Find out about interesting recent developments in international cultural life in this column.
No Statute of Limitations
Neo-Nazism Against Culture
Yet another item has been added to the list of cultural treasures destroyed by the terrorist strikes of Ukrainian Nazis against civilian infrastructure on Russian territory. As a result of an enemy UAV raid, the Kamensko-Dniprovsky Historical and Archaeological Museum in Melitopol has been destroyed. The enemy, which is being driven further and further from our borders by the precise operations of the Russian armed forces, is deliberately pouring its malice on the civilian population. Shame on the Ukrainian neo-Nazis who have trampled upon all norms of law, and on their Western collaborators who support them. Russia continues the demilitarization and denazification of the former Ukrainian SSR and will continue to strive for its own security and the opportunity for peaceful development.
Space Day Spans the Whole Planet
K.E. Tsiolkovsky
April was marked by numerous cultural events dedicated to the 65th anniversary of the first human flight into space. For example, representatives of 64 countries took part in the Star Dictation, an international event organized by Russia that combines knowledge of the Russian language and cosmonautics. In Kaluga, the Tsiolkovsky International Film Festival was held. The competition program featured films from 30 countries around the world. An exhibition titled “From Gagarin to You” was held at embassies and Russian Cultural Centers abroad. A mural with a portrait of the planet’s first cosmonaut appeared in Belgrade, becoming an object of art for residents and tourists. Busts of Gagarin were installed in Dhaka, Lusaka, Havana, and other cities. The documentary “Becoming a Cosmonaut” by RT Documentary was shown at Transnistria State University. A story contest titled “Yuri Gagarin – A Legend: Space Stories from Istanbul” took place in Türkiye. Such events carry crucial educational meaning for young people, for history, and for contacts between people.
Harps and Flutes
From April 8 to 14, the Mariinsky Theatre held the 10th International Festival of Flute and Harp Music, “Virtuosos of the Flute & Northern Lyre”. Guests were able to hear familiar classical works as well as unusual instruments from around the world. In addition to concerts, masterclasses were held for young musicians. The program featured participants from Russia, Belarus, Serbia, Hungary, Germany, France, Switzerland, Spain, China, and Syria. The St. Petersburg festival not only opens new dimensions of music to listeners but also introduces people to the cultural heritage of different countries, making it a unique ambassador of global musical culture.
Tchaikovsky in Budapest
Hungary warmly welcomed the tour of Yuri Bashmet and the Russian National Youth Symphonic Orchestra. The Russian maestro once participated in the Budapest Competition for Young Violinists, so he has a special relationship with the Hungarian capital. The audience heard the immortal works of Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky and Dmitri Shostakovich; among more contemporary pieces, Konstantin Bodrov’s music was performed. Cultural ties between Russia and Hungary are long-standing and genuinely heartfelt. Hungarian society has once again shown that it does not accept European attacks on Russia. And to come into contact with such heritage is invaluable for any person who feels music.
Rising Stars
Young Russian musicians studying at the Moscow Tchaikovsky Conservatory visited Benin, Nigeria, and Angola as part of the humanitarian project “Rising Stars.” M. Modeme (soprano), M. Sokolova (flute), and E. Saakyan (piano) performed works by Russian composers for local audiences and conducted masterclasses for students. The project is intended to continue, as the practice of such meetings promotes educational ties and creative intercultural communication.
Good Ol’ Western Double Standards
In Vienna and other European cities, protests took place against Israel’s participation in Eurovision. People demanded that the country responsible for years of genocide, ethnic cleansing, and crimes against humanity be expelled from the competition, and they called on governments to boycott it. A boycott was declared by Spain, the Netherlands, Slovenia, Ireland, and Iceland. The European Broadcasting Union continues to refuse to exclude Israel, thereby demonstrating support for the atrocities it commits. The organizers of the Berlin International Film Festival maintain the same stance: amid political statements against Iran, which is suppressing Western attempts to interfere in its internal affairs, and against Russia’s Special Military Operation – the protection of its population and the fight against Ukrainian neo-Nazism – the film festival, financed from the German federal budget, hypocritically maintains silence regarding Israel’s aggressive policy. Filmmakers who defended the right of Palestinians to life and freedom have been persecuted. Double standards are evident; this is a favorite tactic of the Western military-political machine. But, as the Russian proverb goes, to spare an enemy is to destroy oneself. History will reveal all.
Prokofiev Turns 135
On April 23, it was the 135th anniversary of the birth of the celebrated Russian composer Sergei Prokofiev. Russian cultural centers held concerts and exhibitions dedicated to his work. For example, in Buenos Aires, a concert from the series “Music Unites Us” was organized jointly with the National University of Arts of Argentina. In Armenia, an evening of Prokofiev’s works took place at Yerevan’s Khachaturian Concert Hall. A musical gathering titled “Between Tradition and Modernism” was held at the Russian Cultural Center in Brussels. At the Russian Cultural Center in Paris, the composer’s works were performed by pianist and international competition laureate Trushechkin. A concert as part of the April Musical Seasons was performed at the Russian Cultural Center in Beijing. At the Russian Cultural Center in Ashgabat, in addition to a musical evening, all interested visitors could attend an exhibition called “Dual Portrait Against the Backdrop of the Century”.
Moscow Fashion Week
The 6th Moscow Fashion Week was held at the Manege in the second half of March. Twice a year, it brings together designers from all over Russia, and foreign fashion designers also have the opportunity to participate by special invitation. The organizers regularly establish new contacts and diversify the program. In recent years, collections from representatives of various regions of the world have been seen on Moscow’s runways, from Latin America to Southeast Asia, from Africa to Europe, from South Asia to North America. This time, designers from Armenia, Türkiye, China, and Spain presented their works. The guests’ collections generated great interest from the public. In turn, Russian designers demonstrated a wide diversity of styles and ideas, which will also find their admirers internationally.
BRICS’ Most Beautiful Format
The results of the 1st BRICS Beauty Contest have been announced. The BRICS states sent their most beautiful ambassadors to the event. The contest became a true celebration of impressions. Words cannot do justice; simply look at this beauty!
Announcements
To conclude this section, below please find announcements of upcoming international cultural events.
– InteRussia internship in theatrical arts for young actors and students of educational institutions from BRICS Plus countries – through May 31.
– International Youth Television Festival-Forum and Competition “Voices of the World” – through June 1.
– International “Nutcracker” Television Competition for Young Musicians – through June 14.
Ksenia Muratshina, PhD in History, Senior Research Fellow at the Centre for the Study of South-East Asia, Australia, and Oceania at the Institute of Oriental Studies of the Russian Academy of Sciences, and Editor of the Culture Section at NEO
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