Tatyana Kurtukova and the "Khorovod of Unity": highlights from the opening of the National Centre RUSSIA in Ryazan
A large-scale concert programme was held for residents and
visitors to Ryazan on 5 October to mark the opening of the National Centre
RUSSIA branch there. The audience enjoyed performances by the NANSI &
SIDOROV duo, beatboxer and musician Vakhtang, the Moscow State Academic Theatre
of Dance "Gzhel", the A. V. Alexandrov Academic Song and Dance
Ensemble of the Russian Army and other artists and creative groups, with
popular singer Tatyana Kurtukova as the programme's headliner. Almost 10,000
people gathered in the square in front of the new branch to hear their
favourite songs and become part of a large-scale celebration of pride in the
region and the country as a whole.
One of the highlights of the programme was the "Khorovod of Unity" ("Unity Round Dance") flash mob, based on the idea of a shared circle in which different generations and cultures come together on the same land. The tradition of the round dance has been given a new lease of life by the National Centre RUSSIA: the flash mob was launched as part of the large-scale programme dedicated to the Year of Unity of the Peoples of Russia, declared by President Vladimir Putin. Both performers and guests joined the "Khorovod of Unity", including students, volunteers, branch staff and Ryazan residents who came to the opening. The collective dance once again highlighted the strength of the country in the ability of people from different ethnic groups, cultures and generations to come together as one family.
One of the most touching moments of the evening was the appearance of a
renowned performer of folk and original songs, including the legendary hit
"Matushka" ("Mother"), Tatyana Kurtukova.
"It is a great pleasure to welcome you to such an important and meaningful event — the opening of the National Centre RUSSIA in Ryazan. Thank you so much. It is wonderful that this centre has opened here, on Ryazan soil. It is so nice to see so many people in the audience — and especially children. Our country is the best in the world, and that is what I sing about. I would also like to congratulate our wonderful teachers, educators and everyone who plays a part in raising our children and fostering their love for our country. Thank you so much — you are doing something truly important," said Tatyana Kurtukova.
The family NANSI & SIDOROV duo also shared the joy of the branch opening
with the audience. According to the performers, the National Centre RUSSIA in
Ryazan is a place where both adults and children can find something equally
engaging.
"We would like to congratulate everyone on the opening of the National Centre RUSSIA in Ryazan. It is an amazingly beautiful, magnificent place to spend time together as a family, to bring joy to our children and to discover as much as possible about the culture of our great and beautiful country," said Oleg and Anastasia, members of the duo.
The broadcast of the official opening ceremony of the National Centre RUSSIA
branch in Ryazan is available here.
The new National Centre RUSSIA branch in Ryazan is the first in the Central Federal District and the fourth in the country. It is located within walking distance of the Ryazan Kremlin and the Ryazan VDNH and forms part of a major pedestrian route connecting historic landmarks and modern public spaces.
The branch is located at 26 Oksky Proyezd, Ryazan, within walking distance of the Ryazan Kremlin and the Ryazan VDNH. The space welcomes visitors Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 to 20:00. Monday is a maintenance day. Admission to the permanent exposition is free, but advance booking is required. Visitors who arrive without a booking can join the nearest available tour, subject to space in the group. We recommend booking a slot in advance to make your visit as comfortable as possible. You can book a slot here.
The opening ceremony featured a concert programme as well as business, cultural and educational events, attracting more than 9,800 visitors.
On 5 October, the official opening ceremony of the National Centre RUSSIA branch in Ryazan took place.
