February 2025 marked the beginning of the centennial commemorations for one of Russia's beloved poets, Sergey Yesenin, with several exciting events scheduled to honor his legacy this year.
The Russian Academy of Arts and the Voronezh People’s Museum of Sergey Yesenin announced the opening of the exhibition titled 'Sergey Yesenin. Endless Legend.' Scheduled to debut on February 25, 2025, at the Zurab Tsereteli Art Gallery, this exhibition coincides with the 130th anniversary of the poet’s birth. It will feature over 100 artworks, including paintings, graphics, and sculptures by contemporary artists inspired by Yesenin's literary work.
Visitors will also find unique artifacts and publications related to Yesenin's life enriching the exhibition. The collection will draw from the artistic fund of the museum, which has been expanded through 'Yesenin Plein Airs' conducted at his native Konstanz, marking his rich cultural roots.
The exhibition is slated to run until April 20, 2025, allowing ample time for the public to engage with Yesenin's enduring contributions to Russian literature and art.
Meanwhile, music lovers were treated to special programming celebrating Yesenin on the Saturday show 'Hello, Andrey!' on February 8, 2025. This segment featured performances of songs and romances based on the poems of several renowned Russian poets, including Yesenin, Fyodor Tyutchev, and Marina Tsvetaeva, enhancing the emotional connection to the literary works.
Notable figures from the cultural scene joined host Andrey Malakhov to perform various pieces, with Valery Skorodet from the band 'Mongol Shuudan' opening the show with his rendition of 'Moscow'. The ensemble included artists like Valentina Bataikina, Sergey Lyubavin, and Olga Shchegol, who shared this charming evening filled with poetry and music.
Maestro Igor Kartashev closed the evening by performing 'From Behind the Island on the River Stream', prompting all guests to join him for the final chorus, creating a warm sense of camaraderie and shared appreciation for Yesenin's words.
Adding to the commemorative atmosphere, events dedicated to the celebration of Poetry Day were organized to immerse participants fully in the world of poetic expression. These gatherings featured thematic presentations discussing the works of Russian poets from various eras, including Yesenin.
Librarians engaged attendees with quizzes to test their knowledge of famous poets, allowing participants to recall lines from the works of iconic figures like Alexander Pushkin, Mikhail Lermontov, and Sergey Yesenin himself. Simultaneously, the book exhibit 'Poetry: A World Infused with Soul' showcased works centered on themes of love, the beauty of nature, and the grandeur of the world around us.
These collective activities reflect the depth and vitality of Yesenin’s literary heritage, as communities across Russia unite to praise the poet's enduring influence and the strong cultural ties he left behind. The program is supported by the Starooskolskaya Centralized Library System underlining their commitment to honoring literary traditions and their impact on contemporary society.
This year-long celebration promises to keep Yesenin's spirit alive, ensuring his voice continues to resonate through new generations as they discover the beauty encapsulated within his verses.