Back by popular demand, the dynamic duo of Daria Kulesh (vocals, guitar) and Marina Osman (piano) return to Pushkin House with a brand new set of passionately delivered nostalgic songs exploring the ambiguous wonderland of their Soviet childhood. Find out – or remember – what it was like to be a kid “made in the USSR”.
Combining beloved Russian film & folk favourites and coming-of-age songs from Daria’s award-winning solo albums Eternal Child and Long Lost Home, this concert will mix fairytales and utopian fantasies with astute observations of daily life in the USSR through the eyes of a child.
Charming, irresistibly melodic songs will enchant and transport the listener, and with the duo’s heartfelt delivery they will speak to you regardless of the language you speak.
Songs in Russian presented and explained in English; songs in English presented and explained in Russian.
Daria Kulesh - Russian-born but now settled near London - combines a "refined and cut glass crystal voice" with strong Russian and Ingush heritage, conjuring a beguiling romanticism. Her debut solo album ‘Eternal Child’ was described as "phenomenal" by FATEA Magazine and her second solo record ‘Long Lost Home’ has already won awards both in the UK and in Russia, praised as a “masterpiece”, a “triumph”, “10/10”. From performing in a resident band at an Irish pub next to the Kremlin to singing at a charity gala at the former Moscow Governor's palace; from busking in Nova Scotia, Canada to playing at Cadogan Hall and the Southbank Centre; from the folk clubs of Hertfordshire to the mountains of Caucasus, Daria's musical and personal journey is turbulent and varied - and her vibrant, soulful performances reflect that.
Praise for Daria Kulesh:
“Literate songs powerfully sung… Bold, exotic, impressive” (fRoots)
“Haunting and enigmatic” (Times)
“One of the most beautiful songs of the last 10 years” (Mike Harding)
“One of the most refined and enjoyable voices around” (Folk All)
“Delivered with a passion that only Daria can summon up” (PTMQ)
“So vibrant and makes one feel glad to be alive” (Art of Jazz)
Marina Osman (piano):
Marina Starastsenkava Osman, originally from Belarus, is a graduate of the Belarussian State Conservatoire. An accomplished performer as well as teacher, she was awarded a badge "For contribution to the cultural evolution of Belarus" by the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Belarus in 2008. In 2007, she was a judging panel member at International Chamber Ensembles Competition 'Nova music' in Latvia. She has also performed in Poland, Germany, Lithuania and Russia, having recorded several programs for 'Orpheus' Russian music radio and Russian TV with the classical music expert Mihail Kazinik in 2009. Since 2011, Marina has been based in London, focusing on training young musicians for ABRSM exams.