When American pianist Van Cliburn died in 2013, funeral organizers in Texas couldn’t locate an obscure piece of music he’d requested for the service. But as WRTI’s Susan Lewis reports, thanks to a Philadelphia connection, the Russian folk song was found, and is now enjoying new life in America. "Vanya Klibern," as he was called in Russia, says Inna Lobanova-Heasley, was "a rock star" there.
DucksAreFlying072114SLLF.mp3
Susan talks with Russian-born Philadelphia resident Inna Lobanova-Heasley, who tells the story of how she located the Russian folk song "Ducks are Flying," and helped fulfill one of the last wishes of the celebrated American pianist Van Cliburn.
Here are several ensembles presenting the Russian folk song performed at Van Cliburn's funeral service.
The Voronezh State Folk Choir (Russian)
http://youtu.be/V5tUQimjTq0
SLDucksAreFlying072114.mp3
Schola Cantorum of Texas performing "Ducks are Flying."
The Bel Canto Children’s Chorus (Red Hill, PA)
http://youtu.be/_ijU9Jmat9Q
The Dallas Recorder Society
http://youtu.be/sXpBJ1KTItk
