Modern; a screening of the award-winning film Paradise by distinguished director Andrei Konchalovsky (2016); culinary experiences at Russian restaurant Marivanna and a special pancake masterclass by chef Karina Baldry exploring the history of Maslenitsa and pancake making; the Maslenitsa Grand Concert at London’s prestigious Cadogan Hall with colourful performances by well-known groups and musicians coming specially from Russia as well as the best London-based groups; the Rudolf Steiner Theatre will open its doors to the finale of the Stars of Albion Maslenitsa competition; and top fashion designer Olga Roh will share the secrets of her designs in a show called “Shall we Dance?” as part of London Fashion Week. Happy Maslenitsa!
For full details and booking information, visit www.maslenitsa.co.uk.
The annual festival “Maslenitsa” has been hosted in London since 2009 by Ensemble Productions, with the support of the City Hall in London, the Ministry of Culture of the Russian Federation, Government of Moscow, the fund “Russian World”, Rossotrudnichestvo and private sponsors. This is the most popular Russian cultural event in the UK.
For information about Russian Week in London – Festival “Maslenitsa” 2018, interviews with participants or the festival, CEO Olga Balakleets and press-passes to the festival events contact the Ensemble Productions by email: admin@ensembleproductions.co.uk or telephone: +44 203 819 70 70.
FESTIVAL PROGRAMME 2018
THURSDAY 31 January
13.30/HOUSE OF COMMONS, CHURCHILL ROOM
Parliament Maslenitsa Reception marking the 10th anniversary of the festival
Invitation only
SUNDAY 11 February
12.00am/ROSSOTRUDNICHESTVO
Children’s event Matryoshki-Balalaiki
SUNDAY 11 February
19.00/ROSSOTRUDNICHESTVO
Concert by The Bibs Ekkel Trio with pancakes and samovar. Official Opening of Maslenitsa Week.
MONDAY 12 February
9.45 – 18.00/TATE MODERN, Bankside, London SE1 9TG
Red Stars Over Russia – art exhibition with artworks created by Russian and Soviet artists over five decades, from the first revolution of 1905 to the death of Stalin in 1953.
Please make your reservation for guided tours: info@ensembleproductions.co.uk
TUESDAY 13 February
17.30/PUSHKIN HOUSE
Film screening of RAI (Paradise) – historical drama 2016 by Andrey Konchalovsky (Golden Eagle Award, Silver Lion Award, Nika Award)
WEDNESDAY 14 February
From 18.30/MARIVANNA RESTAURANT
Maslenitsa and Valentine Celebration – culinary extravaganza
THURSDAY 15 February
19.00/PUSHKIN HOUSE
“The Majestic Pancake” – authentic culinary experience by Karina Baldry exploring the history of Maslenitsa
FRIDAY 16 February
19.00/CADOGAN HALL
Maslenitsa Celebration Concert with the participation of the Russian Souvenir Ensemble, Natalia Kremen Ballet School, violinist John Gallant, soprano Diana Guglieva, pianist Julian Gallant, M. TURETSKY SOPRANO, Mazaika duo and vocal group Kvatro among others.
SATURDAY 17 February
12.30/FREEMASON’S HALL, 60 GREAT QUEEN STREET, LONDON WC2B 5AZ
Fashion show – new collection by Olga Roh “Shall we dance?” Autumn-Winter 2018-2019
London Fashion Week
Invitation only
SUNDAY 18 February
19.00/RUDOLF STEINER HOUSE
Awards Ceremony and Gala Concert of the Stars of Albion – Maslenitsa Competition
