The Institute of Humanities at Altai State University hosted its first classical music concert to mark the start of the Chinese New Year. The program showcased works by Chinese and Russian composers.
It was a musical dialogue between two cultures united by the tradition of academic art.
Opening the event, Larisa Nekhvyadovich, Director of the Institute, Doctor of Art History, and Professor, emphasized that music fosters a festive atmosphere today and serves as a unifying force for students from different countries. As the universal language, it speaks to everyone.
Zhang Yunfei, an assistant professor in the Department of Russian as a Foreign Language and the day's master of ceremonies, quoted ancient thinkers: "Great music always resonates with heaven and earth, as well as human emotions." He added that in both Russian and Chinese cultures, music serves as etiquette during holidays, honoring the past and inspiring hope for the future.
On this day, international competition winners and Altai State University professors Pavel Guz and Daniil Klimentyev crafted a magical atmosphere in the foyer of the university's Concert Hall. In 2025, they won prizes at the 5th Russian-Chinese Student Arts Festival "Symphony of Youth" and joined 10 Russian performers invited to its gala concert at St. Petersburg State University of Economics. They reprised Zhang Shueng's "Rondo"—masterfully performed at the festival, evoking not only a wealth of positive emotions but a standing ovation from the audience.
The Altai State University Camerata Orchestra complemented this with Russian classics, featuring Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky's quintessentially festive music from the ballet The Nutcracker.
"In today's world, interaction and cooperation among nationalities and countries matters greatly. The fact that our university hosted the music of outstanding Chinese composers alongside Tchaikovsky's great works strengthens friendship between our peoples. It was a splendid celebration of classical music and shared cultural traditions," concluded Alexander Rossinsky, Honored Worker of Culture of the RSFSR, Professor of the Department of Art History and Creative Industries at the Altai State University Institute of Humanities, and conductor.
View the concert highlights in the photo report from Altai State University's Institute of Humanities.