Treasures of the Hermitage (Series)

Through their history, art, and architecture, the Hermitage Palaces have come to embody the spirit of Russia. Here are nearly 3 million exhibits, collected over 400 years, housed in 353 galleries and representing the continuing Russian fascination with the world of art and culture.

6.30 pm | Little Theater, National Centre for the Performing Arts, Mumbai

1. Decorative Arts of Italy, France, and England (Col. 30 min)

The Hermitage Museum is justly famous for its world-renowned collection of paintings and sculptures. In this programme, you will see the historic furnishings, fabulous tapestries, colourful pottery, fine porcelain and luxurious silver that once graced the palaces of kings and the homes of the wealthy across Europe and Russia.

2. Art from Mesopotamia to Ancient China (Col. 30 min)

Thousands of years before the birth of Christ, in the River Valleys of Mesopotamia, the Indus River in India and the land of the Three Rivers in China civilisation was born. With it began the creation of all manner of strange and wonderful artworks illustrating the origins of ideals, dreams, and beliefs that still intrigue us today. The Hermitage collection of these ancient artifacts is extraordinary and fascinating.

3. Russia in the Age of Peter the Great (Col. 10 min)

In this programme, you will experience the life and times of Peter the Great, the Russian ruler who knew the value of this land and set about capturing it. On it he built St. Petersburg, providing for his nation a window to the west. These palaces in the grand tradition of European architecture were built long after Peter’s death, but they remain his brainchild.

Zarin Ghadialy-Hodiwala (Contralto) and Paul Stewart (Pianoforte)

6.30 pm | Duo Recital at Experimental Theatre, National Centre for the Performing Arts, Mumbai

Zarin Ghadialy-Hodiwala received early vocal training in Bombay under Hyacinthe Brown. In 1965 she joined the Music High School in Saarbruecken in Germany on a German Academic Exchange Service Scholarship. During her sixteen-year stay in Germany she studied Lied-interpretation, opera repertoire and oratorio and performed extensively in Germany and other European countries. Since her return to India in 1982 she has given several solo recitals with leading Indian and visiting pianists and also performed with orchestras and choral groups.

Canadian pianist Paul Stewart studied music at Nova Scotia, Montreal and in London. He has appeared with major orchestras in Canada, the United States, Europe and South-East Asia. He has visited India five times performing in different parts of the country.