Russia 2019 (14) MOSCOW - Zaryadya Park & a Musical Surprise

Steps from Saint Basil's and on the way to our bus, in the distance, we saw Moscow's newest green space in 50 years. Zaryadye Park was designed by American architects Diller, Scofidio + Renfro. It sits in a historically significant spot along the Moscow River. Terraces reflect the four climate zones in Russia--tundra, steppe, forest, and wetlands.

I think this is the visitor's center.

There is a "floating" bridge reaching out over the Moscow River. It has an unsupported V-shaped 70m (229 feet) extension. The supporting structure portion is made of steel and cement. The walkway is wood and certified to hold 240 tons or 3-4,000 people. We did not have the chance to check it out. Bummer!

This site is worth a look, even if you just check the aerial photo of the entire 35-acre site:
https://dsrny.com/project/zaryadye-park
See the Kremlin wall and Saint Basil's in the background. The glass shelter / theater (lower right) is climate controlled even in cold weather.

After that, I thought we would go directly to our ship, but we were offered another option (free). Viking has a small event arena where we could experience a Russian folklore concert. We started with classical music by an orchestra.

Then we heard individuals playing common Eastern European instruments like this balalaika.

Lap harp.

 

Xylophone.

The gals sang ballads and folk songs in native dress.

This fellow was the hit though. He played 30 instruments, including wood knockers, accordion, wood flapper, wind chimes, sword and knife, horn, bells, saw, and more. Lots of applause for him.

What a character!!

Then they got some brave souls from our group to go on stage and play the balalaika and tambourine. They did pretty darn well.

The show ended with the theme from Doctor Zhivago. Few dry eyes in the house.

After that we did head "home."