The Samara Philharmonic is not only a modern building in the Art Nouveau style of the architect Yu. Khramov (1988), decorating the old part of the city, but also a cultural center with a 76-year history. The oldest concert organization in 1999 won the creative contest of the newspaper "Culture" (nomination "Philharmonic of the Year").
A bit of history
In place of the concert hall in 1907, the merchant-industrialists Kalinins erected the Olympus circus theater. This is a historical place for all citizens: it was here that F. Chaliapin performed a concert (1909), in 1917 the Soviet power was proclaimed in this building.
When the First Revolutionary Committee was headed by V. Kuybyshev, whose name the city bore until 1991, on April 5, 1940, it was decided to create a regional philharmonic society on the basis of Olympus. During the war, artists were left without a building in connection with the evacuation of the Bolshoi Theater to the city. However, they toured extensively, and in the 45th in Berlin V. Zenkevich sang the beloved song of fellow countrymen “Ah, Samara-gorodok”.
The Samara Philharmonic and its artists took part in the historical premiere of D. Shostakovich’s Seventh Symphony at the Opera and Ballet Theater, which stirred the whole Soviet Union. Among the legendary names are the duo of the Demidov brothers, Yuri Arnautov and Arkady Levit, pianist Alexei Trifonov. In 1988, a new building was built on the site of Olympus, which made it possible to equip the hall with the best sound and lighting equipment at that time.
Stage and Hall
The Samara Philharmonic Society owns one of the best concert halls. 975 spectators can simultaneously accommodate in the stalls (686) and on the balcony (289). The width of the stage is 7.8 m. It also increases the size of the proscenium by another 5.9 m. The depth of the orchestra pit is 4 meters. Great sound, comfortable seats, nice design makes the audience at the concert very comfortable. The spirit of antiquity is in the room: crystal chandeliers, huge mirrors.
At the entrance of the audience there is an amazing tree, the branches of which are directed up to the height of the hall. The foyer is like a cruise ship, where stucco ceilings and a mosaic of railings are interspersed with rounded windows, white columns and stained glass windows with endless stairs. You can walk endlessly through the corners, enjoying the inner splendor. The Samara Philharmonic Society holds concerts in the Crystal Foyer, which can accommodate 200 people. There is also a cozy Chamber Hall with 100 seats. The artists have at their disposal three magnificent concert pianos and harpsichords. Since 2001, the audience’s ears have been sweetened by a German-made organ.
Samara body is 15 years old
The idea of installing an organ was born in the 90s. Only the preparation of the project took a long 5 years, after which the masters of the company Rudolt von Beckerath from Hamburg began the construction of the “King of Instruments”. He consulted on all issues Harry Grodberg from the Moscow Philharmonic, a soloist with rich experience and long experience. 02.17.2001 the first concert took place. This date is considered the birthday of an organ with 52 tones. This palette is achieved by the presence of 3540 pipes and tubes of various lengths. The “king of instruments” is controlled by four keyboards: one foot and three hand.
The Samara State Philharmonic Society has hired a graduate of the Kazan Conservatoire Lyudmila Kamelina, now Honored Artist of the Russian Federation, whose virtuoso playing on the organ evokes enthusiastic responses from the audience and the world press. The electromechanical device is monitored by the local master Yu. Savelyev. The presence of the instrument allows Samara to receive the best soloists in the world. For 15 years, programs have been visited: Russians Rubin Abdullin and Vladimir Khomyakov, representatives of Europe David Tamm, Marek Stefansky, Guy Beauvais, Giancarlo Parody and others.
Poster
The pride of the Philharmonic is the symphony orchestra, led by People's Artist of the Russian Federation Mikhail Shcherbakov. In 1993, he was awarded the title of "Academic". The repertoire of the creative team includes the best classical works of Russian and Western European composers, innovators of modern music. Subscriptions including 3-5 programs have been prepared for the audience. Warmly received by the public "Symphonic Opening Day", "At the Turn of the Millennium", "Symphony Meetings".
The Samara Philharmonic Society is 150 highly professional artists united in creative groups: folk instrument ensemble, Poly-Ars, Rendezvous, Volga-folk-band, Like Ball, Volga Philharmonic chamber orchestra.
Subscriptions are formed not only by the participants, but also by the audience: for students and youth, for schoolchildren. For this purpose, a musical lecture hall has been created on the basis of the Philharmonic. It is led by Irina Tsyganova.
On the poster of the Philharmonic you can see numerous music festivals. So, at the end of November 2016 there will be a competition to them. D. Kabalevsky, since 2012 has international status. Frequent guests are visiting stars, for whose performance the necessary conditions are created.
How to get there
The repertoire of the Samara Philharmonic is designed for all age groups. It is very important that the building is located at the intersection of two highways: ul. L. Tolstoy and st. Frunze (Frunze St., 141), where the trams and buses route from all parts of the city. In the immediate vicinity is the Alabinskaya metro station, which is very convenient for citizens. The Philharmonic is one of Samara's favorite concert halls.