“The Art of Russian Song,” Monika Krajewska (mezzo-soprano) and Natasha Ulyanovsky (piano)
This recital features art songs by Glinka, Tchaikovsky, Rimsky-Korsakov, and Rachmaninoff, as well as the popular Russian songs known as “romansy [romances].” Romansy are poignant, nostalgic songs of love and loss, often set in a garden at twilight, a gypsy café, or a carriage drawn by three horses through the snowy Russian plains: “Coachman, don’t urge on the horses, / I have nowhere left to hurry to, / I have no one left to love.” Monika Krajewska, mezzo-soprano, is the winner of numerous vocal competitions and has appeared with opera companies and orchestras in Europe and the United States. Natasha Ulyanovsky, pianist, organist, and conductor, is the Music Director at Beth Israel Congregation in West Hartford, and has given concerts in Hungary, Italy, Russia, and throughout New England. Monika and Natasha specialize in the repertoire of Slavic composers. They have recently performed at Indiana University, Boston College, the Hartt School, and Carnegie Hall.