Social Scene

A Celebration of James W. Symington

By Mary Bird • January 11, 2016 0 2323

Ambassador of the Russian Federation Sergey I. Kislyak with James W. and Sylvia Symington. | Photo by Kevin Allen

The American-Russian Cultural Cooperation Foundation (ARCCF) saluted its outgoing longtime chairman, James W. Symington, at the Russian Ambassador’s residence on Nov. 17. U.S. Ambassadors to Russia John Beyrle and Thomas Pickering were among the speakers on a program that also featured renowned Russian bass from the Mariinsky Theater Askar Abdrazakov. Recalling his student days singing folk songs in Russian parks, the honoree said, “I was hooked on Russia before I went and ever since.” He capped the evening by performing “Moscow Nights” before guests departed with a signed copy of his book, “Heard and Overheard: Words Wise (and Otherwise) with Politicians, Statesmen¸ and Real People.”