Twin Song was created in 2014 to mark 70 years since a bond of friendship was formalised between the people of Soviet city Stalingrad (now Volgograd) and the people of Coventry, UK. This pioneering twinning of two cities far apart was instigated by collectives of women in both cities, who exchanged potent symbols of solidarity while WW2 was still raging – the women of Stalingrad sent a book of 30,000 signatures to Coventry; women in Coventry signed and stitched a tablecloth which was sent back along with medical aid for a people emerging from one of the worst sieges in history.
In 2014 myself and librettist Peter Cann worked with young people from two primary schools in Coventry to understand and articulate the significance of the bond which had remained unbroken “in spite of walls and politicians” (a quote from the song). The final line of Twin Song was given to us by a 10 year old who had been sitting quietly at the back of the classroom during our workshop, during the course of which we had described the chilling effects of the Cold War. “Better to be twins, than be cold to each other” seemed to poignantly sum up the power of twinning to connect people on an individual level, under the radar of the political vicissitudes.
The performance by an orchestra of Russian children from Volgograd alongside their British peers, in the setting of Coventry Cathedral, itself a potent symbol of rebuilding and reconciliation, was powerful. It expressed optimism that a new generation of diverse, globally-connected young people could make change where past and current politicians had failed. The line “Now a chill wind is ruffling the borders” referred to events at the time which led to Russia’s annexation of Crimea, part of Ukraine.
The unease at the borders has now become full-scale conflict, and with Russian forces laying siege to Ukrainian cities, history seems to be replaying itself through a different lens.
Those on the receiving end of Putin’s brutal and brutalising campaign are Ukrainians and Russians – some of those very children who visited Coventry in 2014 are likely to be among the young conscripts being sent to fight their neighbours.
What of twinning when there’s a war on?
The Bishop of Coventry has said Coventry’s connection with Volgograd should continue (other cities, including Oxford and Cheltenham have said they are suspending links with their respective Russian twins). His words seem to echo the pronouncement of his predecessor, Provost Howard, who on the day after the Coventry Blitz, standing in the ruins of the Cathedral, talked of the forgiveness that would have to precede an eventual reconciliation. His was the long view.
In truth, friendships deeply forged, and connections which have already survived one Cold War, “in spite of difference and suspicion,” will carry on whatever the incumbent civic leaders decide. It will be personal and cultural links that will be the basis of rebuilding the burnt bridges, once – we can only hope – the fighting has stopped.
(Derek Nisbet, Co-Artistic Director and Composer)
Words from the Birds 