Barnaul as a Cultural Center of Siberia

1. Learn the new words:

Spiritual traditions духовные традиции

The Theatre of Musical Comedy театр Музыкальной комедии

The Puppet Theatre кукольный театр

The Shukshin Drama Theatre Драматический театр им. В.Шукшина

Contemporary foreign plays современные зарубежные пьесы

Diverse cultural programmes разнообразные культурные программы

Philharmonic society филармоническое общество

Symphony orchestra симфонический оркестр

To be fond of любить

Prominent выдаищийся

To frequent часто посещать

Exuberant яркий

To take part принимать участие

To entertain развлекать

Gifted одаренный

To participate принимать участие

The Academy of Culture and Arts Академия культуры и искусств

To contribute делать вклад, способствовать

Creative activity творческая деятельность

To win the hearts of the public завоевать признание публики

Performance спектакль, представление

Chamber music камерная музыка

Dance ensemble танцевальный ансамбль

Spectator зритель

To support поддерживать

Bright веселый

2. Practise the pronunciation of these words:

Folk [fouk]; orchestra ['Lkistrq]; mixture['mikstSq]; foreign['forin]; philharmonic["filR'mOnik]; organ['Lgqn]; folklore['fouklL]; exuberant [ig'zjHbqrent]; musician [mjH'ziSn']; contribute [kqn'tribjHt].

2. Read these internationalisms and guess their meanings. Mind the stress.

Musician, classical, Musical comedy, tradition, symphony, philharmonic, Siberia, drama, center.

2. Read the text, paying special attention to the new words.

Barnaul as a Cultural Center of Siberia

For almost three centuries Barnaul has been one of the major cultural centers of Siberia. Today the spiritual traditions are continued by the Shukshin Drama Theatre, the Theatre of Musical Comedy, the Children’s and Puppet Theatres, as well as by the Little Musical Theatre. The Shukshin Drama Theatre offers a wide mixture of plays: new works, modern classics, contemporary foreign plays and experimental drama. The Theatre of Musical Comedy presents mainly musicals.

The local Philharmonic Society offers diverse cultural programme. The lovers of classical music can enjoy a Symphony Orchestra and an organ; the admirers of Russian folk traditions are fond of the “Ogonki” (Small Light) dance ensemble. Prominent men of art of Russia and other countries frequent the Philharmonic Society.

Bright, exuberant folklore festivals are known all over Russia, and the “Siberia”, an orchestra of Russian folk instruments, takes part in them, but the spectators themselves – all those who can sing, dance and entertain people – join the holiday.

Pop music stars usually meet their young fans at the Palace of Sport, its accommodation capacity amounts about 6000 people.

The cultural life of the city has become more active especially among children and youngsters. Gifted young men often participate in the competitions, they tour around European countries. To support such children, the city has formed a special fund “Young Musicians of Barnaul”, which has offered several grants. Their tuition is carried out according to a definite system – mostly through musical and art school, there are ten of them in the city. The local Academy of Culture and Arts contributes a great deal to the spiritual education of our youth. The same aim is pursued by the creative activity of the writers’, painters’ and architects’ associations, by publishing newspapers and magazines. Some Cossack and German cultural centers have recently appeared.

Word – building

2. Memorize word-building patters.

1. Nouns we use to describe people’s jobs can have the following suffixes: -er, -or, -ist and -ian. Use these suffixes to make the words below into new nons.

Art piano dance admire

Music sing contribute produce

2. Make these adjectives negative by choosing the correct prefix (un-, in-, im-) for each word.

• interesting

• successful

• usual

• practical

• educated

• ambitious

• definite

2. There is a special group of adjectives ending in -ed or -ing. The -ed adjectives describe how we feel about something and the -ing adjectives describe a person or thing. Complete the sentences which follow each of these situations. Use the correct form (-ed or -ing) of the words below.

Excite surprise disappoint astonish

1. You thought you would get an excellent mark but you got a satisfactory one. The result was …

2. You’re going to see your favourite rock band in concert. You feel more and more … as the day gets closer.

3. The world is full of joy. It is all very …

4. The magician actually flew in front of our eyes. The sight was … .

Text Comprehension

2. Choose the appropriate alternatives in each of the following sentences:

Diverse (cultural / historical) programme is offered by the local Philharmonic Society.

The lovers of classical music can enjoy a Symphony Orchestra and a (harpsichord / organ).

A city is normally interested in forming a special (bank / fund) for the young musicians.

The cultural life of the city has become (more / less) active.

2. Find words in the text which have a similar meaning to these definitions. The first letter is given to help you.

a) liked by a lot of people p__________

b) of great importance, fame p__________

c) related to culture c__________

d) a play, or film with spoken words, songs or dances m__________

e) modern, belonging to the present time c__________

f)a special place for the performance or plats t__________

2. Test yourself.

1. The Shukshin Drama Theatre offers…

1. musicals,

2. puppet shows.

3. wide mixture of plays.

2. The local Philharmonic society offers…

1. stage performances,

2. diverse cultural programmes,

3. diverse scientific programmes.

3. The lovers of classical music can enjoy…

1. a symphony orchestra and a harpsichord,

2. a symphony orchestra and an organ,

3. a jazz orchestra and a piano.

4. The cultural life of the city has become more…

1. interesting,

2. boring;

3. active.

5. … young men often participate in the competitions.

1. good;

2. gifted;

3. great.

6. They tour around … countries.

1. Asian;

2. African;

3. European.

7. The local … of the Culture and Arts contributes a great deal to the spiritual education of our youth

1. University;

2. Institute;

3. Academy.

2. Agree or disagree with the following statements ( ‘That’s right (true), according to the text …, That’s wrong (not true), according to the text …, That’s not quite true, according to the text …’)

1. The Theatre of Musical Drama presents mainly musicals.

2. The admirers of Russian folk traditions are fond of the Symphony orchestra.

3. The “Siberia”, an orchestra of Russian folk instruments takes part in folklore festivals.

4. The cultural life of the city has become more active especially among students.

5. The local academy of Arts and Culture contributes a great deal to the cultural education of our youth.

2. Answer these questions.

1. Why is Barnaul considered to be one of the major cultural centres of Siberia?

2. How many active theatres has Barnaul currently? Name them.

3. What can you say about the local Philharmonic Society?

4. How many people does the Palace of Sport accommodate?

5. What special fund has the city formed?

6. What Barnaul creative associations do you know?

Text organization

2. a) The five sentences below are mixed up. Put them in the correct order according to the text.

Some Cossack and German cultural centers have appeared recently.

Pop music stars visiting Barnaul usually meet their fans at the Palace of Sports.

Today the Shukshin Drama Theatre continues the spiritual traditions.

Bright folklore festivals are held in Barnaul.

To support such children, the city has formed a special fund.

b) Suggest suitable titles to the paragraphs

Vocabulary

2. A number of multi-word expressions are used in the text. Match the part on the left with one on the right and check you understand the meaning of each expression you make.

Spiritual Musical Modern Contemporary Experimental Cultural Classical Folk Prominent Folklore

classics plays programme music men festivals instruments drama theatre traditions

2. Which of the words below do you think “ideally” means?

1. thoughtfully,

2. perfectly,

3. preferably,

4. knowledgeably.

2. Give the English for:

поддерживать, зритель, принимать участие, Академия Культуры и Искусств, творческая деятельность, спектакль, камерная музыка, одаренный, танцевальный ансамбль, духовные традиции, театр музыкальной комедии, кукольный театр, современные зарубежные пьесы, разнообразная культурная программа, филармоническое общество, симфонический оркестр, выдающийся, часто посещать, веселый, яркий, способствовать.

2. Give the Russian for:

to frequent, contemporary foreign plays, folklore festivals, to entertain, to participate, creative activity, performance, chamber music, dance ensemble, spectator, to support, to be fond of, the Children’s Theatre, the Puppet Theatre, spiritual traditions, prominent, gifted, bright.

2. Correct the mistakes in these sentences.

1. The admirers of Russian traditions are fond with the “Ogonki”.

2. Every Saturday I go in the Shukshin Drama Theatre.

3. I am listening chamber music.

4. These associations contribute the spiritual education of children.

5. We talked for the problems of art.

Oral practice

2. a) Interview your partners and ask them what interesting things they did last Sunday. Use the ideas below to help you.

1. go to the Shukshin Drama Theatre?

2. go to the Philharmonic Society?

3. take part in folklore festivals?

4. visit the Palace of Sport?

5. participate in the competition?

b) Now find out more information from your partner. Use the question words below to help you.

What …?

When …?

Where …?

Why …?

Who …?

How …?

How many (much) …?

2. Complete the dialogues.

1. A: How many theatres are there in your city?

B: …

A: …

B: Not, so far.

2. A: …

B: No wonder.

A: …

B: It is great.

3. A: …

B: Usually by bus and by trolleybus.

A: ...?

B: I think, it is near Demidov Square.

2. Read and dramatize the dialogue:

• Excuse me, sir. Does the train take me to Sovetov Square?

• No, you go as far as Lenin Street. Trolleybus’ll take you right there.

• Oh, but trolleybuses are so pecked at this time.

• Then you can walk up to Sovetov Square. It won’t take you much time.

• I’m really lucky to meat you. I was told in London about your theatres. Two days ago our tourist group was taken to the local Philharmonic society. I was much impressed by the Symphony orchestra and an organ. Our guide recommended me to go to the Theatre of musical Comedy.

• Oh, I see. It’s such a thrill too see a musical like “My Fair Lady”. Where were you last night? What did you see?

• Well, I saw plenty of quite fantastic places: the Palace of Sport, Demidov Square, the German cultural centre.

• That’s it. My heart is swelling up with pride. But you have to get off, sir.

2. Dramatize the following dialogue with your partner, one of you acting as an interpreter from Russian into English.

• Где вы живете?

• I live in Barnaul, one of the major cultural centres of Siberia.

• В вашем городе много театров?

• Today there are five active theatres in Barnaul.

• Что идет в драматическом театре им. Шукшина?

• The Shukshin Drama Theatre offers a wide mixture of plays: new works, modern classics, contemporary foreign plays and experimental drama. What sort of show would you like to see?

• Мюзикл, “Моя Прекрасная леди”. Мне очень нравится эта пьеса.

2. Speak on the following topics using the words and expressions of the text:

• Barnaul active theatres;

• Folklore festivals;

• Creative associations;

• Cultural life of children.

2. Retell the text.

Viewpoint

This text focuses on the Cultural Life of Barnaul. Among other things, think about the role of the Altai State Academy of Culture and Arts in the further development of the spiritual life of our citizens.

2. Read the texts and get a general idea of them. Speak on:

• Demidov Square;

• The Museum of Regional Studies;

- Museum Traditions of Barnaul;

• Altai Cultural Traditions;

• Altai Artists;

• The Peoples’ House.

Altai Artists

Pre-reading

The text you are about to read describes Altai visual art. List five key words you might expect to meet in the text. What events and conditions in society do you think first led to the development of fine art?

According to N. K. Rerikh, Altai is one of the greatest spiritual magnets in the world, which attracts high cosmic energy, forming the culture of future. Altai is called the pearl of Siberia by right.

Altai generously shows its treasure and beauty to those who are able to see it. Artists have blazed to the most secluded corners and shown the beauty of Altai nature in their canvases.

The Altai branch of the Russian Federation Union of artists was set up in 1940. Nowadays it has 130 members, and it is one of the largest creative groups in Siberia. The Altai Union of Artists has its own material funds, a number of studios, Exhibition Hall in the center of Barnaul. Altai artists actively participate in the life of our region.

Painting, drawing sculpture, art designs are fields of art in which creative energy of Altai masters has its realizations. The Altai Union of Artists’ contribution to modern culture of Siberia is great. Many exhibitions are displayed at the Exhibition hall and traveling expositions in the most remote places. A number of public art galleries have been opened in the village districts, and artists have given them hundreds of canvases, sculptures, drawings. A lot of Altai artists’ works have been recognized as masterpieces at republican, all – Union, international and foreign exhibitions. Their works are kept not only in the biggest Russian museums, such as the State Tretyakov Gallery, the Russian Museum, the Museum of Oriental Art, but also in a lot of private collections in Europe, America and Asia.

It has happened so historically that landscape painting has become the leading genre in Altai fine art. In the works of contemporary Altai masters, landscape is remarkable for its diversity.

Labor theme was major in masters’ creation for years, and Altai artists’ creativity developed this way too. Altai art has kept its major feature – unique painting tradition and interest in person world, the world of our contemporary citizens. Drawings and water – colors, etchings and engravings still attract artists nowadays.

Portrait and easel composition are the major genres. Sculptors work with practically every lasting material – stone, wood, metal, using new technologies.

Besides, a lot of memorials to the fallen in the Civil and Great Patriotic Wars have been created by Altai sculptors. Altai etchers represent monumental and easel works at exhibitions of gifferent rank.

Realism remains the major genre in Altai Art. Nonrealistic works are remarkable for its constructive character; they frequent ethnographical elements, that gives them folk color and bright picturesqueness.

Herodotus called Altai “the land of griffins watching over gold”.

Comprehension

1. Which paragraphs give reasons for the development of Altai Fine Art?

2. Give four examples of various fields of arts.

3. How many times is the word “genre” used in the text? What does this word refer to? Is there any equivalent to it?

4. There is a quotation in the text. Translate it into Russian. Who is the author of it?

Vocabulary

Select the adjectives in the text which are used for genre features.

Viewpoint

The text ends with a quotation. How would you explain it?

Altai Cultural Traditions

Pre-reading

Find out, if you don’t know, what the Siberian Rerikh Center is?

Altai culture has rich and old traditions. The ore industry gave a push to the development of Altai stone cutting art. The works of Altai stone cutters which were used as diplomatic gifts are spread all over the world. Many of them are kept in the national museums of the country. The unique “Queen of Vases “, an oval cup made of the whole monolith of green jasper by Kolyvan masters is kept in the State Hermitage. Its diameter is about 5 meters.

Altai has drawn attention of people from all over the world because of the works of the artist, traveller, archaeologist, writer, philosopher, prominent politician Nicolai Rerikh and his wife Yelena. The Rerikhs put forward the ideas of cosmic philosophy, viewing Altai as the most important geocosmic place of the Earth. The first international conference “Altai – Space – Microcosm” was held in Altai in 1993 by the Siberian Perikh Center. The Center collaborates with different non – governmental organizations of the world.

The founder of the fine arts in Altai is Gregory Gurkin. He studied at the Academy of Fine Arts under direction of the famous artist I. Shishkin. He created more than five thousand works. The most famous of them are “Lake at Ghost Mountain ”, “Khan – Altai”, “Katun Crown”.

The name of the writer, cinema director and actor Vassily Shukshin takes an important part in the cultural life of Altai. Annual Shukshin Readings are held in his native Srostki.

In recent years the creative societies of high professional level have appeared in the region. The Little Musical Theatre has won the hearts of the public with its performances. The young actors of the show group “Kapriz” have won the first prizes in the TV programme “Morning Star”. The children chamber violin ensemble “Debute” has won the Grand Prix in Belgium.

There are 7 theatres, 27 museums, 120 art schools, 5 music schools in the region.

Comprehension

1. Match the beginning of a sentence in column A with an ending in column B to produce a statement which is true according to the text.

A	B
Its diameter is The first conference was held in The founder of the fine arts Altai culture	has the rich old traditions in Altai is G. Gurkin Altai in 1993 by Rerikh Center about 5 meters.

2. Are the following sentences true or false according to the text? Correct the ones which are false.

• There are 7 theatres, 27 museums, 120 art schools, 5 music schools in Barnaul.

• Annual Shukshin Readings are held in Moscow.

• The Little Comedy Theatre has won the hearts of the public.

• The name of the composer Vassily Shukshin takes an important part in the cultural life of Altai.

• The chemical industry gave a push to the development of Altai stone cutting art.

• Its diameter is about 7 meters.

• The founder of fine arts in Russia is Gregory Gurkin.

3. How many times is the word “culture” used in the text?

4. “Altai is the most important geocosmic place of the Earth”. What does this sentence mean?

Vocabulary

5. “recently” means:

a) at the present time

b) lately

c) proudly

d) hopefully

“while” means:

a) during

b) however

c) if

d) although

“artistic” means:

a) actor

b) painter

c) player

d) artisan

6. What is jasper? Characterize it.

Text organization

7. What do the following word combinations refer to in the text?

1. “Queen of Vases”,

2. “ Siberian Rerikh Center”,

3. “Shukshin Readings”,

4. Show group “Kapriz”.

Viewpoint

Think of the ways in which culture might change in the future because of progress in technology.