Part I. Texts for reading

1.1. Superhero

Do you remember the film “Superman”? Read about the actor who played the leading role and find out why his life has changed greatly.

Not long ago, Christopher Reeve had everything. He was a successful actor, famous for the Superman films. But in 1996, when he appeared at Hollywood's Oscar ceremony, he went in a wheelchair.

Disaster came in 1995 when he fell from his horse and broke his back. The doctors did not expect him to live. However, since then he has made remarkable progress. At first, he couldn't breathe without a machine, but now he can breathe on his own. His personal campaign to promote research into spinal injuries is also impressive. Christopher has given talks all over the USA about his experiences. This has drawn attention to the issue of spinal injuries.

From their home, Christopher and his wife Dana spoke about their life since the accident..

- Did you suffer from depression after the accident?

- No. Four days after the injury, I came to, and realised my situation. Dana and I were in the hospital. The doctor said I was not going to pull through. Dana said: "But you're still you, and I love you." And that saved my life. Since that moment I have never thought of giving up. Of course, I've had moments of feeling sorry for myself, but I've never had any thoughts of suicide.

- Did you think that your marriage was so strong?

-'Yes, because Dana's so terrific. We have always got on really well. Our relationship has always been fantastic.'

- How did your parents react to the accident?

- They divorced when I was four. They've got closer since the accident.'

- What medical research is there into injuries like yours?

- 'Scientists are working on a cure. They've already proved that it's possible for nerves in the spinal cords of animals to regrow and reconnect. So, I'm very optimistic.'

Christopher Reeve has a new purpose in his life. He has raised lots of money for the American Paralysis Organisation. His achievements since his accident have shown him to be a real-life superman.

Exercises

I. Answer the questions:

1. What do you know about Christopher Reeve?

2. What was his most famous film role?

3. What terrible thing happened to him in real Life?

4. What is he doing nowadays?

II. Read out about:

.

a) the riding accident

b) his marriage

c) his feelings after the accident

d) before the accident

e) his parents

f) his achievements since the accident

g) medical research

h) his campaign

1. 2. Don’t miss concert in conservatoire

Read the text and find out why Maxim and Galina are considered to be one of the most interesting and successful music tandem of Russia.

Maxim Fedotov, a talented violinist, awarded the People's Artist of Russia and winner of prestigious international competitions such as VIII Tchaikovsky competition, is an apprentice of Boris Sergeev, Dmitry Ciganov and Igor Bezrodny. For the last 10 years, Fedotov has played more than 50 concerts (recitals, symphonic evenings) at the Grand Hall of the Moscow Conservatoire. He has performed with almost all major Russian and foreign orchestras and conductors.

The ensemble of the two musicians, soloists of the Moscow State Academic Philharmonic Society, - violinist Maxim Fedotov and pianist Galina Petrova - was founded in 1992. The brilliance of their team work, the unity of their music views, their professionalism, emotional and intellectual potential and artistic style are proved by hundreds of concerts and a number of CDs.

Besides playing Mozart, Schubert and Beethoven, the duet also plays an exclusive repertoire, ballet classics specially transcribed for them by composer Aida Isakova. Maxim and Galina are considered to be one of the most interesting and successful music tandem of Russia.

Exercise

Answer the questions:

1. What instrument does Maxim Fedotov play?

2. What instrument does Galina Petrova play?

3. What award do the musicians have?

4. When was the ensemble founded?

5. What kind of music do they play?