Listening to and singing Sergey Rachmaninoff Vespers (All Night Vigil, Op. 37) always brings about so much emotion, feeling of joy and connection with my culture, and sense of pride for my native Russia.

This a capella choral work (premiered over 100 years ago, in 1915 in Moscow) holds an exclusive special place in my heart because discovering the existence of the Vespers became one of the most profound events of my life.

This Monday I read a heartfelt review of the new Mr. Rogers documentary written by Alaina Mabaso (Morgan Neville's "Won't You Be My Neighbor?" --  Mr. Rogers returns (and not a moment too soon) for BroadStreetReview.com). This post inspired me so much that I purchased my movie tickets immediately. The very next evening, my daughter and I settled in the recliners of a local movie theater and started wiping our tears with Kleenex (thanks to Alaina’s warning I brought a full pack along).  Watch the official trailer. 

This post on Ragan's PR Daily by Bryan Haviland (Frazier Heiby PR) answers a very important question that many business owners never ask.  

Frankly, this article has validated what has been on my mind for a long time, an important message for organizations that look to hire publicists: allow your PR consultant to be involved in your company's marketing and branding strategy. Give them freedom to generate or, at least, participate in creation of your company's content. Trust their advice just a little more, and you will be surprised at the end results.

"Boards of directors, top-level executives and brand managers, take heed: If you don't yet have a PR counselor in a position of power within your organization, you're playing Russian roulette with your brand's reputation."

"PR can no longer be relegated to traditional media relations. It has never been just that. Now more than ever before, organizations are realizing that successful consumer experience depends on deploying PR to create, manage and refresh their ever-present online brands. Here are three reasons why...  KEEP READING THE SOURCE POST.

DREAMS DO COME TRUE! Philadelphia's audiences (English and Russian speaking) will have a unique opportunity to meet and to hear an unforgettable music-and-lecture performance by one of the most intelligent, passionate, brilliant, and caring people living on our planet today. Welcome to Philadelphia, Mikhail Semyonovich Kazinik!  

I interviewed Donald Nally in 2010, when my client Lyric Fest collaborated with The Crossing Choir in the  Biography in Music series. This program marked the 100th Anniversary of Samuel Barber (1910-1981), one of the 20th century's most renowned and beloved composers. In the concert, Barber’s biography was featured alongside his songs, including several previously unpublished, opera excerpts, and choral works performed by The Crossing, with Nally conducting and Laura Ward at the piano.