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The first Russian musical "Nord Ost" ("North-East") has been on the stage for more than a year and it has been a great success.
On the 23rd of October 2002, a tragedy occurred during the performance. The audience, actors and musicians were taken hostage by a group of Chechen terrorists. This event has been described in mass media all over world. We kept in touch with our colleagues on cell phones and hoped for the best. All the musicians for this musical were chosen from the best orchestras in Moscow. (This is typical for a Russian musician, to combine regular work and freelance work).
Among the lost musicians was trumpeter Fedor Khramzov. He was 45 years old. Fedor graduated from the Moscow Conservatory, a student of Professor Yuri Usov, and worked in the "New Opera" Theatre. Fedor Khramzov was often encountered at different gigs as well. He was a very good-natured and quiet man. Loved and respected by his colleagues, he was a pleasant and desirable guest at any party. His dedication to his profession was incredible. Even while in great danger, he called on his cell phone from the hall and asked his friends to replace him at work for the next day. He just couldn't fail his colleagues. Fedor could easily perform in various music genres. We had met twice during the past six months to play pieces from Bob Fosse shows and sonatas by Carl Biber. In the "New Opera" he played solo parts in a variety of opera and ballet music. Fedor Khramzov was very thoughtful and helpful. He had a wife, two children and two grandchildren. He was the youngest grandfather among all my friends and it was the source for various jokes.
We mourn for all the victims and we'll remember then forever.
Source: Andrei Ikov, Associate Principal Trumpet from the Bolshoi Theater. Translated by Valeria Chicherina. Edited by Kim Dunnick. |
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