THE

STORY

In 2023, we commemorate two significant anniversaries: the 150th anniversary of Sergei Rachmaninoff's birth and the 85th anniversary of his passing. Rachmaninoff's life was marked by a series of challenges, including exile from his homeland, the hardships of adapting to a new culture, and the creative struggles that ensued.

The composer's profound connection to his native Russia was so enduring that, despite spending over a quarter of a century abroad, Rachmaninoff composed only six musical pieces during this period.

The events unfolding in Russia since February 2022 have compelled a significant number of individuals, reminiscent of a century ago, to depart their homeland in pursuit of a new beginning. These profound and unsettling occurrences, drawing parallels with the wave of migration that Sergei Rachmaninoff himself experienced, inspired composer Teodor Doré to craft variations on Rachmaninoff's compositions.

Teodor Doré recognizing the shared characteristics between the post-revolutionary migrations and multiple waves of contemporary emigration from Russia, drew inspiration from written materials that encapsulate the sentiments and emotions linked to the current exodus.

OUR

TIMES

In the past year, due to the prevailing circumstances, tens of thousands of musicians from different conflict-affected regions have been compelled to leave their homelands and seek new beginnings elsewhere. The Rachmaninoff Variations project pays homage to these immigrant musicians now residing in the UK. Its purpose is to assist in their integration into London's vibrant cultural scene while supporting their adaptation and creative pursuits in this new environment.

It's worth noting that Rachmaninoff himself was a dedicated philanthropist who extended his support to refugees from diverse backgrounds and social strata. This profound commitment to humanitarian causes is the reason why the project proudly bears his name.

The album "Rachmaninoff Variations" establishes meaningful connections by juxtaposing Rachmaninoff’s diaries and telegram messages with the social media posts of contemporary immigrants, thus creating a narrative that transcends time and resonates with the shared experiences of these individuals.

All donations received will be dedicated to supporting migrant artists who require assistance in their new surroundings. This includes covering musicians' fees and establishing scholarships aimed at providing financial support to immigrant artists.

AIMS

We aim to raise funds for the mixing and mastering of the album, which is scheduled to be recorded at the prestigious Abbey Road Studios. Additionally, we will allocate resources to conduct an advertising campaign to ensure the project's success.

We are embarking on an exciting endeavor involving a symphony concert. To make this event a reality, we aim to secure funds for renting a suitable venue, conducting rehearsals, compensating the Voice for Ukraine orchestra for their participation, and promoting the concert extensively.

We are embarking on a cinematic journey to delve into the intricate history of migration, with a special focus on artists. Our goal is to gain profound insights into the psychological adaptation process that unfolds when artists find themselves in new, unfamiliar environments.

Our documentary project involves conducting insightful interviews with migrant artists, allowing them to share their emotions, perspectives, and personal experiences regarding their journey and adaptation. The central theme we aim to explore is the creative process during times of crisis when individuals lose their homeland and embark on the challenging task of rebuilding their lives within a new cultural context.

Through these interviews, we seek to unravel the unique dynamics that shape the artistic expression of individuals confronted with such profound life changes. Our documentary aims to shed light on the resilience, creativity, and transformative power that can emerge from the intersection of art and the migrant experience.

We are committed to creating a scholarship fund that will offer annual stipends to immigrant musicians, thereby fostering their growth and development within the cultural landscape.