The musician in St.Petersburg, Russia

Russian Musician; Winter palace; Saint Petersburg; Russia; Flute

the musician in the GARDEN OF THE WINTER PALACE IN ST. PETERSBURG

It was a beautiful sunny day in St.Petersburg and we decided to relax in the park in front of Catherine the Great´s Winter Palace. It is a beautiful park and people came from everywhere to enjoy the day. A quote came to mind:

Music washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life.  ~Berthold Auerbach

My eye caught movement in one corner of the garden. A couple of people were gathering and I was curious to see what was happening over there. I might get another photo opportunity, I thought to myself. I was right! I saw an elderly man dressed in a black coat. Silver locks of hair touched his collar.

The musician in St.Petersburg, Russia

He took out a shiny flute and held it up in the air. Without saying a word he introduced the audience to the flute. Opposite me a member of the audience took her seat. One quick look to make sure the little one was snugly tucked into the pram and then full attention to the musician on stage.

The musician in St.Petersburg, Russia

I did not have in full view and decided to move directly in front of him but respectfully keeping my distance. His lips barely touched the musical instrument as he started to play the sweetest melody. I had no idea what he was playing but I was mesmerized by the pure sounds that now filled the park.

Russian Musician; Winter palace; Saint Petersburg; Russia; Flute

The musician was lost in a melody-world of his own and didn´t notice when more people sat down to listen. I watched each movement carefully. He noticed that he was not playing from a music sheet.I was not the only one enjoying his music!

The musician in St.Petersburg, Russia

I wiggled my way through the people and now had full view of him. I noticed that underneath the black goat he was wearing a black suit and tie! He came dressed for the occasion.

The musician in St.Petersburg, Russia

Then all of a sudden his eyes opened and he looked directly at me. He started to perform for the camera and the magic was gone. I did not see the musician again and I wonder if he is still performing there.

The musician in St.Petersburg, Russia

I have been fortunate to have done quite a bit of travelling. By heart I am an adventurer and I love exploring new places, cultures and food. Travelling can become stressful and expensive. Over the years I have learnt to travel as cost effective as possible, simply by travelling more clever. Nelmitravel.com is a Adventure and Budget Travel site where I review Airlines, Accommodation, Transport, Restaurants and give helpful travel information.

14 Comments

  1. Nelieta,Read like a fairytale. It would be interesting to know if the he is indeed performing inthe Great Winter Palace. Lovely story told ad only you can tell. I felt like I was standing right there next to you. Xoxo Jessica

  2. Hi Jess, thank you so much for your lovely comment. Glad you could join me 🙂 They do have performances inside the palace so it would be interesting. Maybe I see him there again next year 🙂 xxxx

  3. This is a beautiful experience Nelieta…I could hear the flute… I tried learning this instrument but I can't blow hard enough to make a melody, ahahaha…

  4. It was a very memorable experience Melissa. I played the flute when I was younger but I have forgotten how to..it was just for fun and I never took it very serious. A nice musical instrument with a beautiful sound.

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