More than 1,500 guests attended the concert "Ode to a Woman Through the Ages" at the National Centre RUSSIA
On March 8, the National Centre RUSSIA hosted the multi-genre musical and poetic program "Ode to a Woman Through the Ages," dedicated to International Women's Day. Artists from various genres gathered on one stage to show the audience how multifaceted the role of women in society is and how musicians, poets, and other representatives of the arts have celebrated them throughout history. The concert was attended by more than one and a half thousand spectators.
"Once again, thanks to the National Centre RUSSIA, we have the opportunity to merge genres — classical opera music and classical operetta with songs, romances, Gypsy melodies, Soviet songs, and beloved movie soundtracks. This is only possible at the National Centre. I would like to congratulate all women on this wonderful holiday of love, flowers, and spring. I hope that with this concert, we have brought them at least a drop of joy," said Arif Dadashov, conductor of the Stanislavsky and Nemirovich-Danchenko Music Theatre.
The festive program was built on a fusion of poetry and beatboxing, opera and Gypsy melodies, melodized poetry, and classical romance. Classical works took on a new sound, blending harmoniously with DJ beats and beatboxing. The musical and poetic narrative about women was complemented by contemporary choreography. In addition to performing vocal pieces, stars of the Bolshoi and Mariinsky Theatres recited poems by Ivan Bunin, Anna Akhmatova, Sergei Yesenin, as well as contemporary authors.
"Today, at the National Centre RUSSIA, we congratulate all the women of our country on their holiday and present an entirely new concert program, 'Ode to a Woman Through the Ages.' The National Centre RUSSIA is a place where Russian traditions are strengthened, and new cultural history is made. That is why every artist who stepped onto this stage is, in a way, an ambassador. And it is truly joyful that everyone who came to this hall today received a share of festive spirit and positivity from the best musicians in our country," said opera singer and Bolshoi Theatre soloist Ksenia Dezhneva.
The concert program consisted of three thematic segments, the first of which transported the audience into the atmosphere of a grand 19th-century ball. The highlight of this segment was the performance of the operatic piece "Fly Away on the Wings of the Wind" ("Polovtsian Dances" from Alexander Borodin's opera Prince Igor), enriched with an original beatbox arrangement.
"This concert is a fusion of very modern genres with classical music that has endured for centuries. I hope that beatboxing, thanks to its connection with classical music, will also remain in history," noted world beatbox champion Vakhtang.
In the second segment, guests transitioned from a classical ball to a 20th-century salon, known as the "Golden Age of Russian Romance." Accompanied by the guitar, compositions such as "Ochi Chornye," "Dorogoy Dlinnoyu," "A Naposledok Ya Skazhu," and others were performed. A dance ensemble complemented the theme of this segment, enhancing the performance of romances and poetry with Gypsy dances. The final part of the program brought the audience into the modern era.
"Lately, March 8 reminds me of New Year's Eve — it's an incredible holiday, a true whirlwind of love and kindness. And I am happy that the National Centre RUSSIA gives all its guests the opportunity to experience joy. It feels wonderful here, and I come often. Dear ladies, I wholeheartedly congratulate you on March 8. Wishing you happiness, love, peace, and harmony — while also energy and victories," said journalist and television host Arina Sharapova, a guest of the concert program.
The concert program "Ode to a Woman Through the Ages" featured the vocal ensemble Arielle, the Moscow State Symphony Orchestra (artistic director — Merited Artist of Russia Ivan Rudin), soloists of the Bolshoi Theatre Guzel Sharipova and Ksenia Dezhneva (soprano), soloists of the Mariinsky Theatre Natalia Pavlova (soprano), Alexander Trofimov (tenor), and Andrei Serov (bass), world beatbox champion Vakhtang, folklore DJ Arif, and the Folk Dance Ensemble of the Moscow Provincial College of Arts.
Event photobank
Another session of the Young Guide School took place at the National Centre RUSSIA.
On March 9, the National Centre RUSSIA hosted the open lesson "The Workshop of Colors."
The National Centre RUSSIA showcases a traditional national toy — the sharkunok.
