Russia and Tanzania unite to mark Mikhail Glinka’s 220th anniversary

Dar es Salaam. The Russian House in Dar es Salaam, also known as the Russian Culture Centre, joined hands with Tanzanians on September 20 to celebrate the 220th anniversary of Mikhail Glinka, the father of Russian opera.

The classical music concert brought together world-class Russian artists and Tanzania's own Philharmonic Society (TPS) in a dazzling display of cross-cultural collaboration and artistic excellence.

Internationally acclaimed Russian musicians Irina Chernova, Alexander Dudnitskii, and Victoria Bobkova, all recognised as laureates of prestigious awards, performed alongside the TPS, showcasing classical music.

The event, held at the Russian Cultural Centre, featured approximately 18 classical pieces, drawing both local and international audiences.

Speaking during the concert, the Acting Director of the Russian Cultural Centre, Daria Ilienko, highlighted the event's significance in fostering cultural exchange between the two nations.

"One of our principal tasks is to bring the peoples of Russia and Tanzania closer, allowing them to learn about each other’s cultures. Today’s event, dedicated to the 220th anniversary of Mikhail Glinka, aims to do just that. We also have an exhibition showcasing Glinka's life and creative work, along with performances by Russian artists who have come to share our musical heritage with the Tanzanian public," Ilienko said.

The celebration went beyond performances, with the Centre also offering master classes for music teachers in Dar es Salaam and lessons on the history of opera singing, emphasising the educational aspect of their mission.

The standout moment of the evening came with a rendition of the beloved Tanzanian classic ‘Malaika’, performed by Victoria Bobkova in collaboration with the Tanzania Philharmonic Society, choir and soloist.

The audience was captivated by Bobkova’s interpretation of the song, which showcased the harmonious fusion of Tanzanian and Russian musical traditions.

In an interview with The Citizen, Bobkova shared her experience of learning the song, which she first received from friends in Tanzania while still in Russia.

"They sent me Malaika through WhatsApp, and since the notes were available, I started practising immediately. It took me about three days to get it right, and while it wasn’t too difficult due to my experience, I was excited to perform it here with TPS," she said.

On the other hand, Music Director of the Tanzania Philharmonic Society, Exavery Ngonyani, reflected on the growing influence of classical music in Tanzania, a genre that remains niche despite having dedicated fans.

"Classical music is still underappreciated here, though there is a dedicated audience. This is why we established TPS. Our members practice and sing in choirs, and we have an orchestra. We've been involved in several collaborations, such as this one with the Russians, aimed at introducing this style of music to a wider Tanzanian audience," Ngonyani said.

The Russian Cultural Centre in Tanzania continues its broader mission of introducing Russian culture, education, and technological achievements to Tanzanians while also promoting Tanzanian culture to the Russian public.

Through various programmes and cultural events, the Centre aims to strengthen the bonds between the two nations, using classical music as one of the many avenues to deepen mutual understanding.