On 7 November 2025, the Russian House in Brussels hosted a festive evening dedicated to Unity Day. The event brought together representatives of the diplomatic corps, cultural figures and journalists, compatriots, and friends of Russia.
The evening was opened by Denis Gonchar, Ambassador of the Russian Federation to the Kingdom of Belgium, who emphasized the significance of the holiday and the role of culture in uniting peoples.
“This commemorative date, established in honor of what may seem distant events of 1612, carries an extremely important and highly relevant meaning,” the Ambassador noted. “Today, our country, part of the vanguard of the global majority, is once again compelled to defend its sovereignty in the face of attempts to undermine its security, stability, and development. I want to assure you that our adversaries will not succeed.”
Mikhail Bryzgalov, General Director of the Russian National Museum of Music and Honored Artist of the Russian Federation, spoke about the development of Russian musical culture, emphasizing the importance of music as a universal language capable of uniting people of different generations and nationalities. He presented an exhibition of the Russian National Museum of Music dedicated to unique folk instruments from various regions of the country — from the balalaika and gusli to the jew’s harp and khomus. Each image is accompanied by QR codes allowing visitors to “hear” the timbre and sound nuances of the folk instruments.
“‘Music is created by the people; we, the composers, only arrange it’ — this famous phrase by Mikhail Glinka, the first classic of Russian music, remains relevant today. I want to stress that music is perhaps the most universal language of human communication; it often speaks about a person, a people, a nation better than any words. From the very first sounds, the works of Tchaikovsky or Rachmaninoff are recognized as Russian. And I am sure that Russian music remains one of the best ways for people around the world to understand and love Russia,” Bryzgalov said.
The central event of the evening was a concert by the leadership and professors of the L. V. Sobinov Saratov State Conservatory.
The performers included:
- Vyacheslav Bondarenko (bayan) — Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs and International Cooperation, professor, laureate of national and international competitions;
- Dmitry Boyko (balalaika) — professor, Honored Artist of the Samara Region, laureate of international competitions;
- Vladimir Levitsky (piano) — associate professor, laureate of national and international competitions;
- Sergey Maidanov (baritone) — soloist of the Saratov Opera and Ballet Theatre, conservatory instructor, laureate of international competitions.
Their performance featured works of Russian classical music, folk melodies, and popular songs conveying the spirit and soul of Russia.
Each piece was warmly received by the audience, and the musicians’ mastery created an atmosphere of true unity with the stage. Their refined sense of style, deep understanding of musical heritage, and expressive interpretations allowed listeners to rediscover familiar works.
The ensemble performances were particularly impressive, with the sounds of the bayan, balalaika, and piano blending harmoniously with the heartfelt vocals. Their collaboration highlighted the richness of timbres, emotional depth, and sincerity of musical imagery.
The concert served as a vivid reminder of the importance of preserving and promoting cultural traditions, while also demonstrating the high professional level of the Saratov music school. The audience applauded long and warmly, expressing gratitude for the evening filled with art and heartfelt warmth.
“Music and art are universal means that help people of different countries and generations find a common language, and today’s concert clearly demonstrated this,” said Vera Bunina, Director of the Russian House in Brussels.
The evening also featured the premiere of a photo exhibition from the 12th Primordial Russia Nature Festival, the largest of its kind in Europe. The exhibition allowed visitors to feel the beauty and scale of Russia’s natural world through the eyes of talented photographers. Guests were able to glimpse remote regions of the country and see their landscapes and wildlife in pristine purity and grandeur.
The event at the Russian House in Brussels united diplomats, representatives of different countries, compatriots, and Belgian residents, demonstrating a commitment to mutual respect and dialogue between cultures.
