Violinist on Russian trains soothes weary commuters

The commuter trains that transport tired Moscow workers out can be difficult—a lengthy, slow ride with strangers, some of whom are drinking or sleeping.

Oksana’s violin playing may elevate riders a few days a week. She plays classical, jazz, Russian folk, and children’s songs.

Her instruments and repertoire lift spirits. She paints flowers and vines on her kit violins.

After losing her employment at a cultural institution in southern Rostov-on-Don, 49-year-old Oksana went to Moscow. Her two children, who live with their father, needed support and a mortgage.

She started as a dishwasher. After handing a street musician money, he advised her to follow his lead, claiming it would certainly pay better than her scullery job.

She followed his instruction but used elektrichki trains instead of the roadway. Her stage for four years.
Not profitable. She earns 80,000 rubles ($750) in a good month, enough to pay for her Moscow suburb apartment and send some money to her kids.

She could make more, but standing on swaying trains for hours hurts her legs, so she only plays two or three times a week.