Russian String Orchestra: Edinburgh Fringe 2017

In summer 2017, Art-centre Exposed became the General (Lead) Sponsor of the Chamber Orchestra Kremlin, which that year changed its overseas touring name to the Russian String Orchestra. The first fruits of this new relationship was a 22-concert run (under the name “Misha’s Gang”) at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, the world’s largest performing arts festival, then in its 70th year. With an extensive range of works, from full-scale compositions to works with soloists and some surprising encores, a different performance was guaranteed at every concert. The orchestra also presented a piece specially written by one of its members, Fedor Vetrov, to celebrate the Fringe’s 70th anniversary.

The run was very well received, with strong audience numbers and several 5-star reviews (including from the Herald and Three Weeks). For their performances, the RSO received a Herald Angel, one of the most prestigious awards available and which takes into consideration both the Fringe and the International Festival.