A warm and solemn memorial evening dedicated to teacher and cultural enthusiast Olga Noginova was held in honour of her 90th anniversary, which Riga residents celebrated on May 26. The event was opened with kind words by Lyubov Kashirina, Assistant Professor of the Baltic International Academy and Coordinator of the Vladimir Vysotsky International Centre-Museum. She noted that it was on Olga Mikhailovna’s initiative and with the support of the academy’s founders that this museum was established about fifteen years ago. The museum has repeatedly hosted international scientific conferences devoted to the study of the rebel poet’s creative work, recitation contests and bard music concerts.
Particularly popular were meetings with Olga Noginova, head of the creative association “Planet of Vysotsky.” She personally knew Vladimir Vysotsky and Marina Vlady and therefore had much to share with students, lecturers and guests of the Baltic International Academy. She also contributed to the installation of the memorial plaque on the academy building, reminding visitors that Vladimir Vysotsky performed there twice.
Lyubov Kashirina’s story was vividly continued by performances from bards Viktor Kozlitin, Vladimir Novikov, Vadim Novozhilov, Sergei Stepanenko and Yuri Tikhomirov. With warm words of remembrance for Olga Noginova, they touchingly and sincerely performed some of Vladimir Vysotsky’s finest songs in her honour.
The second part of the evening featured the presentation of a new collection of Vladimir Vysotsky’s poems, published to coincide with Olga Noginova’s anniversary. The collection was presented by its compiler, writer Alexander Geronyan. He noted that the title of the book, “Tattoo”, was taken from one of Vysotsky’s early songs, and that the volume includes many rare poems by the poet and bard.
In his speech, Alexander Geronyan, speaking on behalf of the creative association “Planet of Vysotsky,” sincerely thanked the Baltic International Academy for its support in publishing the collection. He also emphasized that the book contains the following dedication: “This collection of poems by V. Vysotsky is dedicated to the bright memory of Valery Nikiforov, Latvian scientist, habilitated Doctor of Philosophy, Professor Emeritus, and one of the founders of the Baltic International Academy.”
In the photos: A composition featuring portraits of Olga Noginova and Vladimir Vysotsky. Participants of the memorial concert. The new collection of V. Vysotsky’s poems.
Photos by Lyudmila Bychkova and Tatyana Golovko.
