Russian-born violinist makes waves after coming out
Russian-born violinist makes waves after coming out
- Kolesov is currently a Chicago resident and plays with the Yas Quartet, which is in residence at Roosevelt University. Prior to moving here, Kolesov was in Canada ( Halifax, Nova Scotia, to be specific ), getting a full scholarship at 16. "Here I was, unable to speak English," Kolesov told Windy City Times. "So, I learned how to speak English, how to do business, how to do math. I took three years of courses in nine months. It was hell," he said with a laugh.
However, before making it to North America, Kolesov endured a different kind of personal hell in Russia—so much so that he said that still would not feel safe if he returned to that country right now. "It was never good [regarding being gay]; homosexual is seen as a major sin," Kolesov said.
- Kolesov is currently a Chicago resident and plays with the Yas Quartet, which is in residence at Roosevelt University. Prior to moving here, Kolesov was in Canada ( Halifax, Nova Scotia, to be specific ), getting a full scholarship at 16. "Here I was, unable to speak English," Kolesov told Windy City Times. "So, I learned how to speak English, how to do business, how to do math. I took three years of courses in nine months. It was hell," he said with a laugh.
However, before making it to North America, Kolesov endured a different kind of personal hell in Russia—so much so that he said that still would not feel safe if he returned to that country right now. "It was never good [regarding being gay]; homosexual is seen as a major sin," Kolesov said.
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