"The whole country" unites: Gala concert of the All-Russian competition of ethnic music
Automatic translation. Read the Russian original
On December 4, 2025, the final gala concert of the All-Russian Contest of Ethnic Music “The Whole Country” was held at the Center for Performing Arts on Dobryninskaya – the culmination of a large-scale music and educational project aimed at strengthening interethnic harmony. Organized by the Russian Music Union with the support of the Presidential Foundation for Cultural Initiatives, the competition, held for the second time after its successful debut in 2022-2023, brought together nine participants from eight federal districts and new territories of Russia.
Each finalist demonstrated a connection with his native region, performing a competitive composition, and presented the musical culture of the other district, which allowed the participants not only to demonstrate their identity, but also to show respect and understanding of the cultural characteristics of other peoples. Within the framework of the competition dedicated to various regions, works inspired by ancient legends, folk songs and cultural traditions, from Armenian music to Belgorod songs, were performed.
The competition, which brought together more than 230 entries from all over the country, became a platform for finding and supporting talented musicians representing a variety of ethnic and musical traditions. Among the winners are the Youth Ensemble of Morin-Hurists of the Republic of Buryatia, the Emerald group from Yekaterinburg and the Shuldyr ensemble from the North-Western Federal District. Particular attention was drawn to the performance of the group “Tissaya” from the LPR, combining rock and ethnic motifs, and, of course, the Youth Ensemble of Morin-Hurists.
The success of the competition, which brings together talented musicians from all over the country, confirms the importance of preserving and developing ethnic diversity, and also emphasizes that ethnic music today is experiencing an upsurge, attracting not only professionals, but also a wide audience.