Invited to compete in the Moscow A Cappella Open International Singing Festival, the sextet has performed songs from its varied repertoire in more than 13 public venues in Moscow, where nearly 150 national and foreign groups are meeting until September 1.

“Being here in Russia, specifically in its capital for the first time, is a fascinating experience. We have always been admirers of Russian culture, of its people and their level of sensitivity and nobility with which they face any cultural expression,” Sampling Director René Baños told Prensa Latina.

The Cuban musician pointed out that Russia’s largest contest of performers has allowed them to interact with all kinds of audiences, who have received them with great warmth, despite the cultural and linguistic differences, “they are very open, hospitable, noble and above all, happy.”

Among its attractions, Sampling has in its musical compendium songs in different languages, including English and Chinese. According to Baños, it was a special challenge to put together the song Очи чёрные (Black Eyes in English), a hymn from the Russian songbook that has a unique relationship with Cuba.

“I think it is always nice to bring something from the culture of the stage we visit, this one in particular is a song that has a Cuban origin, which is said that it was composed by Sindo Garay, but it passed into Russian culture, and became popular worldwide through this country. It is very nice and pleasant to see the surprise of Russians to give another rhythm and color to Black Eyes,” he noted.

Baños assured that this first encounter with Russian art and society will be the beginning of a new path for Vocal Sampling in Russia, as they expect to perform in other cities in order to strengthen the ties between both cultures.

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