By INS Contributors

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia: During a time of great misinformation and hostility, the simple act of enjoying a line of poetry and note of music cannot be understated and these are the means through which the people of Russia and Malaysia can find common ground.

 A part of its outreach efforts, the Russian Embassy in Malaysia was held “The Russian Literary and Music Salon in Malaysia”, matching a Malaysian audience with Russian performers in a celebration of humanity and mutual understanding.

 The guest of honor Yang Amat Mulia Paduka Puteri Tunku Muna Najiah Binti Almarhum Sultan Iskandar was joined by YM Putera Wan Muhammad, YM Tengku Lorena, YBhg Datin Seri Normah binti Alwi, senator Datuk Seri Zurainah Musa and other distinguished participants from Malaysian cultural, educational and business circles who were treated to a display classical music and poems of Russian and Malay authors..

 Compositions by the Russian famous composer Sergei Rachmaninoff (1873–1943) filled the hall at the Residence of the Russian Ambassador accompanied by national Russian dances.

 Rachmaninoff was a composer who was the last great figure of the tradition of Russian Romanticism and a leading piano virtuoso of his time. He is especially known for his piano concerti and the piece for piano and orchestra titled Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini (1934). He was, in effect, the final expression of the tradition embodied by Tchaikovsky—a melodist of Romantic dimensions still writing in an era of explosive change and experimentation.

 The international project “The Russian Literary and Music Salon” is implemented by the National Parent Association, whose director is Marianna Shevchenko, with the support of the Ministry of Education of the Russian Federation. 

 A highlight of the event is Malay actor Chekem who plays the main character of the Leo Tolstoy story “Hadji Murat” recited the fragment of this story in Malay language.

 The Salon is a place where art and culture gather. Such interaction helps to understand and appreciate the richness and diversity of the language and culture both countries better, it strengthens international relations and mutual understanding between diverse peoples.