From May 4 to 6, the Izmailovo Concert Hall in Moscow hosted the Final of "The Future of Russia - 2023" National Award in the field of culture and art. The award is a global cultural project that combines many children's programs implemented in accordance with the general concept of the President of the Russian Federation, the Government of the Russian Federation and the Russian Orthodox Church. Among the experts of the award are specialists in the field of music and art: Ekaterina Chernousova, graduate of the Moscow Conservatory, winner of the Open World grant program (USA), member of the Union of Moscow Composers, artist of the Presidential Orchestra of Russia; Aleksandr Shmelev, sound producer, musician, member of the International Union of Artists and Concert Organizations, official representative of the European Union of Music Competitions in Russia; Yulia Ignatenko, singer, artistic director of the Karusel ensemble, teacher of the highest category, member of the Federation of Vocal Art Teachers of the Russian Federation.

Penza State University and the Penza Region was represented by an international student from Armenia, Saakanush Muradyan. In total, about 200 teams and soloists from all over the country competed for the title of the best in various categories: vocal, choreography, fashion theater. According to the results of competitive viewings, after performing the song in Armenian “Havatum Em”, Saakanush Muradyan unanimously became the award holder. “This song, whose name is translated as “I believe”, is in some way victorious for me: thanks to it we became laureates at international competitions, winners of the Regional Student Spring, represented the city at the Russian stage of the main student competition. And now we have another achievement! To be the National Award holder is an honor and a great responsibility. I am very glad that our work is appreciated!” Saakanush shared her impressions.

Maria Melnikova, vocal teacher, specialist of the Student Affairs Department, International Education Office, was recognized as the “Teacher of the Year - 2023” and was awarded the Award medal and a letter of appreciation: “We worked, prepared and achieved this result. But I always tell students that victories are not a reason to stop, but an impetus to further development. Our task is to organize conditions for the creative fulfillment of international students studying at PSU. And I am sure that they will show their talent more than once at the national and international levels.”

Very soon, Saakanush will again defend the honor of the university at the All-Russian Festival "Russian Student Spring", which will be held in Perm from May 26 to June 1. She will be accompanied by five more students of the Institute of International Cooperation - a vocal ensemble from India. This became possible after the students’ victory at the Regional stage of the competition.