Broadway Came to the Russian Far East

Ty Stephens and SoulJaazz quartet.

For the first time, the cities of Vladivostok, Nakhodka, and Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk had an opportunity to enjoy live Broadway melodies from such famous musicals as Porgy and Bess, Funny Girl, Cabaret, West side Story, Fantasticks, etc. performed by Ty Stephens and his SoulJaazz quartet. Musicians came to the region on the invitation of the Primorye Regional Philharmonic with the support of the US Consulate in Vladivostok under the auspices of the Bi-lateral Presidential Commission. The former star of Sophisticated Ladies, Ty Stephens won the hearts of Russians in all three regions with his interpretations of the Broadway classics. During a one week visit, the musicians gave four concerts, a master class, several press conferences, and numerous interviews in three cities - inspiring more than 3000 people with their live performances. In appreciation, hospitable fans brought flowers and dozens of freshly home-baked pies to the musicians to make their long trip home memorable. Young musicians who attended the shows were motivated to increase their rehearsal sessions. And one young gentleman, as noted by his famous father, started rehearing eight hours a day after hearing the performance!