Realizing that all Americans, one way or another, arrived here through the courage of our ancestors, the fabulous concert by these two Russian brothers this past Sunday, April 16 should give us all pause.
It was our own namesake, Thaddeus Kosciusko, who returned to Poland to put down Russian oppression after he helped Gen. Washington win our freedoms from Britain. The irony of two world class musicians coming to Kosciusko to support the Skipworth renovation is too much to ignore.
Stanislav (Stas) and Sergei Izmailov (pronounced “is-my-love”) began their musical education at a very early age. Their formal education continued at the famed St. Petersburg Conservatory.
They are considered internationally as masters of their instruments. As master of Mariinsky Theatre in Russia, Stas (violin) toured internationally and played on every continent except Antarctica. Sergei held position of concert pianist in Mariinsky Theatre and Bolshoi Theatre until their departure for the United States in October 2022. These two, along with their page Echiusciu Ruvim, a student and violinist at Belhaven College, bedazzled a better than average audience.
Never has such talent, virtuosity, clarity and beauty resounded in the now 64-year-old Skipworth listening hall. Kosciusko High School students were treated the next day to a clinic session where this extraordinary group of musicians performed a portion of Sunday’s program.
Stas and Sergei received an extending standing ovation and spent time later giving autographs.
