Now on air
10:30
Zhostovo painting
In the Moscow suburb of Zhostovo in the 19th century a craft appeared which was to bring fame to these Russian craftsmen all over the world. And what exactly was their claim to fame? Nothing other than carefully painted trays decorated with detailed images of flowers and other colourful pictures. Such trays were initially designed for townspeople and peasants as the everyday item played a central role in the Russian tea ceremony and was also a sign of a family’s prosperity. With time this purely utilitarian item transformed into a piece of art. Among collectors these trays are valued for the colouristic richness of their subjects, defined by the free, full movement of the brushstrokes. In Zhostovo the art of painting these beautiful blossoms on planes of metal is passed down from generation to generation. To this day there are craftsmen in Zhostovo whose ancestors were the first to popul...
The Kronstadt Naval Cathedral
Kronshtadt, a small island city on the Finnish Gulf, was initially built as a fortress however is now known all over Russia for its naval cathedral. It was built at the beginning of the 20th century with a wide variety of specialists from all over taking part in its construction. The tall building was meant to be a monument to fallen sailors and to serve as a landmark to those returning from sea. Evgenia Altfeld set off to check out the history of the cathedral’s construction, also learning about the life of Father John Sergiev, later canonized under the name of John of Kronshtadt. It was much due to this preacher that the cathedral was built. In the late 19th-early 20th century Kronshtadt became one of Russia’s spiritual centres.
Now on air
10:15
The Kronstadt Naval Cathedral
Russian snowboarder Alyona Zvarzina
As far as winter sports are concerned, none evoke such strong emotions as the parallel giant slalom. Its name not only excites the imagination, but also prepares fans for a battle, promising an energetic and unforgettable show. In Russia the parallel giant snowboard slalom hasn’t been around for all that long – only about 15 years, but this has been long enough for certain Russian athletes to become champions, making a name for themselves in the sport. One such snowboarder is Alena Zavarzina, Russia’s first World Champion in the parallel giant slalom.
Now on air
10:30