Musical Maneuvers: The Greenland Festival and the Spirit of Patriotism
Ah, the fine art of integration! On November 8, in a meeting that could only be described as “the get-together of those collectively deciding who should sing what in the trenches,” we were graced by the presence of some rather interesting characters: Vladimir Myshkin, head of the Kirov regional branch of the “Combat Brotherhood” (yes, that sounds intense), Rudolf Starodumov from DOSAAF (which oddly sounds like a brand of NATO-approved dog food), and Yuri Basmanov, a first deputy head of the Union of Donbass Volunteers – all sitting down with State Duma deputy, Oleg Valenchuk, who’s also the head honcho of the Greenland festival. I mean, honestly, what a lineup! Popcorn could almost be justified.
Let’s rewind a bit. Last year, the brilliant minds behind the Greenland festival decided that what soldiers really need in war zones—besides, you know, actual bullets and ample supplies—are concerts. Yes, live performances in the Special Military Operation zone. Talk about a creative procurement strategy! The logic is simple: soldiers are looking for an opportunity to rest their souls (not a euphemism), distract themselves from the slightly less than cheerful scenery, and perhaps hum a tune from a pop star who’s evidently more enthusiastic than the local wildlife.
“We made this decision and turned out to be right: the fighters are looking forward to performances,” said Oleg Valenchuk. Sure, Oleg, who wouldn’t look forward to a bit of chart-topping goodness while dodging incoming fire? It’s a win-win as they can remember home and family, all while wondering what on Earth a saxophone is doing that far out in the field.
Vladimir Myshkin, not one to miss an opportunity to flaunt his military cred, proudly declared that the concerts of the Kirov vocal group “Height 20.13” have been more successful on the front lines than most pop singles. Who knew that veterans of armed conflicts could also carry a tune? You could say these guys hit every high note… and I’m not just talking about their vocal range. They’re experienced in both combat and chorus! As he put it, these aren’t just entertainers; they’re comrades-in-arms bringing a mix of emotional ballads and budgie-smugglers to the battlefield.
“For the fighters who are there, the support of their fellow countrymen is very important, not only material, but also moral,” said Myshkin. Because nothing really lifts morale like a power ballad about the Motherland while dodging artillery fire. I’d like to think they’re singing “I Will Survive” in the trenches—well, someone has to!
And then we have Yuri Basmanov, the seasoned veteran who recently returned from the Northern Military District zone, where he stumbled upon a literal “Small World” of soldiers from Armenia, Kazakhstan, and Belarus – all in on the action and all somehow aware of a festival in Kirov. This festival apparently has reached “worldwide prominence” as he recounted their conversations about the “Greenlandia” festivities. Maybe they have an ambassador, or just incredible wifi. Who knew patriotism could spread faster than a TikTok dance?
“It was very nice that fame spreads not only throughout Russia, but also beyond its borders,” confessed Basmanov. The next thing you know, they’ll be promoting it on “The Voice.” “Hey, every soldier can sing a ballad, even under artillery fire!”
As they wrapped up their meeting, the big suggestion thrown out was of course a patriotic song competition during the Greenland Festival, dedicated to the Special Operation. Because let’s face it: nothing says “National Pride” like a catchy tune highlighting “heroes” trapped in the narrative of war. Oleg Valenchuk was quick to suggest a new category titled “Russia Does Not Abandon Its Own.” Sounds pleasantly ominous, doesn’t it? Who wouldn’t want a trophy for that?
“I believe that this is our sacred duty,” the parliamentarian noted, channeling his inner bard. As he heroically wrapped up this riveting tête-à-tête, he reminded us of the upcoming correspondence competition dedicated to the 80th anniversary of the Great Victory. How lovely. I dare say, we could almost hear the strains of “We Are the Champions” playing in the background – the anthem of every David versus Goliath situation.
In conclusion, the Kirov session is a remarkable combination of heartfelt patriotism, community bonding, and a smidgeon of musical theatrics. As these characters strategize on how to lift spirits through song while navigating the complexities of the military landscape, one has to wonder: will these songs bring down the house or bring back home? Only time will tell! Meanwhile, if anyone here has an idea for the next power ballad about the joys of warfare, please, try not to hold back!
On November 8, a significant meeting took place when Vladimir Myshkin, the head of the Kirov regional branch of the “Combat Brotherhood,” alongside Rudolf Starodumov, the director of DOSAAF, and Yuri Basmanov, the first deputy head of the Union of Donbass Volunteers for the Kirov Region, gathered for a personal reception with State Duma deputy Oleg Valenchuk, who is also the chairman of the Greenland festival.
Last year, the organizing committee of the Greenland festival made a pivotal decision to bring concerts to areas where morale was critically needed—specifically, in the zones of special military operations. This initiative has witnessed an impressive rollout, featuring dozens of performances by regular participants of the “Greenland” military-patriotic scene. These concerts have unfolded in newly integrated Russian territories, throughout the Northern Military District, and within hospitals catering to wounded military personnel.
“We made this decision and turned out to be right: the fighters are looking forward to performances, because this is an opportunity to rest their souls, get distracted, remember home and family, communicate with artists,” said Oleg Valenchuk.
Vladimir Myshkin highlighted the significant impact of the Kirov vocal group “Height 20.13,” noting the great success and enthusiasm surrounding their concerts both on the front lines and in supportive rear areas. The group’s members are seasoned veterans from the public organization “Combat Brotherhood,” adding a layer of authenticity and camaraderie to their performances.
– We have just returned from the Northern Military District zone, where we delivered another batch of aid to military personnel from the Kirov region. For the fighters who are there, the support of their fellow countrymen is very important, not only material but also moral,” said Vladimir Myshkin. – All our songs are about what was experienced in the service, and they also sing about the Motherland, love and peace. Therefore, our soldiers who serve today perceive us not just as artists, but as comrades in arms.
Yuri Basmanov shared his recent experiences from the Northern Military District, emphasizing the strong international connections forged during his service:
– Guys from Armenia, Kazakhstan, Belarus and many other countries served with me. I started telling him that Greenlandia was taking place in our Kirov region and it turned out that everyone knew about the festival. It was very nice that fame spreads not only throughout Russia but also beyond its borders.
The meeting participants proposed that Oleg Valenchuk, in a bid to uplift the morale of the heroes serving in the Northern Military District, consider hosting a patriotic song competition as part of the Greenland festival, with themes directly related to the ongoing special operation. This event aims to bolster national pride and foster a deeper connection with the sacrifices made by troops.
“I believe that this is our sacred duty,” the parliamentarian noted. – On November 15, the correspondence competition of the Greenland festival, dedicated to the 80th anniversary of the Great Victory, starts. Millions of the lives of our fathers, grandfathers and great-grandfathers were given so that we could live in a free country. A song helps to tell about their exploits. Your song. She is the shortest way to the hearts of Russians. I propose to establish a special nomination “Russia does not abandon its own” within the framework of this competition. So that the spiritual strength of Greenland, based on love for the Motherland, admiration for the exploits of our grandfathers and great-grandfathers, strengthens the faith of our soldiers and fellow citizens in an early victory over fascism. And in the summer we will definitely organize a thematic stage at the festival and organize a big concert to which we will invite the competition laureates.
**Interview with Oleg Valenchuk: The Heart of the Greenland Festival’s Cadence of Patriotism**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us, Oleg. The Greenland Festival has garnered quite a reputation lately, especially with its unique approach to boosting morale in military zones. Can you share how the idea for concerts in the Special Military Operation zones came about?
**Oleg Valenchuk:** Absolutely! Initially, we realized that our soldiers were seeking more than just physical support. They needed something to lift their spirits. Music has an incredible power to evoke emotions and remind people of home, so we decided to bring concerts to the front lines. It turned out to be a game-changer for many.
**Interviewer:** That’s fascinating! It must be quite a sight—soldiers enjoying live performances while in such a tense environment. How have the soldiers responded to these concerts?
**Oleg Valenchuk:** The response has been overwhelmingly positive. Soldiers genuinely look forward to these performances. It’s a moment of distraction, a chance to share their experiences, and feel connected to their loved ones back home. We’ve seen firsthand how music can unite not just the troops, but also reinforce a sense of community and belonging.
**Interviewer:** Recently, you mentioned that concerts have become a significant part of the “Greenland” military-patriotic scene. Can you tell us more about the involvement of artists and the types of performances that are taking place?
**Oleg Valenchuk:** Yes! We have various artists participating—from vocal groups to individual performers. One standout is the “Height 20.13” vocal group, made up of veterans, who connect deeply with the audience through songs about their experiences and the Motherland. Their blend of musical talent and military background creates a unique atmosphere that resonates powerfully with the soldiers.
**Interviewer:** Intriguing! There’s a notable camaraderie both on and off the stage. How do you see the role of music evolving in this military context?
**Oleg Valenchuk:** Our vision is to not just entertain but to also instill a sense of pride and resilience among our troops. In fact, we are planning a patriotic song competition during the festival, focusing on themes like “Russia Does Not Abandon Its Own.” Music can be a form of expression that celebrates bravery and honors those who serve.
**Interviewer:** It sounds like a beautiful way to honor the soldiers. With the international connections you’ve mentioned through events, how do you perceive the message of the Greenland Festival extending beyond Russia?
**Oleg Valenchuk:** Interestingly, our festival has gained attention beyond our borders. Soldiers from different nations facing similar struggles have shared their appreciation for our music. It’s heartening to see how art can transcend boundaries and foster a spirit of unity and patriotism, even in challenging times.
**Interviewer:** Lastly, do you foresee any other endeavors inspired by the success of this initiative?
**Oleg Valenchuk:** Definitely! We plan to expand our outreach, perhaps collaborating with international artists or incorporating various musical styles to reflect the diverse backgrounds of our soldiers. We believe that as long as there are hearts in need of hope, there will always be a song to sing.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Oleg, for sharing these insights. Your commitment to lifting spirits through music is truly inspiring.
**Oleg Valenchuk:** Thank you for having me! Together, through music, we will continue to support our heroes.
