"Pride and tears": audience reactions to the concert "Our Victory — For All Time!"

On May 8, visitors of the large celebratory concert "Our Victory — For All Time!", held at the National Centre RUSSIA, heard familiar wartime songs from their childhood, works by modern classical composers, as well as new pieces created especially for the anniversary programme. Among the guests of the concert, dedicated to the 80th anniversary of the Great Victory, were veterans of the Great Patriotic War, including two who had come from abroad and had recently celebrated their 100th birthdays.

Visitors of the National Centre RUSSIA could not hold back tears during the performance of many compositions. The song "Sacred War," performed by the A. V. Alexandrov Academic Song and Dance Ensemble of the Russian Army, was greeted by the audience with a standing ovation.

Photo: Press Office of the National Centre RUSSIA

"Both of my granddaughters performed, and I am truly proud of that. It was a grand concert. I would like to express my immense gratitude to the performers and those who prepared the stage. The stage design was stunning. This is not our first time at the National Centre RUSSIA, but it’s the first time we’ve had such a powerful impression from a production. Thank you for such an amazing and grand concert. These events are necessary both for adults and for children," emphasised attendee Inna Babarina.

Maria Kovshova visited the National Centre RUSSIA together with her daughter Vera. According to the mother, such events not only bring people together but also convey the right values to the younger generation.

Photo: Press Office of the National Centre RUSSIA

"I would like to thank the National Centre RUSSIA for the opportunity to attend this concert. On Victory Day, it is important to go to celebratory events and not only commemorate the day at home. This allows us to unite. Such concerts bring people together and prevent us from forgetting our history and how significant the feat of our ancestors was. About the great contribution they made to the development and prosperity of our country. It is very important to attend such events with children, to tell them how things really were. So that children do not forget, so they know the history of our country. So they know about their relatives and loved ones, about everyone who defended our great country," said Maria Kovshova.

Photo: Press Office of the National Centre RUSSIA

The performances at the concert "Our Victory — For All Time!" moved both adults and children alike.

"I came with my mum, sister and two friends. The concert was simply unforgettable, I really enjoyed it — the emotions were overwhelming. The song 'Victory Day' was very beautiful," shared young attendee Kristina Matyushina.

Photo: Press Office of the National Centre RUSSIA

Alyona Dubrova, a guest of the National Centre RUSSIA, said she is proud of her grandfather — a veteran of the Great Patriotic War. She shared that she always remembers the hero of her family when listening to wartime songs.

"I decided to come to this concert because I like songs from the war years. I always remember my grandfather. I’m proud of the veterans’ heroism. At the concert, I really liked the song about the blockade — I can’t describe how deeply it moved me. I also liked how Polina Gagarina sang: very emotionally, she has a wonderful voice. And I liked that our heroes took part in the concert. It’s very important that today’s youth sing for them," said Alyona Dubrova.

Photo: Press Office of the National Centre RUSSIA

 The festive programme at the National Centre RUSSIA continues on May 9 and 10. On Victory Day, the "Vehicles for the Front" campaign will take place at the National Centre RUSSIA. Full details can be found on the website in the "Events" section.