Concert to mark 35th anniversary of Russo-Maltese diplomatic relations

Recently the Russian Embassy, in collaboration with the Russian Centre for Science and Culture, celebrated the 35th anniversary of Russo-Maltese diplomatic relations with a vocal concert by the Marie-Therese Vassallo Voice Studio.

The concert was attended by the Ambassador of the Russian Federation, Dr Sergey Zotov.

An appreciative audience of about 200 members of the Russian Centre and friends enjoyed the beautiful interpretation of the individual singers and the choir. The programme consisted of an interesting assortment of songs from Russia, Malta and other places.

Marie-Therese Vassallo's connection with the Russian Centre has been noteworthy during these last ten years, especially with the Melita-Rossia song competition which has become one of the major landmarks in Russo-Maltese cultural relations. Through these exchanges Russian singers, musicians and lecturers were brought to Malta while Maltese lecturers and artists were taken to Russia to acquaint the Russian public with Maltese history and culture.

The Russian Centre in Valletta has now become a real focal point of cultural relations, bringing people together, organising crafts, arts and photo exhibitions, instrumental and vocal recitals, chess tournaments, lectures on environmental and space programmes and video lectures on Russian culture and history. No wonder the number of members is growing.

Russian language courses at the centre enable all those who wish to familiarise themselves more with Russian culture to do so.

At this celebration concert, Russian language student Reuben Gauci, who ably compered the proceedings, collected the first prize in an essay competition on "What I like in Moscow". This competition was generously sponsored by Mr Alfred Calleja. Other prize-winners were Mr J. Camilleri Brennan and Alexander Grima.

At the end of the concert, Ambassador Zotov and Dr Elizaveta Zolina, director of the centre, presented prizes as well as commemorative gifts to Ms Vassallo and Fr Marius Zerafa, OP, for their contribution towards the development of Russo-Maltese cultural relations.

In a recent speech by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr Joe Borg, to mark the 35th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic relations, he highlighted the fact that the centre has always been a hive of cultural activity.

Among the memorable events cited was the bringing from Russia of the Red Army Ensemble and the Bolshoi School of Ballet. "The impressive range of cultural activities," said the minister "is in no small measure the result of the commitment of Dr Elizaveta Zolina, whom I thank wholeheartedly".