The role of art in a combat environment: Open Dialogue involving artists took place at the National Centre RUSSIA

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The Open Dialogue "How Does Art Help Us Win?" took place at the National Centre RUSSIA on June 11. The meeting was dedicated to Russia Day and brought together talented artists who, through their performances, inspire and support service personnel in combat zones.

During the discussion, participants addressed the significance of art in conflict situations and its substantial role in supporting soldiers and officers. Furthermore, the event touched upon the theme of the importance of the mission of Soviet musicians during the Great Patriotic War.

The host and moderator was Dmitri Kukushkin, a Mosconcert artist, artistic director of the Kupina Gusli Art Development Centre named after Lyubov Zhuk, and a member of the Cultural Brigade.

The speakers were Dmitri Volkov, Honoured Artist of the Republic of Mari El, Candidate of Arts, Mosconcert artist and head of the Kupina gusli players' ensemble; Yelizaveta Melnichenko, laureate of international and all-Russian competitions, Mosconcert artist with the Kupina ensemble, blogger and author of educational courses on playing the gusli; and Irina Sukhanova, Honoured Artist of the City of Moscow, Mosconcert soloist, leading actress of the Moscow State Musical Theatre "Na Basmannoy," and SMO veteran.

"Beginning to travel to the combat zone to support our soldiers was an inner impulse that coincided with the organisation of Mosconcert brigades. As an officer's son, I could not stand aside; it was important for me to meet and interact with the soldiers. We visited hospitals, deployment locations, and also peaceful, already liberated, towns," recalled Dmitri Volkov.

According to the speakers, art becomes a powerful factor of support and unity, contributing to the raising of morale and military cohesion.

"In January 2026, Mosconcert will celebrate its 95th anniversary. One of its most significant projects is the Cultural Brigade, which travels monthly to the territories of the new republics together with General Director Ilya Bachurin. Since the very beginning of the special military operation, Mosconcert has been actively supporting the Armed Forces of Russia and our state," noted Dmitry Kukushkin.

According to him, the concert and cultural-educational activities of the Cultural Brigade strengthen faith in the power and unity of the country, help young people find their place and receive comprehensive support. After performances, soldiers tell the artists that they gain a sense of a reliable home front.

Yelizaveta Melnichenko shared that during their performances for servicemen, artists perform songs that the fighters enjoy.

"We listen to their preferences – they usually like songs by Viktor Tsoi, the Kino band, the Zveri band, patriotic and folk compositions. We bring culture to the people. I play the gusli. The audience is always surprised that such an ancient Russian folk instrument is still played today. I doubted whether it would be understood, but my performances are always warmly received," said Yelizaveta Melnichenko.

She noted that members of the Cultural Brigade visit hospital wards where wounded soldiers are being treated, giving concerts there as well and paying attention to each person. The servicemen are very grateful and say that such visits help boost morale.

The artists agreed that in difficult times, art takes on special significance, uniting hearts.

The Open Dialogue programme included live performances of songs, giving listeners an opportunity to enjoy the art and immerse themselves in an atmosphere of solidarity and faith in victory.