China's Ministry of Education kicked off a series of art education exchange events in Beijing on Thursday, as a supporting event of the China-Russia Years of Education (2026-2027).
At the opening ceremony at the Central Conservatory of Music, audiences were treated to a lineup of well-loved classics from both countries, including the Red Detachment of Women suite and Tchaikovsky's symphonies.
Renowned artists from the two countries shared the stage, and young people from China and Russia danced together, creating an engaging and inspiring evening of art.
The China-Russia Years of Education art and education exchange series, under the theme of arts connect China and Russia—walking together on the road of art, will feature more than 30 events. Centered on standout art forms including music, visual arts, dance, and film and television, the program uses the power of art to deepen understanding between young people in both countries and to pass their friendship on to the next generation.
"Moscow Nights is the song so familiar to our parents' generation. Now, as we move into the 21st century, I believe we can create many more beautiful, new musical chapters of our own," said Yuan Chenye, a professor from the Vocal and Opera Department of the Central Conservatory of Music.
"This Beijing trip has been truly fulfilling, and I'm very glad to be here. We met with the faculty and some students at the Central Conservatory of Music and discussed future performance plans there. We also invited our Chinese colleagues to come to St. Petersburg," said Artem Artemovich Marhasyan, lecturer at the St. Petersburg State Conservatory in Russia.
"Sharing the same stage with Chinese students and performing the program we prepared together has been deeply meaningful. Through this kind of exchange, we've come to know one another better and made more friends—and that's truly precious," said Melissa, a Russian student in China.
The China-Russia Years of Education will run for two years, and a wide range of themed events will continue through 2027, aiming to deepen cultural and people-to-people ties between the two countries.
"We are currently in talks with China's Ministry of Education on the implementation details. China and Russia will officially launch the 'China–Russia Thousand Schools Together' program, which, in the next five years, will help foster links between 500 Russian schools and 500 Chinese schools. It will include teacher exchanges, as well as selecting outstanding young people to take part in summer camp activities in both countries," said Andrey Korneev, Deputy Minister of Education of the Russian Federation.
China-Russia art education exchange events held in Beijing
