A company of Belarusian dulcimer players, Vedritsa, led by conductor Yelena Tsyganok, performed at the 11th century St. Peter’s Cathedral, in Tonnerre, Burgundy, France

Recently, a company of Belarusian dulcimer players, Vedritsa, led by conductor Yelena Tsyganok, performed at the 11th century St. Peter’s Cathedral, in Tonnerre, Burgundy, France: its first concert in many years


The musicians performed works by Belarusian, Russian and Italian composers. The French public was delighted to hear the dulcimer music, repeatedly requesting ‘encore’. Belarus’ Ambassador to France, Pavel Latushko, and Mayor Dominique Aguilar attended the concert, which is one of twelve concerts being given by the group in Burgundy.

On that day, Pavel Latushko also visited a showcase of works by contemporary Belarusian artist Svetlana Ryzhikova, in Cruzy-le-Châtel, at the annual Road of Artists and Sculptors Festival. Mayor Thierry Durand, in his conversation with the Belarusian diplomat, suggested that he take the role of honorary guest at next year’s festival.

The Belarusian State Music Academy’s Student Symphony Orchestra, led by Andrey Ivanov, continues delivering performances in the Poitou-Charentes Region, as part of the 27th Eurochestries Festival of Youth Symphonic Orchestras. The State Chamber Orchestra of the Republic of Belarus, led by Yevgeny Bushkov, has begun touring the Limousin Region, and will deliver five concerts in the central regions of France.

In his interview with regional mass media, Pavel Latushko has said that numerous cultural events featuring Belarusian groups are creating ‘a Belarusian musical August in France’. He adds that the French regions are seeing Belarusian cultural expansion, to allow citizens and guests a better idea of contemporary Belarusian culture and to create a positive atmosphere for developing co-operation across various areas.