When I wrote my first Editorial, the Association was not yet in existence. Six months later, in July 2001, we have 110 members representing 12 countries. The launch of the Association took place in London on 10 May – a highly enjoyable evening, although the non-UK members who were unable to attend were sorely missed. Valery Gergiev spoke at length of his long-lasting relationship with Prokofiev’s music and of his vision for the future. Another major event has been the launch of the Association’s stylish website which you will find at <www.sprkfv.net>. The Association’s most important undertaking is to co-ordinate “Prokofiev 2003”.
   This is a historical issue as it contains the first-ever extracts from the as yet unpublished Prokofiev Diaries (1907–1933), an invaluable source of information on and around Prokofiev. This long-awaited document is being prepared for publication by Sviatoslav Prokofiev and his son, Serge; more about this will appear in forthcoming issues and on our website. A section based mostly on the Diaries offers a revealing picture of Prokofiev the man through his interests and writings. This issue also offers the first sample of what I hope to establish as a regular feature, the study of a particular work or event from a number of different angles. Here, Prokofiev’s work Seven, They Are Seven is discussed by Konstantin Balmont (published here for the first time), from a literary and cultural angle in Pamela Davidson’s enlightening article, and finally in my own article, a musical and contextual study. Other works represented are On the Dnieper and Betrothal in a Monastery. Finally, I include an article I wrote in direct response to the countless queries I have received in the past seven years: where are Prokofiev’s autograph sources; and how is it that his personal archive is in London?
   Some of you have sent me requests and suggestions for future issues, and I would welcome more. May I also use this opportunity to invite members to express their views by sending letters for inclusion on the website to Serge Prokofiev Jr, the webmaster. The website’s News section needs to be constantly updated; reviews or previews of performances taking place anywhere in the world, or any other Prokofiev-related news should also be sent to the webmaster.

Noëlle Mann