Relatives of Joseph Kobzon opened a monument to him in Moscow

The ceremony was hosted by Central Television announcer Anna Shatilova

“Moscow is speaking” – with these words, uttered by the cult leading Soviet television Anna Shatilova, on September 9, the opening ceremony of the monument to Joseph Kobzon began. In the square adjacent to Arms Lane, not far from the house where the People’s Artist of the USSR lived, a sculpture appeared a couple of days ago, which many Muscovites managed to see and photograph, but it was, of course, hidden by drapery, and was waiting in the wings.

Over a hundred people gathered to see the monument without covers – and the press was clearly not the majority, the audience and admirers of Kobzon’s talent purely visually prevailed over people with voice recorders and cameras. They were eager to lay flowers, and when it was allowed, they literally drowned the base of the statue in bouquets, which testifies to the popular love for the artist. With surprise, under their feet, the audience found symbolic gramophone records. Later, the speakers explained the compositional idea – on these metal discs with the name of Kobzon and the label “Melody” they placed QP-codes: you followed the link – and you can listen to your favorite songs of Joseph Davydovich. That is, a pedestal with a bronze image of an outstanding person who is no longer with us has become not just a visualization, but a meeting place with him. This idea, by the way, was expressed by Kobzon’s sister.

“It is very difficult to realize that you are coming to the monument, and not to visit your beloved brother,” Helena Kandel admitted.

Among the distinguished guests at the ceremony, we saw First Deputy Chairman of the State Duma Alexander Zhukov, Special Representative of the President of the Russian Federation for International Cultural Cooperation Mikhail Shvydkoy, Chairman of the Moscow City Duma Alexei Shaposhnikov, Head of the Department of Culture of the capital Alexander Kibovsky. And from relatives – Kobzon’s widow Nelli Mikhailovna, his daughter Natalya Rappoport-Kobzon, sister, and a little later – granddaughter. The immediate opening – to the sound of the Anthem of Russia performed by Kobzon – was held by the closest relatives, as well as Zhukov and Shaposhnikov.

– We have a happy day on the eve of the birthday of Joseph Davydovich, who would have turned 85 the day after tomorrow. And it’s a happy place. From here, a block away, in the Hermitage garden, there was a wooden variety theater, where Kobzon performed for the first time, – said Shvydkoy.

“There are not many places in the center of Moscow where there would be latitude for a personality of this magnitude,” Kibovsky emphasized in his speech. And he expressed confidence that there would be flowers in this location not only today. “He is a great ambassador and lobbyist for culture. There is no one to replace him,” he concluded. Suddenly, the main Leo Bokeria came to the microphone. The audience greeted his appearance with joyful exclamations. Bokeria recalled how Kobzon went to negotiate with the Chechen fighters who captured Nord-Ost in 2002. “His pulse rate reached two hundred beats – the bandits, the killers,” recalled a world-famous cardiologist. And he completed his words about the fearlessness inherent in Kobzon with a sad maxim: “But we are all mortal.”

In conclusion, we note that the sculptor Dmitry Klavsuts, architect Denis Bobylev, a team of builders and designers worked on the creation of the monument, which should be called a memorial complex.

“This is the second monument they make. And they delved into and understand in what perspective it needs to be done, how the eyes should look, what the figure should be. Personally, I really like it, ”Nelli Kobzon appreciated their work.