Varese's child orchestra UKOM to tour Russia

(AGI) Moscow, Aug 27 - The children of Varese's United Kids of Music (UKOM) Orchestra, managed by the musical association ImmaginArte, is to tour Russia from in September giving eight concerts in Moscow and St. Petersburg. Maestro Carlo Taffuri, director of the UKOM Orchestra and president of ImmaginArte, said: "It's not something that happens often to youth orchestras. Part of the reason we were invited to Russia is the high artistic and musical level our kids have reached, and it will be a great opportunity for them to show their stuff in a foreign country that boasts a very rich musical tradition." Almost all of the 35 children taking part are Italian, with some French, English, and Bosnian youngsters. They will be joined by promising young Russian musicians and choristers "in a climate of friendship and brotherhood among nations," ImmaginArte said. The tour will feature two types of concerts: the UKOM Concerts, will involve the entire orchestra performing classics by Vivaldi, Verdi, Wolf, and Britten with an accompaniment by the young Russian chorists; the Soloist Concerts will consist of the ensemble's most promising musicians paying homage to Italian music with songs by Vivaldi, virtuoso pieces by Saraste and elegant compositions by Bach, Piazzolla, and Faure'. Both concerts will be in Moscow from Sept. 2 to 6 and St. Petersburg from Sept. 7 to 10. (AGI). .