Classical Concert in Bellapais Abbey
by Ralph Kratzer
On Saturday 9th March I had the great pleasure to be invited to the classical concert event
“Master Musicians Reunite for a Recital After 30 Years” taking place in the wonderful setting of Bellapais Abbey in Kyrenia.
The event was a benefit concert for Kuskor, the North Cyprus Bird and Nature Protection Society.
About Kuskor:
“The North Cyprus Society for the Protection of Birds and Nature” is a non-governmental organization whose purpose is to protect and conserve the birds and nature of Cyprus.
Kuskor was established in 1989 and since then has been active in organising several environmental education campaigns, bird watching sessions, volunteering events and other activities which contribute to the protection of birds, wildlife and habitats of Cyprus.”
Kaleidoskop, a Kyrenia based Travel and Tour Agency, has generously helped to support the benefit concert free of charge.
The Russian artists Pjotr Meshvinski (Cello), Leonid Rabinovich (Viola) and Rauf Kasimov (Piano) met together again, after 30 years, and celebrated this reunion with a joint recital. They gave themselves the name “The St. Petersburg Trio”. Also participating in the concert was Pjotr Meshvinski ‘s wife Natalia Alenitsina on violin and viola and his son Emanuel Meshvinski, aged 11 years, playing the violin.
Everybody who knows the refectory of the ancient abbey will know that this was the most perfect location for an event like this.
The performance of the musicians, playing Tchaikovsky, Beethoven, Shostakovich and Brahms was absolutely first class. Especially the young boy who had the audience sitting there listening with open mouths.
During the interval drinks were available and the time just flew by.
Many thanks to the representatives of Kaleidoskop, Monika and Marina, for this enjoyable evening.
To those people who were unable to be present for this wonderful evenings entertainment, we include below, a youtube video of Rauf Kasimov when he played on a previous occasion at Bellapais Abbey.
