FROM Russia, to Chagford, with love and music. Forget ushankas, vodka and nesting dolls, rousing Russian music is coming to Chagford next week. The St Petersburg Blagovest Ensemble will be performing at St Michael's Church in Chagford on Tuesday, May 6 at 7.30pm. They consist of a bass, baritone, tenor, mezzo- soprano and soprano, conducted by Oleg Kozlova, who sings second soprano. The first half of the concert will be 40 minutes of sacred music — music that was banned during Soviet rule, while the second half will feature Russian folk music. Their music has been described as a 'tapestry of sound' that combines courage, pride, love and even humour. The music is all unaccompanied and Blagovest means 'good news'. Tickets are available on the door and cost £7 for adults, £6.50 for concessions and £4 for the under 16s. The concert is promoted by Chagford Arts Festival and Chagford Film Making Group.
