Oleg Molchan’s song “Chuzhaya”

For the first time, Oleg Molchan’s song “Chuzhaya” was performed in 1993 by the Belarusian State Ensemble Pesniary. At that time, Molchan was the musical director of the band, writing songs and creating arrangements.

Throughout the 1990s, “Chuzhaya” frequently featured in Pesniary concerts. Over the years, while it did not completely disappear, the song gradually faded somewhat into the background.

This year, in celebration of Oleg Molchan’s 60th birthday, Irina Vidova breathed new life into the song. First, she wrote a fresh set of lyrics, and then she commissioned a new arrangement. The result is a version that captures Molchan’s original vision — infused with a touch of French flair.

The revamped “Chuzhaya” delighted the audience at the concert in Sochi on June 16, held as part of the international Red Carnation Festival and dedicated to the anniversary of Maestro Molchan. Reminiscent of the festival’s grand opening at the Zimniy Theatre, the performance, featuring Vidova in duet with the talented Akim Tishko, was met with a wave of long, endless applause.

“A powerful story of mutual love was conveyed through the song ‘Chuzhaya.’ Irina Vidova’s captivating vocals and Akim Tishko’s beautiful baritone vividly expressed feelings that resonated in every listener’s heart: intense passion, deafening jealousy, heartbreak over the fleeting happiness and the impossibility of being together,” wrote M. Yeremina, chief editor of Platanovaya Alleya, who was present at the concert.

“In my opinion, the new interpretation of ‘Chuzhaya,’ judging by the reaction in the concert halls, makes a striking impression on the audience. The listeners seem to witness a dramatic separation of two lovers in real time,” shared Irina Vidova, the lyricist and performer. “According to my inner sense as the author, I believe the characters in the song are unlikely to part — their feelings are too strong.”

The song’s premiere took place earlier, on April 11, during the composer’s anniversary celebration in Minsk, where it was performed with equal success in a heartfelt duet with Pavel Sokolov.

Now, “Chuzhaya” will be released as a solo performance by Irina Vidova on digital platforms on July 18.

Starting from that date, in honor of Molchan’s milestone year, Irina Vidova and the Ray Records music publishing company will present a new track featuring Oleg Molchan’s songs every Friday.