Anna Kukatova is a second-year PhD candidate at the Graduate School of North American Studies (GSNAS) at Freie Universität Berlin, specializing in Cold War musical diplomacy. Her research focuses on US-Soviet cultural exchanges in avant-garde music, with a particular look at the musical exchanges that occurred during the late Cold War period. She holds degrees in North American Studies (MA) and History (BA).

Terra Incognita: Western Legends Traveling East – David Bowie and John Cage.

Abstract: This study explores the encounters of two iconic musicians, rock star David Bowie and avant-gardist John Cage, with the Soviet Union. In 1973, following a tour in Japan, David Bowie crossed the Soviet Union on the Trans-Siberian Express. Although already a star in America, Japan, and Europe, Bowie's journey through the USSR was not part of a concert tour; he remained unknown to Soviet audiences. In contrast, John Cage was formally invited to the Soviet Union by the Union of Soviet Composers in 1988, reflecting the era’s shifting political climate.

This research examines their experiences, shedding light on the circles they entered, the interactions they had, and the dialogues they engaged in. For both Bowie and Cage, visiting the Soviet Union was akin to navigating terra incognita—a journey into the uncharted territories of a foreign landscape. This paper argues that these musicians challenged Soviet norms by pushing boundaries of visual aesthetics, cultural habits, and creative expression, while simultaneously drawing inspiration from these unfamiliar territories. The article explores the significance of their forays into terra incognita for the advancement of avant-garde music, the fostering of international connections, and their contributions to enhancing mutual understanding between nations.