Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
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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