Poetry Day: The Polytechnic's contribution to the city's cultural life

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Source: Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University –

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Youth initiatives are increasingly becoming the driving force behind the city's cultural life. The poetry festival held in St. Petersburg was a striking example of this.

The annual festival, timed to coincide with World Poetry Day, was held with great fanfare at the Zoshchenko Central Library in Sestroretsk. The cultural event was organized by the Humanities Institute of Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University. The initiator and host of the event was Maria Guner, head of the PoliNova authors' club at the SPbPU Dobro.Center "Harmony" and a member of the Russian Union of Writers. At the event, everyone had the opportunity to share their creativity with the audience: poetry readings, interesting prose stories, magical songs, pleasant guitar melodies, and presentations of unique books, almanacs, and magazines. The audience learned about various author projects and were invited to participate.

The evening's guest of honor was Mounir Kardash, Ambassador of the Polytechnic University of France. He remarked on the high level of organization: "I was particularly impressed by the dynamism, constant presence, and quality of work of the organizers. Maria conducted this event with the professionalism and sensitivity of a true poet. I congratulate you and the entire organizing team on this well-deserved success. I will cherish the memories of this day and will gladly return to future events."

Tatyana Kravchenko, the wife and mother of SVO participants and author of the collection "Snegurochka's Heart," also spoke at the festival. "Poetry Day brought together wonderful people: both literary authors and literature enthusiasts. Thanks to the organizers for the opportunity to meet talented people, learn so much, and share my accomplishments! The large number of participants and listeners makes it clear that such meetings are necessary, interesting, and important for people."

The event was attended by renowned figures in the creative field: Andrei Demyanenko, director of the Literary Publishing Studio and member of the St. Petersburg Union of Writers; Elena Belova, literary editor of Aurora magazine; Boris Tsuker, member of the Union of Writers of Russia; Polina Samsonova, author of Nevsky Almanac magazine; and composer Ivan Stepanov, author of the Silver Track project.

"When poems and stories are allowed to speak, that in itself is incredibly precious. When the Poetry Day celebration fills the hall to capacity (people even stood in the lobby to peer inside), it's a true miracle. I am infinitely grateful to the magicians who created it," shared Alexandra Dovguleva, author of Eksmo Publishing House and finalist of the "Battle of the Poets" competition.

In addition to renowned composers, talented young students from our university also joined the evening: Kristina Guslitser, winner of international competitions and a graduate of the Viktor Drobysh Music School; Vladislav Nuraev, composer, poet, and winner of the SPbPU Talent Competition; and others.

"For me, performing at this festival was one of the most memorable experiences of my life: it was so wonderful to be in the same room with people who, like me, love art in all its forms! Thanks to this wonderful event, I learned about many literary magazines, met incredibly talented people, and had a wonderful evening," notes Alexandra Ukhvatova, a resident of the PoliNova authors' club and winner of city poetry competitions.

The festival was held as part of the cultural and creative program of the Harmony Volunteer Project Center. It served as an educational program for preschoolers and senior citizens, as well as an important event for introducing young audiences to contemporary creative arts. Such events foster the creative potential of young people, shape the city's cultural environment, and maintain interest in literary heritage and poetry. Participants had the opportunity not only to present their works to a wider audience but also to establish new professional and friendly connections, be inspired by the experience of recognized masters, and feel part of a unified creative community.

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Metal as Art: Polytechnics Presents "Eutektika" Exhibition

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Source: Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University –

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The opening of the "Eutektika" exhibition, featuring contemporary metal, sound, and media artists, took place at the Catherine Public Assembly building. The project explores themes of self-knowledge and inner transformation.

Graduates of the Institute of Mechanical Engineering, Materials, and Transport of St. Petersburg Polytechnic University (SPbPU) majoring in "Technology of Artistic Materials Processing" played a key role in organizing and hosting the exhibition:

Alena Ivanova (class of 2024) is the project's art director; Polina Reshetnikova (class of 2025) is the curator; Anna Mokhnatkina (class of 2025) is the graphic designer.

The artists include graduates and students of the IMMiT program "Technology of Artistic Processing of Materials":

Varvara Levina (class of 2023); Alisa Glekler (3rd year student of HSE University of Physical and Technical Medicine); Polina Reshetnikova (class of 2025); Anastasia Maksimova (3rd year student of HSE University of Physical and Technical Medicine); Sofia Samsonova (2nd year student of HSE University of Physical and Technical Medicine).

The exhibition's title refers to the physics term "eutectic" (from the Greek εὔτηκτος, meaning easily melting), which refers to a mixture of metals that contains both solid and liquid parts and melts at a minimal temperature. In the exhibition, metal is presented not simply as a material, but as a living medium of change. Heating, stress, deformation, and the acquisition of a new structure become a metaphor for human experience.

Physical work with metal requires the same patience and strength as the complex process of finding one's own truth, the organizers note.

The exhibition is located at 88-90 Griboyedov Canal Embankment. It will be open until March 28, Wednesday through Friday from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM and Saturdays from 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Age limit: 12.

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Drawings on Water: A Master Class on the Ancient Art of Ebru Held at the Polytechnic University

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A master class on ebru with artist Aigul Okutan was held at the Higher School of International Relations of the Polytechnic Institute of Humanities.

The master class was a continuation of Aygül Okutan's exhibition "Turkey through the Eyes of a Russian Artist," which opened at the end of January at the Cultural and Exhibition Center of the Higher School of Technology and Energy of the St. Petersburg State University of Industrial Technologies and Design with the support of the Consulate General of Turkey in St. Petersburg.

Aygül Okutan spoke about the history, philosophy, and symbolic significance of ebru—the ancient art of painting on water, which originated in the East and particularly flourished in the Ottoman Empire. The artist then demonstrated the basic techniques for creating works and gave the workshop participants the opportunity to try their hand at this unique art form.

Sergey Pogodin, Academic Director of the Higher School of International Relations (HSIR), presented Aygül Okutan with a letter of gratitude for her contribution to the development of cultural dialogue and the popularization of Turkish artistic heritage in the university's educational environment.

At the end of the event, participants were treated to traditional Turkish tea and Turkish delight, which made the atmosphere even more welcoming.

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In one breath: seven choirs sang simultaneously in the White Hall

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Source: Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University –

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250 voices, seven choirs, and one breath—the best choral groups from universities in the Northwestern and Central regions of Russia, as well as youth ensembles, met on the stage of the White Hall on February 23.

The concert of this unique combined choir of 250 people is a rare and powerful musical event, unparalleled in the history of Russian competitions and festivals.

"What one choir can't sing, seven can! And conducting such a huge ensemble is an incomparable pleasure," says Alexandra Makarova, artistic director of the SPbPU Chamber Choir. "The Interregional Choral Assembly 'United as a Choir' was created to realize such exciting creative ideas. It launched in Petrozavodsk in 2024, Moscow hosted the assembly in 2025, and this year, St. Petersburg and the Polytechnic University welcomed the guests."

Participants in this large-scale musical project included the Perpetuum Mobile student choir of Bauman Moscow State Technical University, the CARPE DIEM Chamber Choir of the National Research Nuclear University MEPhI, the Academic Choir of Petrozavodsk State University, the Academic Choir of the St. Petersburg Electrotechnical University "LETI", the Harmony Youth Chapel named after I.V. Roganova, the Lira Choir of the Nevsky PMC, and the Chamber Choir of the Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University.

On February 21, representatives of all seven choirs gathered for an informal meeting in the Polytechnic Tower to socialize and strengthen their creative ties. The following day, they rehearsed extensively to ensure the White Hall would vibrate on February 23. Two hundred and fifty people on stage is an impressive sight in itself, and two hundred and fifty voices create a grandiose sound: from a barely audible pianissimo to a solemn forte. The vibrant force of choral art was revealed by a program of works by St. Petersburg composers Mily Balakirev, Dmitry Smirnov, and Yuri Falik.

"This is a rare musical event, and we were able to participate in it. We, students from different universities, were so happy to be on the same stage!" shared Sergei Nelyub, a member of the Perpetuum Mobile choir at Bauman Moscow State Technical University.

This inspiring event was a great gift for the 127th anniversary of the founding of Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University.

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The Polytechnic History Museum in 2025: Results and New Horizons

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Source: Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University –

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How is the Polytechnic History Museum approaching 2026? With a commitment to profound and meaningful work. The priority is not simply displaying exhibits, but creating meaning. Drawing on the university's priceless legacy, the museum staff intends to strengthen the dialogue between science and society, archival documents and personal history, between yesterday and tomorrow.

In 2025, which marked the 80th anniversary of the Great Victory, the museum organized and held a series of commemorative events and exhibitions. These initiatives offered a tribute and gratitude to the heroism of the victorious generation. Each event served as a powerful reminder of the unparalleled heroism, national resilience, and the decisive role of science, engineering, and technology during the harsh years of the Great Patriotic War. In total, the History Museum implemented nine projects related to the celebration of the 80th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War of 1941–1945.

The numbers speak for themselves: last year's figures reflect the dynamics of attendance and the activity of the exhibition program.

Around 600 tours were conducted for over 12,000 visitors. Two new exhibitions were opened: the "Laboratory and Museum of Mineralogy and Geology" and an exhibition dedicated to Prince Andrei Grigoryevich Gagarin. Over the course of the year, the museum prepared eight exhibitions, held 17 events, and participated in 14 specialized conferences.

The History Museum always welcomes visitors. Every visit is important: the exhibition walls hold stories we want to pass on, and a stroll through the halls should leave a lasting impression. Groups are greeted with a smile, tours are conducted in a friendly, accessible manner, and we strive to make everyone feel part of the university's history.

Classes for schoolchildren occupy a special place in the museum's program. Several educational routes and interactive formats have been developed for them, adapted for different age groups, from elementary to high school. The classes combine live exhibits, multimedia materials, and game elements, ensuring that even the youngest visitors are engaged and eagerly learn about the university's science, everyday life, and achievements.

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Students celebrated the first director of the Polytechnic University, Andrei Gagarin, with music.

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Source: Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University –

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On the 170th anniversary of the birth of Prince Andrei Grigorievich Gagarin, the first director of the St. Petersburg Polytechnic Institute, Polytechnic students—members of the Polyhymnia Youth Choir and the Chamber Choir—performed a large celebratory concert. It was Prince Gagarin who laid the foundation for the comprehensive education of Polytechnic students and assigned music a key role in this.

The first director of the Polytechnic Institute was a unique individual—he harmoniously combined a passion for engineering with a strong fascination with music. The first music club, the first student orchestra, and the first choir are all thanks to Andrei Grigorievich. From the institute's inception, the Assembly Hall (now the White Hall) became a functioning concert venue for student and professional groups.

Today, SPbPU Rector Andrey Rudskoy and Director of the Directorate of Cultural Programs and Youth Creativity Boris Kondin continue the tradition of nurturing students in music and creativity. This is evidenced by the growing popularity of the student orchestra and choral groups, and the successful development of the White Hall, which has remained true to its artistic vision for 20 consecutive seasons.

The concert in the White Hall on December 22nd reflected this commitment to tradition. Valery Klimov, Director of the SPbPU History Museum, shared important facts from the life of Andrei Gagarin, the institute's first director. He explained that he was a descendant of an ancient noble family, that he was baptized in the church at the Winter Palace, and that his godparents were Emperor Alexander II and the Dowager Empress Alexandra Feodorovna, and that December 22nd is both the date of his birth and the date of his death.

"An entire moment between December 22, 1855, and December 22, 1920, an entire life," noted Valery Klimov. "And let the epitaph on Prince Andrei Grigorievich's tombstone be his message to posterity: 'Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.'"

The Polyhymnia Youth Choir performed the reflective song "There Is Only a Moment" with solo trumpet. This number was no accident in the concert program, especially since Andrei Grigoryevich Gagarin was a master cornet player.

The program featured the most cheerful music—the best compositions from choir repertoires, songs from films, and favorite New Year's hits that the entire audience sang.

The concert concluded with the anthem of Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University, performed by all participants. 60 voices sang the university's praises: "Pride of Russia, inspired by Peter, glory through the centuries, dear Polytechnic!"

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The Polytechnic University's stardom is growing

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Source: Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University –

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The White Hall hosted the semi-final of the largest student cultural and creative project, "Polytechnic Star," which has been unveiling new talented vocalists and presenters for 18 consecutive seasons.

The participants went through auditions, numerous rehearsals, and meticulous preparation. The White Hall stage featured everything from world pop hits to rap and beatboxing. The entire show program was meticulously prepared and directed by the project's organizing team, led by Denis Levshin. The event was supported by the Student Club and the help of volunteers from the KOrgi organizing team.

"I want to express my deepest gratitude for the opportunity to participate in this incredible project. After months of preparation and the efforts of both organizers and participants, the long-awaited semi-final finally took place, and not only did it take place, but it was held at the highest level. Everything was perfect—from the semi-finalists' performances to the musical accompaniment during the breaks. I'm sure the final will amaze everyone even more with its scale and vibrancy!" commented Fatima Osmanova, a finalist in the "Hosts" category and a first-year student at the Institute of Mathematics, Economics, and Telecommunications.

The evening was memorable for its vibrant and dynamic performances, unique media coverage, and the sincere emotions of the participants and support groups.

I'm so happy to have made it to the finals. During our rehearsals, the stage truly felt like home, and I've made even more progress in a direction that truly brings me immense happiness! The guys and I have become very close during this time and have become a true team. The level of organization and scale of the project are simply outstanding. The organizers are incredibly talented. I won't make any predictions for the finals; I only know that I want to give it my all and enjoy what we're doing! shared season 18 finalist Anna Sviridova, a first-year student at the Institute of Mechanics, Economics, and Telecommunications.

The performances were judged by experienced experts for whom creativity, music, and youth initiatives have become an integral part of life: Tatyana Barabanova, Deputy Head of the Directorate of Cultural Programs and Youth Creativity at SPbPU; Alexander Tsepkalo, host of student and city events and finalist of the 15th season of the Polytechnic Star project; and Chairman of the United Student Council. Thomas Schochenmayer, as well as singer-songwriters – the winner of the 15th season Elena Shundeeva and the winner of the 11th season, Artem Ilchenko.

This year, the team was almost completely revamped, and we once again undertook a titanic effort to ensure the semi-final was a success! We put maximum effort into unlocking the potential of each vocalist: we added a lot of unique elements to their songs, allowing them to explore new genres and roles. It's also great that this year, the system for training hosts from scratch was fully operational, and we were able to showcase the results of this work at the semi-final. The semi-final was quite dynamic, with many memorable and captivating performances. And judging by the audience's feedback, we succeeded," shared project director Denis Levshin.

Of the 26 semi-finalists, 16 advanced to the final round. The project final will take place on April 23 in the White Hall. The name of the new "Polytechnic Star" will be announced then.

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The Polytechnic Choir and Orchestra gave brilliant concerts in the White Hall

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Source: Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University –

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The concerts of the SPbPU Chamber Choir and Pop Symphony Orchestra served not only as a test of a full semester of rehearsals but also as proof that the Polytechnic University is a space where young people have great opportunities for creativity and growth.

When engineering students take the stage alongside professional artists, it's an extraordinary event. And we're not talking about amateur performances, but full-fledged programs that have become a fixture in the White Hall's repertoire.

First, the SPbPU Chamber Choir, under the direction of Alexandra Makarova, presented a large choral concert in two parts, dedicated to the 110th anniversary of the birth of the great Russian composer Georgy Sviridov. Following this, the Ingenium Pop and Symphony Orchestra, under the direction of Dmitry Misyura, presented a concert program entitled "Music of Game Worlds."

Polytechnic students, who sing in the choir, decided to celebrate the 110th anniversary of one of the most "choral" composers of the 20th century, Georgy Sviridov, by performing his music, imbued with love for the Motherland and humanity.

"The students enthusiastically and with remarkable dedication tackled complex works for a cappella choir and cantatas with instrumental accompaniment," notes the choir's director and conductor, Alexandra Makarova. "We were especially delighted to collaborate with the wonderful St. Petersburg musicians—soloists Maria Egorova and Boris Petrov—and to perform the cantata 'Snow is Falling' with the junior choir of the M. I. Glinka Choral School, an unforgettable and heartfelt performance."

The Polytechnic Orchestra, re-formed at the beginning of the academic year by first-year students, quickly prepared a new program and presented it to the public without delay. The orchestra's legendary game soundtracks were a treat for gamers and symphonic music enthusiasts.

"The idea for the program came about quite spontaneously. We tried out a soundtrack in the spring and it turned out great, so we decided to create a program featuring music from computer games," says the orchestra's conductor, Polytechnic University graduate Pavel Zhukov. "The guys started bringing music from their favorite games, and many of them are truly masterpieces! Complex rehearsals and the musicians' great passion allowed us to delight the audience and have a great time."

The White Hall featured music from the best-selling video games Syberia II, The Witcher 3, Super Mario Brothers, The Elder Scrolls III, Angry Birds, and World of Warcraft, all uniquely arranged by orchestra director Dmitry Misyura. These legendary soundtracks truly sounded like symphonic masterpieces.

The audience's interest in the Polytechnic University's performances exceeded all expectations—a full house, a warm welcome, and shouts of "bravo." The students deserved it. Combining an engineering education with a serious passion for music, they confirm the Polytechnic University's core tenet: "An engineer must think symphonically."

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A victorious debut: a Polytechnic University student became the best beatboxer at an all-Russian competition.

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Source: Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University –

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At the finals of the All-Russian "Russian Student Spring" festival, held in Kazan, third-year IPMEiT student Ekaterina Pautova took first place in the "Beatbox" vocal category. She represented Polytechnic University in the 26-member St. Petersburg delegation this year.

This is Ekaterina's debut appearance in the finals of the "Student Spring" competition, but she has considerable creative experience under her belt. She is a Russian beatbox champion and performs under the stage name K-PAU. In 2024, her talent was recognized at her home university, in the 17th season of the "Star of Polytechnic" competition. She took third place and received the Audience Award. Ekaterina has been beatboxing for nine years and even teaches it herself.

The Polytechnic University student's performance was one of the most striking and talked-about at the competition. She presented her own interpretation of The White Stripes' world-famous hit "Seven Nation Army," combining virtuoso beatboxing with melodic vocals. This creative fusion not only showcased her technical mastery but also created a truly musical, emotional composition that captivated the judges and audience.

"I thoroughly enjoyed participating. Thank you to our wonderful team for the supportive and inspiring atmosphere. It was especially exciting to perform in two different capacities: as a solo artist and as part of the regional program "Rock Fairytale," revealing a new, unexpected side of St. Petersburg," she shared.

Ekaterina Pautova's victory was part of a triumph for the entire St. Petersburg delegation. In 2025, the city team won the prestigious "Breakthrough of the Year" award for the first time, taking home more than half of all possible awards from the total number of submitted applications. This result eloquently testifies to the exceptional level of creative preparation and the diversity of talent among St. Petersburg's students.

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Polytechnicians win dance gold

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Source: Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University –

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While the session is just approaching the doors of the classrooms, Polytechnic University students from the Student Club's PolyDance studio are already taking their dance exams. The LPH Crew, led by choreographer Ksenia Akulova, successfully represented the university at the Northern Champ open contemporary dance championship in Petrozavodsk.

The team had to compete against the strongest dance teams not only from St. Petersburg and the Leningrad region, but also from Karelia. In a highly competitive environment, our team achieved a convincing victory, taking first place in the Dance Show category.

The new House number, "The Pursuit of Attention," was a triumph, captivating the jury with its energy, coherence, and original choreography.

"When creating the routine, I focused not only on technique but also on conveying unbridled energy. The jury's high praise confirmed that we achieved this goal. Participating in the championship allowed me, as a director, to gain valuable experience from choreographers from other cities, and the team to shine in a competitive environment," shared Ksenia Akulova, head of the PolyDance studio.

"When staging the number, our goal was not only to demonstrate high-quality technique but also to convey the special atmosphere and concept of the number, and I think we succeeded brilliantly!" said third-year GI student Dana Nurgazieva.

2025 was a year rich in awards for the LPH Crew. In April, they took part in the All-Russian dance championship Just Dance Festival in St. Petersburg and took third place in a new category—Best Contemporary Crew Beginners. A few days later, the team took second place in the All-Russian competition and festival.

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.