Multi-genre concert "Maslenitsa. Time of Traditions" was held at the National Centre RUSSIA
On March 2, the National Centre RUSSIA hosted the multi-genre concert "Maslenitsa. Time of Traditions." Soloists from the Bolshoi and Mariinsky Theatres performed on the same stage, accompanied by a symphony orchestra, a choir, and a Russian folk vocal ensemble. One of the program's key features was the creative collaboration between the artists, a folk DJ, and a world champion in beatboxing.
"The National Centre RUSSIA is a space where tradition meets innovation. Today’s concert is a great example of how different musical genres can be combined to create something unique. For instance, the folk DJ and beatboxing blended seamlessly into the program. We witnessed a truly fascinating dialogue between genres," noted Anastasia Zvyagina, Deputy Director General of the National Centre RUSSIA.
The concert program was divided into three thematic sections, each telling its own story and bringing together tradition and modernity.
"The National Centre RUSSIA has brought us all together today. And for me, this is truly an unprecedented project. As classical musicians, we had the opportunity to unite in a shared creative impulse with representatives of entirely different cultural genres — artists we would never have met on any other stage," said Arif Dadashev, conductor of the Stanislavsky and Nemirovich-Danchenko Music Theatre and guest conductor of the Mariinsky Theatre.
The first part of the festive program recreated the atmosphere of traditional Maslenitsa celebrations, featuring folk songs and winter games, with artists actively engaging the audience. This was followed by lyrical romances about love, and in the final segment, performers sang well-known songs from the Soviet era, which the audience enthusiastically joined in. The performance was accompanied by footage from famous Soviet films.
"It is wonderful to see such a synthesis of cultures at the National Centre RUSSIA. Here we have a symphony orchestra, beatboxing, traditional folk dances, folklore, and academic vocalists. And in this synthesis, it is the folk song and the Maslenitsa festival that unite everyone. Many thanks to the National Centre RUSSIA and all the artists for preparing this event and for the joy of being part of it. A deep bow to you all. And, of course, I congratulate everyone on Maslenitsa," said Inna Kameneva, head of the folk dance ensemble Paraskeva.
Traditional performances by the folk ensemble and orchestra took on a new sound as they merged with electronic music, beats, beatboxing, and the balalaika.
"Today's event is a unique blend of different musical genres, cultures, and eras. All of this comes together in a beautifully crafted musical masterpiece that our audience will witness today. I hope they will also feel the musicians' love for their craft. I believe it is very important to preserve traditions, develop them, not be afraid to experiment, and put your soul into what you do. And, of course, it is essential for people to feel, remember, know, and see how beautiful and multifaceted Russian culture is," said folk DJ Arif.
The concert featured finalists and silver medalists of the television project "All Together Now" ("Nu-ka, vse vmeste") — the vocal ensemble Ariel, the Moscow State Symphony Orchestra (artistic director — Merited Artist of Russia Ivan Rudin), Bolshoi Theatre soloists Guzel Sharipova (sopranos) and Ksenia Dezhneva (sopranos), Mariinsky Theatre soloists Natalia Pavlova, Andrei Serov, and Alexander Trofimov, world beatbox champion Vakhtang, folk DJ Arif, and the folk dance ensemble Paraskeva, led by Merited Artist of the Republic of Mordovia Inna Kameneva.
