In honor of the 50th anniversary of the Russian House in Sofia, Russian cultural events were held in Bulgaria.The events took place in Kazanlak and Sofia.

The Ensemble of Young Soloists of the N. Osipov National Academic Folk Orchestra of Russia presented their concert programs. Among the participants  of the Ensemble were: Viktor Olekhnovich (balalaika), Dilyara Sagdeeva (domra), Nikolai Mironov (accordion), Gennady Zabolotny (alto domra), Vladimir Maksimov (double bass balalaika), and Grigory Sandler (percussion), as well as Russian folk singer and winner of national and international competitions Ekaterina Andreeva. The concerts took place on 17 September at the House of Culture in Kazanlak and on 18 September at the Russian Cultural and Information Center in Sofia, Bulgaria.

Eleonora Mitrofanova, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Russian Federation to the Republic of Bulgaria, who was the guest of honor at the concerts, noted in her welcoming speech: “The establishment of the Russian Cultural and Information Center half a century ago was built on the solid foundation of centuries-old ties between the peoples of our countries. Over the past 50 years, the center has become a symbol of Russian-Bulgarian cooperation in the humanitarian sphere, a meeting point for creativity and science, history and contemporaneity.”

“The Center hosts dozens of events: film screenings, festivals, exhibitions, literary evenings, and conferences. Russian language courses, children’s workshops, and studios are also offered on a regular basis,” emphasized Timur Dudayev, director of the Russian House in Sofia. “Here, we always welcome like-minded people who work with us to promote Russian culture, popularize our common history, and foster respectful communication between our peoples.”

The House of Soviet Science and Culture, now known as the Russian House or the Russian Cultural and Information Center in Sofia, was established by the agreement between the USSR and the People’s Republic of Bulgaria of 30 May 1975. Over the past 50 years, the House has become an iconic cultural landmark in the Bulgarian capital and a living symbol of the friendship between the peoples of Russia and Bulgaria.

For residents and guests of Kazanlak and Sofia, the ensemble performed masterpieces by Sergei Rachmaninoff, Anatoly Lyadov, Vasily Andreyev, and Aram Khachaturian, along with works by contemporary composers and arrangements of beloved folk songs. The concert program combined works from three centuries and offered an opportunity of closer acquaintance with Russian musical culture for the audience.

In addition, a photo exhibition, “Russian-Bulgarian Cultural Cooperation: Between the Past and the Future,” opened in both cities as part of the “Russian Cultural Events in Bulgaria” project. It showcased images from festivals, competitions, theater and folk group tours, exhibitions, and other exciting events.

With the support of the Ministry of Culture of the Russian Federation and the Federal State Budgetary Cultural Institution ROSCONCERT.