21.03.06 | CREATIVE TEAMS FROM THE SVERDLOVSK REGION HAVE DEMONSTRATED THEIR SKILLS IN KIROV.

Last week, the UMMC Days of Culture took place in Kirov for the first time. Creative teams from the Sverdlovsk region – such as artists from circus Revyu, the Zvonnitsa folk ensemble (both are from Verkhnyaya Pyshma), and the Serov brass band – took the stage at the Metallurgists’ House of Culture at JSC KZ OTsM (a UMMC company).

Kirov is the second city, after Revda, to stage the UMMC Days of Culture. Organizers provided a festival program that appealed to audiences of all ages. The younger audience members enjoyed the performance of the circus troupe Revyu of the Uralelektromed House of Culture. The young performers: acrobats, gymnasts, magicians, and jugglers created a magical show and surprised and awed the audience with their skills. The Revyu circus troupe is well-known beyond the Sverdlosk region. According to Viktor Belyaev, the studio head the circus’s success and recognition is due to its young and gifted artists. It has won numerous diplomas and Russian theatrical and circus contests. Most importantly, it has won the UNESCO certificate for professionalism in circus. The members of our troupe are full of enthusiasm, which is necessary to create a dialogue between the artists and the audience. Without it, the performance would make no sense. We are always very aware of this necessity, particularly since our audience is mostly children”, says Viktor Belyaev.

The “Little Sun Hare” animation festival was opened after the circus performance. Kirovites were given a unique opportunity to become acquainted with young animation artists of the Ekaterinburg animation studio Attraktsion. Works were presented at the festival by Mikhail Aldashin, the well-known stage director, artist and animator, art director of the Mountain of Gems animation series.

Afterwards, the UMMC Days of Culture continued with musical performances. The Zvonnitsa folk ensemble of the Uralelektromed House of Culture performed Russian folk songs. The audience gave the artists a warm reception, and were treated to songs from the Urals and Cossack’s songs of different regions. Five-year old Tatiana Frolova, the winner of last year’s Diamond Faces Festival, brought down the house with the performance of the all-time favourite “Valenki”.

The older generation enjoyed dancing at the Music of Our Youth program, performed by the JSC A. K. Serov Metallurgical Plant House of Culture brass band. The Serov folk ensemble also performed popular songs and oldies.

“Each cultural institution is unique. Each has something that cannot be found anywhere else. For example, one House of Culture is known for its popular song performances, while another has outstanding sports and ballroom dancing clubs. That’s why it’s necessary to visit each other and exchange experiences and ideas,” said the organizers of the UMMC Days of Culture.

The new UMMC project has grown out of the Style of UMMC festival of popular artists, which made its debut in 2003. As the festival grew, so did the level of professionalism among the participating soloists and groups. Many of the festival’s participants are not just amateurs, but have become professionals. This year, audiences will be able to enjoy concerts, children’s programs, and dance and theatrical performances by winners of the Style of UMMC festival. The performances are for audiences of all ages, and take place in the best Houses of Culture at different UMMC enterprises.