December 1, 2025: A unique public event took place at the St. Matthew Protestant Church in Gütersloh (North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany) on November 30. The activity combined a concert of Russian music with an exhibition of drawings by children and youth with special needs.


At the Russian music concert entitled "Domra with a Russian Soul," works by Shchedrin, Borodin, Andreyev, Khachaturyan, and other composers were performed by one of Russia's finest domra players Natalia Ankhutina and experienced pianist Lothar Freund.

Drawings provided by charges of the Taganrog inclusive center "Luch Nadezhdy" ("Ray of Hope") served as a vivid demonstration of the inner world and creative potential of the young artists.


On the German part, this dual event was organized by Ludger Funke, Deputy Chairman of the public organization "Forum Russische Kultur Gütersloh." Foreign Relations Office of Taganrog Local Government coordinated the work on the Russian part. Teachers of the independent non-profit organization "Luch Nadezhdy," the head of the organization Senilga Barteneva, and Russian representative of "Forum Russische Kultur Gütersloh" Natalia Petrovskaya made their valuable contribution to the preparations.


Such initiatives, aimed at fostering cultural dialogue and strengthening mutual understanding between peoples, are particularly valuable in today's challenging international situation. For Taganrog, this event has been a wonderful opportunity to demonstrate openness, friendship, and a willingness to collaborate. It confirms that art has the power to overcome any barrier and build bridges not only between hearts but also between nations.