St. Petersburg was a vibrant, bustling city in the 1870s. Business was booming. People took pride in their Russian heritage. It was an exciting time, full of hope and prosperity. Everyone looked to the future with great expectations . especially the city's young artists and musicians. After centuries of exclusion, Russia had finally been embraced by the rest of Europe.

Russian culture was all the rage. "It's finally finished!" cried Victor as he burst through the front door. Modest and Vladimir looked up from the piano. They were playing through a scene from Modest's new opera. "What are you talking about?" asked Vladimir. "My designs for the building competition," said Victor. "You know, for the City Gate in Kiev." He pushed the breakfast dishes to one side and carefully spread his drawing out on the table.

"Come have a look!" he said. "You'll love it!".