Diplomat Jim Patterson at the Embassy of the Russian Federation in Washington DC

Jim Patterson at the Embassy of the Russian Federation, Washington DC.

Jim Patterson attending Memorial Opera/Concert for Alexandrov Ensemble, at Embassy of Russian Federation Washington DC. 

Jim Patterson with portrait of Russian President Vladimir Putin, Embassy of the Russian Federation, Washington DC. 

Jim Patterson note: The Alexandrov Ensemble died in the Russian Tupolev Tu-154 crashed into the Black Sea on December 25, 2016. The loss of the Alexandrov Ensemble was a big national tragedy for the Russian people, who were so proud of this choir, one of the most famous and beloved in Russia. The loss was also great for many Americans who cherished memories of the performances (John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts) and sound recordings by the Ensemble. Proceeds from the program went to support families. 

Russian Ambassador Sergey Kislyak attended the reception and the 90-minute memorial concert for the Alexandrov Ensemble on March 17 at the Embass of the Russian Federation in Washington DC. The program was the most magnificent I have attended in recent years at any embassy in the U.S. or abroad.

The majesty of Moscow and the charm of St. Petersburg came alive at the Embassy of the Russian Federation, one of the largest and lavish embassies in Washington D.C.

FEATURING: LIVE RUSSIAN OPERA & MUSICAL PRESENTATION

The highlight of the special evening was a special Russian opera performance by .Participating Russian Artists OLGA ORLOVSKAYA (SOPRANO) ELIZAVETA AGLADZE (MEZZO-SOPRANO) ANNA NIZHEGORODTSEVA (PIANO) SERGE KHRICHENKO (GUITAR) ENRIQUE REYNOSA (VIOLIN) ANNA KUSNER (CLASSICAL GUITAR)

Ms. Orlovskaya. inherited her talent from her great-grandfather famous Russian bass Fedor Shalyapin. She graduated with honors from the Russian Academy of Music. Recently she won First Prize in the International Competition, Operetta Land, for Best Performance of Kalman in Moscow.

The evening's program:

1) " Melodie" by Tchikovsky performing Enrique Reynosa

2)“Da, chas nastal” (Ioanna’s aria) from P. Tchaikovsky’s" The Maid of Orleans", performed by Elizaveta Agladze

3) "Oh,never sing to me again" S.Rachmaninoff ,performed by Olga Orlovskaya and A. Nizhegorodtseva (piano) 

4) “Oh do not grieve”, S. Rachmaninoff, performed by Elizaveta Agladze, Anna Nixhegorodtseva (piano)_

5) "Spring Waters" ,S Rachmaninoff,performed by Olga Orlovskaya ,Anna Nizhegorodtseva (piano)

6) “Mon coeur s’ouvre a ta voix” from C. Saint-Saens’s " Samson et Dalila"`, performed by Elizaveta Agladze , Anna Nizhegordtseva (piano)

7) Barcarolle from Offenbach`s " les Contes d`Hoffman" performed by Elizaveta Agladse (Mezzo-soprano) and Olga Orlovskaya (soprano), accompanied by Anna Nizhegorodtseva

8) "Vissi d`arte" from "Tosca" by G. Puccini performed by Olga Orlovskaya ,Anna Nizhegorodtseva (piano)

9) "Casta diva" from Norma by V. Bellini performed by Olga Orlovskaya ,Anna Nizhegorodtseva (piano)

Inaddition to Russian visiting performers, the program included the International DC trio, Music by Serge Khrichenko berformed by S. Krichenko, Enrique Reynosa,Anna Nizhegorodtseva, special guest Olga Orlovskaya

1) "Granada" de Agustin Lara performed by Anna Kusner and Olga Orlovskaya

2) Malaguena de Ernesto Lecuona performed by Anna Nizhegorodtseva

3) 'Ave Maria" G. Caccini performd by Olga Orlovskaya,Serge Krichenko,Anna Nizegorodtseva, Elizaveta Agladze,Anna Kusner, Enrique Reynosa

The pre-concert RUSSIAN BUFFET Menu: 

Exquisite Russian delicacies as found in some of the finest restaurants and cafes in all of St. Petersburg. 

Salad Olivier-----------------Potato Salad with Ham, Eggs and Peas

Salad " Smak" vegetable salad: tomatoes,cocumbers,green salad,s,arugula,herbs

Cheese pastries (aka khachapuri)

Assorted pickled vegetables 

Russian snack " Pod rumochku" 

Russian Blinchiks- Pancakes in russian style with meat

Stuffed grape leaves

Grilled Salmon with herbs and sauce from chief

Home-style steamed vegetables

Chicken pilaf

Dark Bread

Dessert

" Medovik", "Almondo"

The bountious RUSSIAN BAR INCLUDING VODKA: 

The finest regional wines and beers found throughout Russia! Includes a tasting of multiple brands of Russian vodka! 

DIPLOMATIC GREETING: 

Ambassador Sergy Kislyak spoke and mingled with guests as did other Russian guests and, diplomats and dignitaries.  

CHARITY:  

Proceeds from the event went to the Charity Fund for Alexandrov Ensemble, Doctor Liza, and journalists who lost their lives in plane crash in South Russia. The members of the Alexandrov Ensemble died in the Russian Tupolev Tu-154 airplane crash over the Black Sea in December 2016. The loss of the Alexandrov ensemble was a big national tragedy for the Russian people, who were so proud of this choir, one of the most famous and beloved choirs in Russia. This loss is also great for many Americans who cherish memories of the performances and sound recordings of the choir.  

I am grateful to the Embassy of the Russian Federation, Sergey Ivanovich Kislyak - Ambassador of Russian Federation for providing concert halls, the famous Gold Room, and his kind assistance and that of his fine staff in organizing the charity concert.

PLEASE NOTE:

Due to enhanced security at Embassy of the Russian Federation, photo ID is REQUIRED for attendance. Please ensure ALL ticketholders and each guest attending with a ticketholder has valid photo ID. We are unable to issue a refund if you are denied entry due to lack of photo ID. 

Due to security considerations, parking WILL NOT be available on the grounds of Embassy of the Russian Federation

Embassy Advice:

Opera/Concert: The concert itself is expected to start at 8:30 PM and will last about 90 minutes.  During this time, no food will be served. As is the custom in Russia.

 Artifacts Around the Embassy: There are some wonderful, yet very fragile and expensive paintings, sculptures and other artifacts in and around the embassy. We ask you not to touch them and please respect their integrity so no damage may come to them during the event.  This includes drinking beverages or eating food too close to these items. 

 Respect for the Embassy: We want to remind everyone that, while we want you to have a good time, this is an embassy and we expect everyone to be respectful. Over intoxication, unruly or inappropriate behavior will not be tolerated. Such behavior will result in your immediate removal from the embassy and no refunds or credits will be granted.

Mr. James Patterson’s professional activities:

Life Member American Foreign Service Association

Society for Historians of American Foreign Relations

Member Friend Israeli Defense Forces

Member America Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC)

Associate Member (Family) Korean War Veterans Association

Life Member (Family) Associates of Vietnam Veterans of America

Member, US Philippines Society

Member Indiana State Society

National Book Critics Circle, Voting Member (Foreign Policy, History, Economics)

Life Member Republican National Committee

Member California Republican Party

Donor Helen Keller International

Contributor TheHill.com

Contributor Foreign Service Journal

Contributor Montgomery (Alabama) Advertiser - Newspaper

Computer History Museum - Member

National Active and Retired Federal Employees (NARFE)

Fraternity of Alpha Zeta – Alumni Member

Life Member Auburn University Alumni Association

Donor International Student House (Washington DC)

Donor Fredonia (AL) Rosenwald School Historic Preservation

Aldo Leopold Foundation - Wisconsin

Friend President Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation - Michigan

Life Member Niles Essanay Silent Film Museum (Fremont, California)

Board Member Dorothy and Lillian Gish Theater Bowling Green State University -Ohio

Agricultural History Society

Friend of New York Public Library