"Modern Musical Map of Russia" will be presented at the National Centre RUSSIA

The all-Russian festival "Modern Musical Map of Russia" began today, April 4, at the press centre of MIA "Russia Today." The project is being implemented by the Foundation for Innovative Development of Culture, Education, and Science (FIRKON) with the support of the Presidential Fund for Cultural Initiatives. The final concert will take place at the National Centre RUSSIA on National Unity Day.

People's Artist of the RSFSR, director Nikita Mikhalkov, supported the initiative and drew a parallel with the already completed artistic project, "Embroidered Map of Russia," which was presented at the International RUSSIA EXPO.

According to Nikita Mikhalkov, the "Embroidered Map of Russia" made a strong emotional and aesthetic impression on him. He believes that this project is an example of how art can convey the essence of national unity.

"When you see this enormous embroidered map of Russia, adorned with regional ornaments from the very regions themselves, and then all of it brought together — you witness the incredible diversity of the country. The diversity in colors, aesthetics — it was truly impressive," noted the director.

The predecessor of the "Modern Musical Map of Russia" was the "Embroidered Map of Russia," which was presented at the International RUSSIA EXPO at VDNH in Moscow and became one of its symbols. At the Arch of the Main Entrance, visitors to the exposition were greeted by the multimedia interactive installation "Living Map of Russia." This year, the "musical map" of the country will be presented at the National Centre.

"The National Centre was established by the President of Russia, and our main goal is to speak about the country's achievements, pride, love for it, and, of course, to uphold the spiritual and moral values of our state. Relying on these values, we must move forward into the future. The 'Modern Musical Map of Russia' festival is something entirely new. One of its key objectives is to bring forth new names so that our children and grandchildren can take pride in the country's talents. It is a great honor for us at the National Centre RUSSIA to host such an important festival on November 4. I hope that with each year, it will continue to grow and develop," emphasized Anastasia Zvyagina, Deputy Director General of the National Centre RUSSIA.

The goal of the new project is to create a musical "canvas" that reflects the full cultural richness and diversity of our country. As part of the project, a nationwide music festival will take place, featuring new compositions that showcase the cultural diversity of Russia's peoples. The expert selection of participating composers will begin in each region this summer. Musicians will create works that serve as signature pieces for their respective regions. The first regional stage will begin in Cheboksary on July 24, the Day of the Chuvash Republic — the homeland of the "Embroidered Map of Russia," said Svetlana Kalikova, Minister of Culture, National Affairs, and Archival Work of the Chuvash Republic.

"There are people who work specifically with national themes and traditional musical instruments. They will be part of the expert council. We have given the artists creative freedom, just as we did in the 'Embroidered Map of Russia' project. Back then, we sent them templates and fabric samples and asked them to embroider using patterns unique to their regions. I believe that we should entrust the creation of musical compositions to our composers, who understand the nuances of our musical heritage far better than officials do. And I am confident that we will hear and witness incredible musical works," emphasized Svetlana Kalikova.

The final stage will be a series of concerts in Moscow in September 2025 on the stage of the Grand Hall of Nikita Mikhalkov's "Workshop 12." The performances will feature leading ensembles, including the State Academic Russian Folk Ensemble "Russia" named after L. G. Zykina and musicians from the Orpheus TV and Radio Center. According to Nikita Mikhalkov, People's Artist of the RSFSR and director, this cultural initiative will contribute to the consolidation of the country.

The "Modern Musical Map of Russia" project aims to preserve and develop national academic performing arts, support composer schools, and strengthen interregional cultural ties. Recordings of all compositions will be made available on streaming platforms and distributed to the regions for inclusion in the repertoires of creative ensembles and festival programs.