Maestro Raymond Pauls Brings 80s Hits to the Chekhov Theater
The Chekhov Theater is thrilled to announce a special concert featuring the iconic melodies of Raimonds Pauls. This concert, a testament to the maestro’s enduring talent and vast repertoire, will transport audiences back to the 1980s, a decade that saw Pauls reach artistic heights and produce some of his most beloved works.
A Musical Journey Through a Golden Decade
For Raymond Pauls, the 1980s was a period marked by immense creative flourishing.
Throughout this decade, he collaborated closely with renowned poets Yevgeny Yevtushenko and Robert Rozhdestvensky, weaving their words into unforgettable musical masterpieces. These collaborations produced a treasure trove of songs that continue to resonate with audiences today.
The concert program will delve into this rich catalog, showcasing the lyrical depth and musical brilliance of Pauls’s compositions from the 1980s.
The audience can expect to hear a captivating blend of popular favorites and hidden gems, each performance bringing a touch of nostalgia and heartfelt emotion.
A Longstanding Collaboration Celebrated
Pauls’s relationship with the Chekhov Theater extends back decades. His first foray into theatrical music came in 1963 with Karl Wittlinger’s play “The Man from the Star,” staged at the then Riga Russian Drama Theater. However, their true artistic alliance blossomed in 2000 with the musical “Carrie,” a collaboration that paved the way for a string of successful joint ventures.
Plays like “Odessa, the City of Witchcraft…” (2007) and “The Ghost from Canterville” (2016) have showcased the seamless blending of Pauls’s musicality with the theater’s dramatic prowess. Concerts and concert performances have also become a cherished tradition, often initiated by Pauls himself. The 80s Hits concert adds another chapter to this dynamic partnership.
A Stellar Lineup Takes the Stage
The concert promises to be a captivating experience, with a talented cast of actors ready to bring Pauls’s music to life.
Taking the stage will be Veronika Plotnikova, Julia Bernhardt, Elena Sigova, Ekaterina Frolova, Nikita Osipov, Dmitry Egorov, Vadim Nikolaychuk and Yevgeny Shur. Each performer brings their unique vocal prowess and artistic vision, ensuring a nuanced and memorable interpretation of Pauls’s timeless melodies.
A Night for All Generations
“Our theater greatly values its friendship with Raymond Pauls and highly appreciates his readiness, desire and interest in working with our artists. And the name of the new concert is very suitable for this collaboration – the Maestro and I definitely feel good, and there is reason to hope that this is mutual,” says Dana Bjork,
Director of the Chekhov Theater.
She adds,
“Our next joint project is intended for viewers of all ages and is perfect for family viewing: it will remind the older generation of childhood and youth, and the younger generation will allow them to hear songs similar and different from those that are popular today.”
Join us for an unforgettable night of music, nostalgia, and remarkable artistry as Raymond Pauls guides us through his 80s hits—a concert that promises to be both a celebration of the past and a timeless journey for the soul.
What is the nature of the longstanding artistic partnership between Maestro Raymond Pauls and the Chekhov Theater?
Our guest today is music critic and historian, Elena Petrova. Elena, welcome to the show!
**Elena:** Thank you for having me.
**Interviewer:** Let’s talk about this exciting concert coming to the Chekhov Theater. Maestro Raymond Pauls, a legend in his own right, is bringing his iconic 80s hits to the stage. What can you tell us about what audiences can expect?
**Elena:** This is a remarkable opportunity for audiences to experience the magic of Pauls’ music from a very special era. The 1980s were a prolific time for him. He collaborated with poets like Yevgeny Yevtushenko and Robert Rozhdestvensky, creating songs that are not just musically beautiful but deeply moving and meaningful. This concert will be a journey through those gems, a chance to revisit beloved classics and perhaps discover some hidden treasures.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned the collaborations with poets. How significant were those partnerships to Pauls’ work, especially in the 80s?
**Elena:** They were essential. Pauls has always had a profound ability to translate words into music, to capture the essence of poetry and give it a whole new dimension. The collaborations with Yevtushenko and Rozhdestvensky, in particular, resulted in some of his most powerful and enduring works.
**Interviewer:** And this isn’t Pauls’ first rodeo with the Chekhov Theater.
**Elena:** That’s right. Their relationship goes way back, to 1963. But their artistic collaboration really blossomed in 2000 with the musical “Carrie.” Since then, they’ve worked together on numerous successful productions. This concert is a testament to their enduring partnership and a shared commitment to bringing exceptional musical theatre to audiences.
**Interviewer:** Thank you for sharing your insights, Elena. It sounds like a concert not to be missed!
**Elena:** Absolutely. I highly encourage everyone to check it out.
