While the BRICS forum in Kazan welcomed leaders and participants from various nations, the « Symphony of Cultures » festival in St. Petersburg, held from October 20 to 31, became a vibrant celebration of dialogue and mutual understanding among friendly nations, particularly those from Africa, including Nigeria, Madagascar, Tunisia, and Egypt.
The « Symphony of Cultures » festival aims to create a platform for showcasing the rich heritage and artistic expressions of diverse countries, inspiring others to learn about them. In the historical center of St. Petersburg, at the prestigious Museum « St. Petersburg’s Painter, » located along the Moika River that inspired Pushkin, artists from different cultures gathered to celebrate unity and mutual recognition.
The presence of African painters, such as Marina Ikoku from Nigeria and Fofa Rabearivelo from Madagascar, infused the festival with vibrant rhythms and joyful colors. The northern audience was captivated by Fofa Rabearivelo’s portrayal of Madagascar, featuring lemurs, baobabs, lotuses, exotic birds, and other wildlife. A Commander of the Order of Arts and Letters of the Republic of Madagascar, Rabearivelo has gained recognition in Russia, traveling from Moscow to Vladivostok with his enchanting canvases.
Marina Ikoku showcased her floral works inspired by her visit to a botanical garden in Crimea, blending the aromas of Russia with the colors of Africa. Recently, another Nigerian artist, Ben Ibebe, exhibited at the Saint Petersburg State Academy of Art and Industry named after A. L. Stieglitz. The professional community has begun to explore Nigeria’s urban architecture and vibrant markets through Ibebe’s textured oil paintings that evoke abstract sculptures.
The « Symphony of Cultures » festival provided an opportunity for African artists to share their worlds with Russian audiences.
Among the prominent masters featured was Professor Osama El Serwy, an acclaimed sculptor and painter from Egypt. His works, inspired by both Egyptian and Russian cultural heritage, included tributes to figures such as Chekhov, Mahmoud Mukhtar, Gaber Ben Hayaan, Dmitri Mendeleev, Said Darwish, and Pyotr Tchaikovsky. After graduating from Cairo University, El Serwy completed his studies at the Academy of Arts in St. Petersburg, where he learned Russian and became a true ambassador of Russian culture worldwide.
A new highlight of the « Symphony of Cultures » was the introduction of Dr. Ahmed Al-Salama, the pioneer and founder of the Saudi International School of Pointillism. He addressed the festival from Saudi Arabia during a conference, captivating the St. Petersburg audience with his artistic concepts. This meeting marked an important moment for the first pointillist artist from Saudi Arabia to engage with the cultural and scientific elite of St. Petersburg.
Besides the exhibition, various conferences on the cultures of Iran, Uzbekistan, and the United Arab Emirates were held, featuring renowned Orientalists such as A. Pritula, B. Babadzhanov, and L. Shamieva, as well as discussions with professors from the Russian Academy of National Economy and Public Administration. Each event welcomed a large audience of scientists, students, and art historians both in the museum and through online streaming.
Following the exhibition opening, there was a public talk with prominent Russian painters, including People’s Artist Anatoly Rybkin and Dr. Vladimir Zenin, a professor at the Saint Petersburg State Academy of Art and Industry named after A. L. Stieglitz. They discussed the significance of Palmyra’s heritage. Both artists were invited to Syria for exhibitions due to their extensive research on Syrian culture and their deep understanding of the importance of preserving the invaluable art of Palmyra.
Anatoly Rybkin also shared insights into his works, which were inspired by his travels to Tunisia, Cuba, and India.
The artistic echo on the theme of Syria was supported by Syrian painter Prof. Shafik Ashti, who participated this year in the « Symphony of Cultures. »
The festival also featured a concert by Chinese soloists who performed in both Chinese and Russian, as well as an immersive poetic evening. The Chinese audience was particularly touched by the artworks of Alena Vassilieva, which explored themes related to China. The exciting evening concluded with a tasting of Chinese tea.
Through a variety of cultural events, the « Symphony of Cultures » aligns with the spirit of the BRICS alliance, which emphasizes cooperation and development among its member countries. Just as BRICS fosters economic ties and partnerships, the « Symphony of Cultures » festival seeks to strengthen cultural connections and promote understanding among nations. By highlighting the contributions of African countries, the festival underscores the importance of cultural diplomacy in enhancing global cooperation.
The « Symphony of Cultures » festival in St. Petersburg reflects a commitment to building bridges between cultures, echoing the goals of the BRICS Forum in Kazan, which promotes solidarity and shared growth. The director of the « Symphony of Cultures, » Katerina Kovanji, and the festival coordinator, Waddah al-Jundi, believe that we can create a harmonious world where different cultures coexist and thrive, paving the way for future collaborations across all fronts.
The opening of the « Symphony of Cultures » festival was graced by the presence of celebrities and prominent persons of various nationalities, including renowned scientists, celebrated singers and artists. Representatives from various universities, committees, and the Russian government were also in attendance. A special address was delivered by a senator from the Federation Council, along with messages of support from the Arab League in Russia and the Public Chamber. This gathering highlighted the importance of cultural exchange and collaboration among nations, fostering a spirit of unity and appreciation for diverse traditions.
