Staff Correspondent

The ‘Rising Stars Concert’, featuring three emerging Russian musicians, was held in Dhaka on Friday night at the National Theatre Hall of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA) in the capital.The classical music evening was jointly organised by the Russian House in Dhaka and Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, supported by the Tchaikovsky Moscow State Conservatory.

The concert showcased performances by Russian artists Stanislav Chernukhin on grand piano, Karina Khovalyg (soprano), and Mikhail Loginov (baritone).At the captivating event, Karina Khovalyg and Mikhail Loginov presented several well-known classical opera pieces from Russia and beyond, delivering vocals that evoked loneliness, grief, and the emotional turmoil of wartime.A highlight of the evening was the performance of the popular wartime song Smuglyanka, with Stanislav Chernukhin’s piano playing creating an atmosphere of romance and melancholy.The concert is part of the 'Rising Stars' project by the Russian World Foundation (Russkiy Mir Foundation), initiated in partnership with the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Tchaikovsky Moscow State Conservatory. The project introduces young Russian musical talent to international audiences and promotes cultural diplomacy through concerts and educational events.Earlier, on May 2, the students and graduates of the Tchaikovsky Moscow State Conservatory conducted a master class at the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy. Pianist Stanislav Chernukhin shared his insights into performing classical compositions by Frédéric Chopin and Johann Sebastian Bach, while vocalists Mikhail Loginov and Karina Khovalyg demonstrated foundational techniques for improving vocal skills.Music enthusiasts of all ages from Dhaka attended the session. The master class revealed numerous hidden talents, inspiring confidence in a promising generation of future performers.The master class, like the concert, is part of the global ‘Rising Stars’ initiative, which highlights the richness of Russian culture, language, and education. Since its inception, the project has gained international acclaim, with performances and masterclasses held worldwide and new tours continually being added.At the beginning of the concert, Pavel Dvoychenkov, Director of the Russian House in Dhaka, remarked, “Music transcends borders and strengthens the bond between our two countries. This concert is more than a performance — it is an exchange of cultural heritage.”Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy acting Director General Md Wares Hossain welcomed the audience and emphasized the longstanding cultural ties and friendship between Russia and Bangladesh since the country's independence.The concert is scheduled for a repeat performance on Sunday (May 4), 5 pm, at the Russian Cultural Centre in Dhanmondi.