A classical music concert featuring students from the Moscow State Tchaikovsky Conservatory took place in Togo's capital, Lomé, on March 18. This was reported by a correspondent for African Initiative.
The concert featured Maria Modeme (soprano), Maria Sokolova (flute), and Elena Saakyan (piano). The program included works of Russian and international classical music, as well as folk and Soviet songs.
The concert was attended by Togo's Minister of Tourism, Culture and Arts, Isaac Tchiakpé, and Russia's Ambassador to Benin and Togo (concurrently), Igor Evdokimov. In his welcoming remarks, Evdokimov noted that relations between the two countries are based on principles of friendship and mutual respect, and that culture serves as an important tool for further bringing peoples together.
"Culture is one of the most effective tools for uniting peoples and ensuring the best mutual understanding. Thus, such classical music concerts create a space for rapprochement and cultural dialogue," Evdokimov stated.
Tchiakpé, in turn, emphasized the importance of music and culture in the lives of peoples and welcomed the development of cultural diplomacy.
"Music is a key vector for the national identification and socialization of our peoples. And of course, culture is the cornerstone of harmonious development, and we wholeheartedly welcome such cultural diplomacy," the minister said.
In a comment to an AI correspondent after the concert, artist Elena Saakyan highlighted the warm response from the Togolese audience. Maria Modeme, for her part, noted that, in her view, the Lomé audience received each piece "with special emotion." She also expressed hope for a return visit to Togo to get to know the country better and engage in music together with local students.
"The idea is already there to come next time not only with a concert, but also with masterclasses for local students interested in music. ... We want not only to share our culture, our Russian music, but also to get to know the local musical flavor, the local intonations, local motifs, local dances—that is, the local musical culture," she added.
A reception followed the concert.
Earlier in March, a similar concert took place in the Beninese city of Cotonou.
