The international humanitarian project “Rising Stars”, aimed at promoting the Russian language and culture as well as at the international apprizing of Russian education in creative schools. The project is being carried out by the Russkiy Mir Foundation in cooperation with the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Moscow State Tchaikovsky Conservatory. Students from the Moscow State Tchaikovsky Conservatory - Maria Modeme (soprano), Maria Sokolova (flute) and Elena Saakyan (piano) - captivated audiences across African countries in spring 2026.
Benin
On 16th March, with the support of the Russian Embassy in Cotonou, participants in the “Rising Stars” project - students of the Moscow State Tchaikovsky Conservatory - conducted a masterclass for students of the Department of Music and Dramatic Arts at the Institute of Arts, Archaeology and Culture of the University of Abomey-Calavi (UAC), Benin’s largest higher education institution.
During the session, the Russian musicians demonstrated piano and flute techniques as well as vocal methods to the Beninese students.
At the end of the masterclass, the student orchestra of the Department of Music and Dramatic Arts of UAC performed for the artists of the Moscow Conservatory.
On 17th March, a concert entitled “Masterpieces of Russian and Foreign Music” took place at the Chinese Cultural Centre in Cotonou with the participation of students of the Moscow State Tchaikovsky Conservatory.
Maria Modeme, Maria Sokolova and Elena Saakyan performed works by P. I. Tchaikovsky, S. V. Rachmaninoff, A. A. Alyabyev, foreign classical composers, as well as several Russian folk songs.
The concert was attended by a delegation from the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Arts of Benin, officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Benin, ambassadors of friendly countries, Beninese public figures, members of the media and business groups, and Russian compatriots.
In his welcoming address, the Russian Ambassador to Cotonou, I. D. Evdokimov, expressed gratitude to the Moscow State Tchaikovsky Conservatory and the Russkiy Mir Foundation for sending Russian performers to Benin:
“The classical music concert in Cotonou featuring young musicians from the Moscow State Tchaikovsky Conservatory has become a fine tradition of Russian-Beninese cooperation. For the third year running, it has brought together Russian and Beninese friends around the great musical culture. I am confident that today’s performance will be a highlight of the city’s cultural life and will give all of us unforgettable impressions.”
As the concert ended, a friendly reception was held, during which guests were offered traditional dishes of Russian cuisine.
Nigeria
On 20th March, a classical music concert performed by Russian musicians took place in Abuja as part of the “Rising Stars” project. The audience enjoyed works by S. V. Rachmaninoff, P. I. Tchaikovsky, I. M. Luchenko and N. A. Rimsky-Korsakov that evening.
More than 250 guests in attendance were welcomed by the Russian Ambassador, A. L. Podelyshev. He noted that music unites people, strengthens trust and mutual understanding.
The Russian artists' tour programme traditionally includes not only performances but also educational events. A masterclass featuring the Russian musicians took place at the Abba Music School, where they shared their experience and technique with the students of the music centre. The Russians and Nigerians performed several classical and contemporary works together, as well as improvised in mixed ensembles. The following day, on 21th March, a friendly meeting took place at the University of Lagos between students of the Moscow Conservatory and Nigerian students studying the Russian language. The event was attended by around 30 students and lecturers.
“The students are very gifted, talented, and inquisitive. They are ready to acquire new knowledge, which is highly valuable to them. They ask about playing technique and vocal technique. We show them, we explain, and they grasp it very quickly and apply the skill. They are also interested in our Russian education - what higher education institutions we have, what competitions exist, whether there are student exchange programmes, and whether there is an opportunity to study in Russia and what is required for that,” shared Russian project participant Maria Modeme.
Angola
From 24th to 26th March 2026, a series of musical events was organized in Luanda with the active support of the Russian Embassy as part of the "Rising Stars" project, featuring a trio of female students from the Moscow State Tchaikovsky Conservatory.
On the first day of the tour, a concert took place attended by members of the Government of the Republic of Angola, including Secretary of State for Education P. Francisco and Secretary of State for Local Government F. Manuel, senior officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Culture, heads of diplomatic missions, public figures, compatriots, journalists, and graduates of Soviet and Russian universities.
In his welcoming address, the Chargé d’Affaires of the Russian Federation in Angola, A. E. Bryantsev, spoke about the potential of the Russkiy Mir Foundation and emphasised the importance of musical diplomacy as one of the key areas for developing humanitarian cooperation between the two countries.
The audience was presented with works by the great Russian classics: P. I. Tchaikovsky, N. A. Rimsky-Korsakov and S. V. Rachmaninoff.
The event received extensive coverage in the local media.
On 25th March, the project participants conducted masterclasses for Angolan musicians, who in turn noted the high demand for this kind of professional mentorship.
The “Rising Stars” project also visited the Kapossoka Music School, whose best graduates have studied at specialised Russian universities. The Angolan musicians performed a number of works of Russian classical music as well as several popular national songs.
The trio members commended the skill level of the local musicians and wished them further creative success.
The culmination of the series of performances was the final gala concert for the general public. The world-famous Soviet songs “Podmoskovnye Vechera” (“Moscow Nights”) and “Katyusha” were performed as an encore.