About CRM

The Centre for Russian Music (CRM) at Goldsmiths is a hub for research into Russian and Soviet music and musical culture.

Primary page content

We seek, among other things, to explore Russian music’s complex political contexts, the lives and works of composers who are little known beyond Russia, and Russia’s historical and continuing connections with the wider musical world.

Formed by Noelle Mann in 1997, the Centre was convened by Alexander Ivashkin from 1999 until his death in 2014. In that time, Ivashkin formed links with numerous international institutions, published and recorded extensively, and established a Centre specialism in Soviet and post-Soviet music. Currently run by Dr Tamsin Alexander, the Centre acts as a springboard for lectures, master classes, performance opportunities, postgraduate research, publications, recordings, conferences, and study days.  

The Centre is also connected to a set of special collections that attract researchers and students from across the globe. These materials are available to any interested scholar.

The CRM supports and organises:

  • Modules in Russian music within the BMus Music programme
  • Graduate supervision in topics relating to Russian music
  • Conferences, research seminars and round-table discussions
  • Publication launches
  • Lectures, lecture-recitals, workshops and masterclasses from visiting researchers, composers and performers
  • Opportunities to perform Russian music
  • Access to unique archival materials, including an extensive collection of recordings, publications on Russian music and musical scores
  • Festivals in collaboration with leading national orchestras (BBC SO, London Philharmonic, RSNO), recording companies (Chandos, BMG) and publishing houses (Boosey & Hawkes; Hans Sikorski, Germany; Kompozitor, Russia)