A MONUMENT TO COMPOSER SERGEI RACHMANINOFF WAS INSTALLED AND CONSECRATED IN PARIS

On Tuesday, April 1, 2025, the Russian Conservatory in Paris hosted the ceremonial installation and opening of a monument to the outstanding Russian composer Sergei Vasilievich Rachmaninoff (1873-1943).

The opening ceremony was timed to coincide with his birthday, which was celebrated the day before, April 1. The composer is depicted sitting on a bench in the courtyard of the Paris Conservatory, which bears his name. The sculpture was created by Besik Solomonishvili.

The unveiling of the monument was attended by the Minister-Counselor of the Embassy of the Russian Federation in France Alexander Zezyulin, the Director of the Conservatory Arnaud Frillet, the author of the sculpture Besik Solomonishvili, Peter Sheremetev, who headed the Conservatory for many years, and numerous representatives of the Russian diaspora and the public.

After welcoming speeches from officials, the consecration of the erected monument took place in the courtyard of the Conservatory. Priest Maxim Politov, secretary of the Korsun diocesan administration, addressed those present and noted that “Sergei Vasilyevich Rachmaninov was a deeply religious man who made an invaluable contribution to the centuries-old treasury of church singing. He is also known for being a patron and protector of many churches, as well as the needy and disadvantaged.” Then Father Maxim sprinkled the monument with holy water. After which, the organizers of the monument were proclaimed Many Years, and the ever-memorable Sergius – “Eternal Memory”.

A quartet of the choir of the Holy Trinity Cathedral, conducted by Marina Politova, sang at the consecration.