Russian artists showcase folk art in Zimbabwe

The first Days of Russian Spiritual Culture were held in Harare, the capital of Zimbabwe. TV BRICS is the international media partner of the event.

According to Nikolay Krasilnikov, Ambassador of the Russian Federation to the Republic of Zimbabwe, the visit of Russian artists is the result of agreements between representatives of the Ministries of Culture of both countries, reached in 2024 at the St. Petersburg International United Cultures Forum.

The highlight of the programme was a performance by the State Song and Dance Ensemble “Altai” named after A. F. Berezikov. The ensemble presented a programme entitled ‘I Feel the Soul of Russia’, which included 16 vocal and choreographic numbers. The audience was treated to such compositions as "Our Gold – My Altai," "My Beloved Siberia," "Cossack Will," "Under the Rainbow, the Bell Rings," "Kalinka," and "Evenings Near Moscow."

The number "Barynya (Russian folk dance – Ed.) in African style" was prepared especially for the audience in Zimbabwe, in which the artists combined elements of Russian dance with African traditions. In addition, they held a master class entitled "Traditional Russian Dance as the Basis of Spiritual and Moral Education".

According to the Director of the ensemble, Elena Berezikova, the tour was not only an opportunity to present national art, but also a reason for mutual cultural exchange.

"Participating in the Days of Russian Spiritual Culture in Zimbabwe, representing the country and our region, introducing the traditions of our beloved homeland to audiences of another culture is a great honour and joy. But the most important thing about these tours is the exchange of creative energies, which we ourselves are constantly nourished by. For us, living in the depths of Russia, in Siberia, everything in Zimbabwe seems very contrasting: from national art to the peculiarities of the climate. This tour has given us incredible impressions, new impulses for creativity and new friends," she noted.

Two exhibitions were organised to coincide with the concert programme: “Multinational Russia” by the Russian Geographical Society and “Kizhi – a revived masterpiece” by the Kizhi Museum-Reserve.

At the end of the Days of Spiritual Culture, the artists of the "Altai" ensemble were invited to the city of Marondera to hold creative meetings with students.

The Director of the local music educational institution, Theresa Covini, expressed her gratitude for the performance and emphasised the importance of cultural exchange.

"The quality of the music, the melodies of the songs, the colourful national costumes, the interpretation of the movements – I have never seen anything like it before. It is a great honour to introduce students to Russian culture," she said.

The event is aimed at developing cultural dialogue and expanding humanitarian cooperation between Russia and the countries of the African continent.

Photo: Days of Russian Spiritual Culture