IRKUTSK — Award-winning classical pianist Denis Matsuev dropped a hint that he will star in the opening ceremony for February's Winter Olympics in Sochi, the details of which are being kept strictly under wraps.
Olympic opening ceremonies are typically lavish and secretive affairs, as with London's acclaimed "Isles of Wonder" performance last year.
"At the Olympics I'll be actively participating in various guises," said Matsuev, who has appeared at the world's top concert venues, including New York's Carnegie Hall and London's Royal Festival Hall.
"I won't reveal any secrets, but I'll be taking part both creatively and as a fan. Because of that I've specially moved all my concerts. From the opening to the closing, I'll be at the Olympics."
Matsuev spoke Sunday after lighting a cauldron with the Olympic flame in his Siberian home city of Irkutsk as part of the 65,000-kilometer torch relay, something he said was "like a holiday."
On Sunday, the flame also visited the Irkut aircraft factory, which produced bombers during World War II.
In recent days it has reached the bottom of Lake Baikal, the world's deepest freshwater lake, and paid a visit to Russia's largest Buddhist temple.
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Remind me later.
