Late classical cellist and activist celebrated in Moscow

A monument to late musical genius Mstislav Rostropovitch has been unveiled in Moscow.

The statue is located just off Tverskaya Street – the area was Rostropovitch’s stomping ground, where he worked and lived.

A world famous cellist and a prominent human rights defender, Rostropovitch was hailed in the West throughout his career.

However, his falling out with the Communist party led to his exile. He returned to the USSR in 1990 and came to the forefront of the democratic movement.

Rostropovitch died in 2007, aged 80. His 85th anniversary is now being celebrated across Russia with a festival of classical music bearing his name.

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