Russia's Kostroma Delivers Spectacular Performance with Egyptian Participation

The Russian Embassy in Cairo hosted an enchanting celebration at the Egyptian Opera House to mark Russian National Day, featuring a captivating performance by the renowned Kostroma Folklore Troupe, alongside Egypt's Reda Folklore Troupe.

The event, which drew a distinguished crowd of ministers, ambassadors, and public figures, showcased the deepening cultural ties between Russia and Egypt.

Among the attendees were Egyptian officials including Counselor Mahmoud Fawzy, Minister of Parliamentary and Legal Affairs, and Sherif Fathy, Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, as well as a host of ambassadors and diplomatic representatives.

The evening featured a stunning display of Russian folklore, with the Reda Troupe joining in with a traditional Egyptian folk dance performance.

In his speech, Russian Ambassador to Egypt Sergey Borisenko expressed Russia’s pride in its growing relationship with Egypt, praising the Ministry of Culture and the Opera House for hosting the event.

He reflected on Russia’s historic role in defending global justice, particularly its efforts in defeating Nazism and colonialism.

The Ambassador also highlighted Russia's resistance to NATO expansion and the impact of the 29,000 sanctions imposed by the West. Despite these challenges, Borisenko emphasized the resilience and spiritual strength of the Russian people, alongside significant progress in Russia’s economy due to its industrial, agricultural, and cultural foundations.

The evening’s highlight was the Kostroma breathtaking performance, which has captivated audiences worldwide, with over 7 million viewers across 27 countries.

Known for its spectacular shows, the troupe performs 80 shows a year, often attended by heads of state and dignitaries. The performance at the Opera House was no exception, offering a rich tapestry of Russian history and culture.

The show chronicled Russia’s evolution from the introduction of Christianity to the space age, and included historical segments on Tsarist Russia, the Caucasus, and Siberia.

Using innovative artistic techniques, dazzling costumes, and cutting-edge visuals, the performance depicted the unity of Russia’s multi-ethnic society and its deep-rooted cultural traditions. The two-part show seamlessly blended folk dances, theater, and a visual historical narrative that resonated with the audience, earning admiration from all in attendance.

Sherif Gad, President of the Association of Graduates of Russian and Soviet Universities also attended the event and conveyed congratulations to the Russian Ambassador on behalf of the Egyptian-Russian Friendship Association.

Gad highlighted the importance of recent Russian initiatives to strengthen cultural exchanges, including cooperation with the Egyptian Academy of Arts and the Reda Troupe, which further bolster the cultural ties between the two nations.