The MIR farewell singing was probably one of the most spectacular musical events in the history of the c-base. The "Kosmonaccen choir" which was founded just for this reason, performed different songs in Russian language (amongst them where the popular 'Kalinka' or 'the international anthem'). The vodka was flowing in huge amounts, which eased the performance for the artists. Afterwards, some of the spectators re-assured to me that the performance had been "eerily wonderful" - whatever that means ;-).

 

Reason for the spectacle was the coming down of the Russian space station MIR after some years in space, which suddenly would not host it any longer. To show solidarity with the fate of this poor, disused artefact, six men and six women found together, to say goodbye to the Russian MIR singing in front of a raging audience and by this show a last gesture of respect.

 

Here are some pictures from that wonderful event (click for bigger picture). Unfortunately, it was quite dark, so that the quality of the pictures is not very good.

 

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