Patrick Bade
Russian Diaspora Singers
Summary
The impact of two major political events in the first half of the 20th century on the dispersal of talented individuals around the world: the Russian Revolution in 1917 and the Nazi seizure of power in Germany in 1933. Focusing on the experiences of opera singers who fled Russia, the lecture highlights the challenges they faced in establishing themselves in new environments. The discussion provides insights into the careers of several notable singers, including Nina Koshetz, Maria Kurenko, and Oda Slobodskaya, showcasing their contributions to the world of opera and vocal music.
Patrick Bade
Patrick Bade is a historian, writer, and broadcaster. He studied at UCL and the Courtauld Institute of Art. He was a senior lecturer at Christie’s Education for many years and has worked for the Art Fund, Royal Opera House, National Gallery, and V&A. He has published on 19th- and early 20th-century paintings and historical vocal recordings. His latest book is Music Wars: 1937–1945.
Though there has been speculation about that, he was from the Basque region. He certainly wasn’t brought up Jewish. Because he had openly expressed very Jewish sympathies, he was very much suspected of being Jewish by fascists and Nazis in that era.
Yes, he was. I read that he and Zhadan were from the same area.
I dread to think, actually. In 1920 and 1921, I don’t think the Soviet Union was that well organised to be able to systematically persecute the families.