Shows / Dmitry Sitkovetsky: Keeping the Flame
Dmitry Sitkovetsky: Keeping the Flame
Soviet Russia. The 1970s. A young violinist from a renowned musical family flees his homeland in search of freedom. This is the story of Dmitry Sitkovetsky — a family memoir, a portrait of the Russian intelligentsia, and a journey through music and exile.
Episodes
Dmitry Sitkovetsky: Keeping the FlameChapter XII: The Rehearsals
What does it really take to be ready for the stage? In this chapter, Dmitry takes us inside the rehearsal room — where musicians repeat, refine, argue, listen…
Dmitry Sitkovetsky: Keeping the FlameChapter XI: The Violin
What happens when an instrument built to create art becomes a financial asset? In this chapter, Dmitry talks about the violin — starting with the craft and…
Dmitry Sitkovetsky: Keeping the FlameChapter X: The Father Of
In the final chapter of the season, Dmitry’s life comes full circle: he revisits Russia and becomes a father. Plus, a look at mistakes made and lessons…
Dmitry Sitkovetsky: Keeping the FlameChapter IX: Bach
Dmitry explores the structure and content of this extraordinary work. Bonus story: how he spent the best two months of his musical life in the virtual company…
Dmitry Sitkovetsky: Keeping the FlameChapter VIII: Two Brothers
Once there were two cousins. They were like salt and pepper. One had dark hair; the other was blond. One practiced the violin, while the other preferred the…
Dmitry Sitkovetsky: Keeping the FlameChapter VII: Becoming a Westerner
Dmitry remembers his firsts — first car, first movie, first concert. This episode is a reflection on the events that reshaped one refugee’s Soviet mindset…
Dmitry Sitkovetsky: Keeping the FlameChapter VI: The First Ten Days in New York
Dmitry arrives at JFK International Airport and is immediately swept up in the whirlwind of artistic New York: Juilliard, auditions, and scraping together…
Dmitry Sitkovetsky: Keeping the FlameChapter V: The Escape
A first-hand account of escaping Soviet Russia — complete with diversion, persuasion, and a whole lot of chutzpah. This episode was produced by Libo/Libo…
Dmitry Sitkovetsky: Keeping the FlameChapter IV: The Guru
A determined search for alternative lifestyles and opinions in the Soviet Union led the almost-18-year-old Dima to meet a man who presented himself as a…
Dmitry Sitkovetsky: Keeping the FlameChapter III: Beating the Soviet System
Dmitry paints a portrait of a Brezhnev-era child’s double life: acting the part of model pioneer in front of teachers and rebelling the moment authority’s back…
Dmitry Sitkovetsky: Keeping the FlameChapter I: The Son Of
In this episode, Dmitry revisits his childhood – the first sounds of music in his mother’s womb, the early loss of his father and an audition with a prominent…
Dmitry Sitkovetsky: Keeping the FlameChapter II: The Great Russian Violin School
This chapter takes a behind-the-scenes look at a system that produced countless talents. Dmitry recalls his experiences with Soviet musical training…
Dmitry Sitkovetsky: Keeping the FlameTrailer: Keeping the Flame
Dmitry Sitkovetsky is a Soviet-born violinist, transcriber, and conductor. In this series, he revisits his journey from a privileged musical upbringing within…