Poetry that unites: large-scale programme marking the 110th anniversary of Mikhail Matusovsky launched at the National Centre RUSSIA
The interactive creative meeting "Speak like Matusovsky," part of the "Masterpieces. The Best of Russia" series, took place on July 20 at the National Centre RUSSIA. The event marked the launch of a large-scale programme by the National Centre RUSSIA dedicated to the 110th anniversary of the birth of the Soviet Russian poet and lyricist whose songs have united generations of Russians for more than half a century.
"Mikhail Matusovsky is a poet whose lines have become part of Russia’s history. Everyone knows his 'Moscow Nights' and 'Where the Motherland Begins,' but not everyone remembers the author of these timeless works. The National Centre RUSSIA, established on the initiative of the President, is designed to return such great names to the country’s cultural space. Today, we are launching a series of events to mark the poet’s 110th anniversary. This is not just a tribute, but an important step in preserving our cultural identity. Together with our colleagues from the Matusovsky Lugansk State Academy of Culture and Arts, we have prepared a large-scale programme that will offer younger generations a new way to discover Matusovsky’s work," said Anastasia Zvyagina, Deputy Director General of the National Centre RUSSIA.
The meeting "Speak like Matusovsky" was not simply a cultural event but a profound dialogue with the country’s poetic legacy, conveyed through the immortal lines of a poet whose work has become part of the national cultural code.
"Perhaps only true masters can be proud that their works continue to live on, remain relevant, and be part of the present. Although Matusovsky passed away 35 years ago, the events taking place in our country today were long ago reflected in his writing. He saw everything that happened to the Russian people throughout history and conveyed it artistically and skilfully in his expressive, vivid and lyrical works — not declaratively, but sincerely. His poetry is real, alive, and it truly forms our cultural code. Many may be surprised to learn that iconic songs like 'Moscow Nights,' 'Marching Together Is Fun,' and 'Where the Motherland Begins' have a specific author — Mikhail Matusovsky," said Viktoria Smolyar, lecturer at the Department of Theory and History of Arts at the Matusovsky Lugansk State Academy of Culture and Arts and member of the Russian Society for Cultural Studies, who delivered a lecture at the National Centre RUSSIA dedicated to Matusovsky as both a poet and a person.
The educational programme featured performances by guest artists — actors from the Vsevolod Shilovsky Moscow Theatre Studio: Viktoria Karimova, Kamila Gafetdinova, and Nikita Shilkin.
"The song 'Marching Together Is Fun,' which I performed today, is a children's song, but it’s full of spirit even from an adult’s point of view. Every time I hear it or sing it myself, the mood changes instantly — it really makes you want to go out and march cheerfully across the open spaces. So, if you’re preparing for something or truly want to speak like Matusovsky, first and foremost, you need to understand what the words you’re about to say actually mean to you. Even the pauses, the inhales and exhales — they’re all important, both in terms of delivery and meaning. But most importantly, and I’ll say this again, it should come from you: what you want to say and what emotion and mood you want to convey to the audience," said Kamila Gafetdinova.
The event’s programme blended contemporary formats with classical elements. Guests listened to Matusovsky’s poetry and became participants in the creative process, breathing new life and new meaning into well-known works.
"It seems to me that the real value of today’s event for a lot of people lies in the fact that the poems we all know from songs have finally revealed their true face. We now understand who the poet is and what the words are really about — and that makes them feel even closer to us. I deliberately chose to read the poem 'Moscow Nights.' It’s very difficult to read aloud, because we’re so used to hearing it as a song. But I made a conscious decision to read it so that people could feel those words anew, discover new meanings, see the poem in a different light. Even during rehearsal today, I read it a bit differently — and I got goosebumps. And I thought: ‘Oh, I’ve struck a chord in myself — that means I’ll definitely strike a chord with the audience,’" shared Viktoria Karimova.
Participants noted the special importance of deeply studying and popularising Matusovsky’s work, seeing in it a powerful unifying force for different generations.
"To be honest, our generation didn’t really know Matusovsky. We knew the songs and the poems, of course, but we didn’t know who wrote them. So for me, he’s been a real discovery, and now I keep learning something new about him. While rehearsing the song 'School Waltz' at the theatre for today’s event, older performers — honoured artists — would often come over and even sing along with me. Through meetings like this, we raise interest in our cultural legacy among younger audiences, and authors like Matusovsky really do unite generations," said Nikita Shilkin.
The event concluded with a collective reading of the poem "Where the Motherland Begins," bringing all participants together in a live performance of the immortal lines.
The original project "Masterpieces. The Best of Russia," created by the National Centre RUSSIA, aims to raise cultural awareness among the public, foster a sense of pride in the country’s achievements, and strengthen family traditions through art. This new cultural space is designed to integrate classical works into a contemporary context, unite various art forms to make them more accessible and appealing, and support the creativity of modern authors. The World of Poetry series within the project introduces audiences to Russia’s literary legacy through a synthesis of theatre, music and interactive technology.
Educational and cultural events at the National Centre RUSSIA are free to attend with prior registration on the website russia.ru. Up-to-date information on upcoming events is available in the "Events" section.
Event photobank
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A meeting "Speak like Matusovsky", left vivid impressions among the guests of the National Centre RUSSIA.
