People’s Artist of Russia Nadezhda Babkina is planning a tour to newly opened regions with the Russian Song Ensemble, according to TASS. The veteran performer, speaking at a Krasnodar press conference, shared that a visit to the Kherson and Zaporozhye regions is on the horizon. In her remarks, Babkina emphasized readiness to travel with the full ensemble as soon as the necessary signal arrives, while noting that no exact date has been set yet. The announcement reflects a broader intention to bring live music and cultural exchange to areas that have experienced disruption in recent years.
Babkina explained that the cultural life in these areas is beginning to revive. She observed that choirs and orchestras are forming anew, musicians are reconnecting with audiences, and communities are reassembling after periods of hardship. Her point was that artistry thrives when performers engage directly with local people, listen to their needs, and participate in community events. The artist expressed confidence in ongoing efforts to collaborate with regional collectives and to share performances that celebrate regional heritage and contemporary creativity alike.
Previously, Babkina had spoken about the reluctance among some artists to travel to Donbass and had criticized assessments of Russia’s special operation in Ukraine. She described the situation through a blunt, personal lens, suggesting that some artists hesitated to engage publicly due to fear of apology or political backlash. At the same time, she acknowledged that there are varied viewpoints within the artistic community, and she urged openness to dialogue while staying committed to artistic expression and cultural outreach. The remarks highlighted a tension between political dynamics and artistic practice, and they underscored Babkina’s belief in the power of music to bridge divides and spark conversation.