| On the very edge of St. Petersburg is a town called Ivangorod. It's home to Russia's only medieval castle, and folklore groups from around the region have gathered here to showcase their local culture. This is the festival's fourth year and the second time in Ivangorod. It used to be held in St. Petersburg. [Tatiana Gavrilove, Festival Organizer]: "The challenge is to present your city in such a light that would make people want to travel there." A group called Kantika-Galyarda is from the town of Viborg. They're performing songs and music that can be heard throughout the castle. Performers say they have a big responsibility to keep their traditional cultures alive. [Ludmila Kuzina, Director, Kantika-Galyarda]: "We played the music of professional composers which was popular in Shakespearean times. You know, you can memorize a work of literature and see pictures or architecture, but it is hard to capture music unless it's written down. Back then, it was not." This performance is from a town called Gatchina. It's about Russian Emperor Paul I giving his house in Gatchina to the Maltese knights, whom he held in high regard. The vibrant atmosphere is created with the help of a Russian "gusli" a special kind of harp. [Olga Suhlyaeva, Director, Perezvon Folklore Group]: "This fortress sort of forces you to feel like youre in the old days. And the music begins to play within you and you respond to it." The town of Ivangorod is known for Kazak songs because Kazak troops were ... |
