Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
The final of the Interethnic Student Festival "Golden Autumn 2025" took place in the White Hall of Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University. It brought together Russian and international students studying at universities and colleges in the city on the Neva.
28 years ago, the festival was born at the Polytechnic University, the city's largest university by number of international students. Today, "Golden Autumn" is under the auspices of the Committee for Science and Higher Education of the Government of St. Petersburg. The competition's goal, then and now, is to integrate international students into Russian culture, strengthen interethnic relations, and support talented youth.
Festival participants from 23 universities and 9 colleges, 16 countries, and 7 regions of Russia met in the White Hall to present the cultures of their people.
Dmitry Tikhonov, Vice-Rector for Continuing and Pre-University Education at SPbPU, welcomed the guests: "We are convinced that culture and creativity help students develop their competencies. That's why our university places great emphasis on developing and supporting creative teams and the spiritual and aesthetic development of students. Another key goal of culture is to unite people, creating a space for the meeting of different traditions and values. We are seeing this right now on stage!"
The festival participants presented vibrant performances, immersed the audience in the world of traditions and customs of various nations, and introduced them to the amazing beauty and diversity of their countries' cultural heritage. The audience and jury traveled to various corners of vast Russia, learned about Uyghur and Yakut cultures, and visited Mongolia, Kalmykia, Bashkiria, and the North Caucasus. They also traveled to Belarus, Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, Moldova, Indonesia, China, Iran, and Sri Lanka.
The jury consisted of representatives from St. Petersburg's higher education institutions and national public organizations. They assessed the performances based on their vibrant national flavor, originality of execution, and artistry.
Each song told the story of an entire country. The program featured a Moldovan-language composition performed by Sabrina Lungu, a student at the St. Petersburg State University of Management and Economics (SPbSUGE) College; "Khata batskou" (My Fatherland) by Danila Staruk, a student at the S. M. Budyonny Academy of Telecommunications; and many songs about Russia. SPbPU student Fikria Shaleha demonstrated stunning vocal talent and artistry in her performance of a Malay pop song. All the judges awarded her the highest scores and first place in the festival's Vocal category.
"This was my first time performing in front of a large audience! I can't find the words to describe my emotions. But one thing I know for sure: how much I want to thank the students from Indonesia, especially from the Polytechnic University, the jury members for their trust, and the organizers for a wonderful festival. I will remember this event forever! May the next Golden Autumn inspire even more people!" Fikria shared her emotions.
Students from the St. Petersburg University of the Ministry of Internal Affairs presented a fiery Mongolian dance, while students from St. Petersburg Polytechnic University performed a traditional Indonesian dance. An Avar dance by students from the St. Petersburg Chemical-Pharmaceutical University captivated both the audience and the jury. The graceful young women were awarded first place.
"It was fascinating to watch all the festival participants and how they were able to showcase their national flavor. We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves, made new connections, and were incredibly happy to win first place! We thank the festival organizers and plan to return next year," noted Anna Pavlova, a member of the Improviz ensemble from St. Petersburg State University of Arts and Sciences.
The festival's third category featured performers on very unusual musical instruments. The Iranian santur, Kalmyk dombra, Tatar kurai, and other captivating instruments resounded in the White Hall. Participants performed not only the music of their own nationalities but also their own compositions. Sofya Zvereva, a student at the Herzen State Pedagogical University of Russia, presented a triptych for piano.
The jury highly praised the virtuosity of Reza Desaipour, a student at the St. Petersburg State Institute of Culture and the Iranian participant, whose percussion instrument, the daf, produced a magnetic sound. The result was first place in the Instrumental Music category.
The "Audience Choice Award" was won by the online voting group "Hey, Let's Go!" from Medical College No. 2, whose highly artistic and virtuoso wooden spoon player captivated everyone.
The winners and runners-up of the Golden Autumn festival received gifts from the Committee on Science and Higher Education—gold, silver, and bronze maple leaves made of stained glass, as well as certificates from the bookstore "Podpisnye Izdaniya." The festival finale concluded with a joint performance of the song "We Are the World." All participants once again proved that music makes the world a better place, that culture erases boundaries and unites peoples.
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