MOSCOW, November 17 (Sputnik) — Russia is a "big and cultural country", which can be seen both in the capital and in smaller towns, Goran Bregovic, an internationally acclaimed musician and composer from the Balkans, told RIA Novosti Monday.
Asked about his impressions of Russian small towns, Bregovic noted how cultured the audiences were, a reflection of Russia as a whole.
"For me this is exactly what I expect from Russia – an audience that I can count [on], that everyone in audience can sing and play the piano better than me, and especially girls can dance ballet better than me," the musician told RIA Novosti in an interview.
"It's exactly how I imagine Russia – like big and cultural country. I don't see a big difference between Moscow, St. Petersburg and the rest of Russia in terms of audience," he added.
The musician also underlined that Russian and Balkan cultures have always been linked. "I am from a small culture that has always considered your Russian culture as a big brother," Bregovic said, noting, however, that the Russian audiences are not well acquainted with Balkan culture.
Goran Bregovic was born in Bosnia and Herzegovina and formed his first group at the age of 16. His music is a fusion of gypsy brass bands, popular and traditional Balkan polyphonic themes. The composer is known for his film scores, in particular with Emir Kusturica, a well-known Serbian film maker.
