- The Russian Celtic Society emerged in the begining of
1996 as an independent public organization aimed to satisfy the growing
interest of Russians in the Celtic culture. The growth of such interest
can be proved by the fact that Celtic Folklore has become an independent
musical trend in Russia. Those interested in Celtic culture suddenly discovered
a certain similarity in a way that Celts perceived the world and in the
way it was perceived here. This similarity is just as amazing as well as
it is hard to explain.
There are student societies studying Celtic culture and languages in certain Moscow colleges (Moscow State University (Department of Philology), Moscow State Institute For Historical Revues). Their shedules include classes of ancient Gaelic and Irish Gaelic taught by Moscow State University professors and members of Russian Celtic Society, and public lectures about Celtic history and culture.
At present in Moscow there are more than 5 professional bands playing diverse styles of Celtic music from traditional to rock. Also there are art workshops which use Celtic motives in painting, books and fashion design, and for 3 years already Moscow's Rakurs Radio has been presenting programs on Celtic music and culture.
The Russian Celtic Society was founded to unite and coordinate
activities of all
mentioned above. It has already organized a number of
activities supported by scientists, musicians, artists and journalists.
In our particular plans are selected lectures on history of Ireland, competition
of scientific work on celtology and organization of art exhibitions and
cultural programs of Russian Celtology Congress. Especially we would like
to mention a St. Patrick Day Party"St. Patrick was a gentleman" in the
popular Pilot Club in Moscow in Mach, 1996. This performance was organized
by Russian Celtic Society. The gig recieved great press, radio and TV reviews.
Generelly, the goal of the Russian Celtic Society is to
help Russians discover the history, culture, and music of the ancient
and ever young Celts. Concerts, festivals, radio programs, lectures on
Gaelic history, culture and language held by Russian Celtic Society are
aimed to attract the attention of as many people as possible. That's why
the Russian Celtic Society is opened to everyone, regardless of their
age, education, beliefs.
Contact with Michael Gladkov mail to celts.ru (society@celts.ru)
