An evening in English and Russian, devoted to Pushkin’s love lyrics. This will include Pushkin’s most popular love poems, amongst others –

Я вас любил, любовь ещё, быть может… // I loved you: in my heart, perhaps...;

К* (Я помню чудное мгновенье) // To*** (That moment comes to me again) ; and

Не пой, красавица, при мне… // My beauty, do not sing to me...

The poems will be recited in Russian by Alla Gelich and read in English translation by two guest readers, Lucy Daniels and Penelope Dimond. Many of Pushkin’s love poems were set to music by Russian composers, and two of these will be performed by the singer/guitarist, Lila Milone and Julian Milone (violin). The English translations, which will be provided with the programme, are by Antony Wood, D.M Thomas, David and Lyudmila Matthews and David Brummell. The evening will be introduced by David Brummell, who will explain how the poems that are to be read related to different stages of Pushkin’s life.

Lila Milone is a well-known singer and guitarist, whose repertoire includes romantic ballads from Russia, France, England and Ireland. She has appeared many times at Pushkin House and at various charity fund- raising events and other venues, including overseas.  Lila has also performed for a number of BBC programmes and recorded for the BBC World Service studios.

Julian Milone studied at Chetham’s School and the Royal College of Music. In 1979 he joined the first violin section of the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra and four years later became a member of the Philharmonia Orchestra in London, a position he continues to hold. Away from the Philharmonia he plays in András Schiff's hand-picked chamber orchestra, the Cappella Andrea Barca, in violin ensemble concerts with his group, '4 Violins & a Bass' and is professor of violin at the Kent Academy of Music

Alla Gelich, our reader, is a long-standing member of the Pushkin Club, and has recited Russian poetry on numerous occasions – in Great Britain, Russia, Belgium, Holland and Germany. A recording of her voice - as “the voice of the poet” - was played during the performance of Sergei Prokofiev’s cantata, Alexander Nevsky, at the Royal Festival Hall in 2018.

Lucy Daniels is a former Chair of Pushkin Club who has had a life-long interest in and love of Russian literature. Lucy has recited Russian poetry in translation on numerous occasions at the Pushkin Club.

Penelope Dimond is a leading light of the New Factory of the Eccentric Actor, who celebrated the Blue Blouses («Синяя блуза») movement in a magnificent theatrical performance at Pushkin House in 2016. Penelope has a deep love of Russian poetry, which she has recited in translation on numerous occasions at the Pushkin Club.

David Brummell is a long-standing member of the Pushkin Club and a former trustee of Pushkin House.

This event is organised by Pushkin Club and all are welcome.