On October 30, 2025, the Financial University hosted the Cultural Unity Festival, dedicated to National Unity Day. The event became a vibrant symbol of how the diversity of cultures in the country creates a harmonious whole.
The musical part of the festival was opened by a performance from the Military Band Service of the National Guard of Russia, performing military and beloved Soviet songs.
Alexander Kozharinov, Vice-Rector for Social Work and Extracurricular Activities at the Financial University, addressed the guests: "Today, on one stage, the choir of the Sretensky Theological Academy and the choir of the Financial University will perform as part of the 'Friendship of Choirs' project. This is not a competition but a celebration of communication and joint creativity."
Alexander Ryzhinsky, Rector of the Gnessin Russian Academy of Music, noted: "As a choral conductor, I am especially pleased with this evening. I hope this stage becomes a venue for creative discoveries. May the collaboration between the Gnessin Russian Academy of Music and the Financial University remain as fruitful and harmonious as the music we will hear today."
Igumen Ioann, Rector of the Sretensky Theological Academy, mentioned that their choir would perform a program of church and folk compositions that embody timeless values of goodness and sincerity. He emphasized that, throughout history, song has helped people express their deepest aspirations and hopes.
A significant highlight of the evening was the ceremonial presentation of a grand piano to the Financial University, a gift from its long-standing partner, Alfa-Bank. Alexey Belov, Head of Educational Projects at Alfa-Bank, stressed: "Partnership with the Financial University is truly valuable to us. This year, we reached a new level: over a hundred students became Alfa-Bank scholarship recipients, and three faculty members received grants totaling 250,000 rubles. We believe this musical instrument will become a new symbol of our friendship."
The festival’s concert program included performances by students of the Financial University and the Gnessin Russian Academy of Music.
A joint performance by the two choirs — from the Financial University and the Sretensky Theological Academy — not only marked a bright conclusion to the festival but also became a new format of cooperation within the framework of the educational project "HERITAGE: Guidelines for the Future," aimed at fostering a spiritually and morally enriching environment, promoting Russia’s cultural heritage, and nurturing socially responsible individuals.
