Rome Applauds Russian Culture: The VIII International Pushkin Prize

Foto from Denis von Meck

"In the poet's work, everything is expressed so clearly, fully, and beautifully that there is nothing left for music to add."
- P.I. Tchaikovsky on the works of A.S. Pushkin

In October 2026, the Eternal City once again became a vibrant platform for large-scale humanitarian dialogue. On October 19–20, Italy hosted the events of the VIII International Pushkin Prize. The organizer of this significant Russian-Italian cultural project was Yulia Bazarova, a prominent public figure, journalist, founder of the Prize, and President of the Italian cultural association Amici della Grande Russia ("Friends of Great Russia"). The events of the Pushkin Prize are held with the steadfast institutional support of the Russkiy Mir (Russian World) Foundation.

This year, the event was dedicated to the 260th anniversary of Nikolai Karamzin, an outstanding historiographer of the Russian State and a reformer of the Russian literary language in the 18th – early 19th centuries. A particular highlight at the Russian House in Rome was the screening of the feature film The Prophet: The Story of Alexander Pushkin. The film, directed by the young filmmaker Felix Umarov, who was awarded the Prize in the "Cinematography" category, was presented with the director in attendance. Among the laureates whose work seamlessly embodies the concept of cultural continuity across eras was Denis von Meck, a family historian, educator, and President of the International Educational Foundation named after Nadezhda Filaretovna von Meck. He was awarded the Special Prize for his outstanding contribution to popularizing the historical and cultural heritage of the von Meck family and preserving the memory of the great Russian composer Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky.

Photo: Laureate of the 2026 International Pushkin Prize, Denis von Meck

It is fitting here to highlight the inseparable interconnection between the creative legacies of three towering figures of Russian culture: Karamzin, Pushkin, and Tchaikovsky. Nikolai Karamzin undoubtedly influenced the poetic genius of the young Alexander Pushkin, who was 33 years his junior. Pushkin, in turn, though not a contemporary of Tchaikovsky, profoundly inspired the composer to create some of his most famous operatic masterpieces based on his works — Eugene Onegin, Mazeppa, and The Queen of Spades — which continue to grace stages worldwide.

The high esteem in which the Nadezhda Filaretovna von Meck Foundation is held was vividly demonstrated during the solemn award ceremony, where each laureate received their accolade from distinguished representatives of Russian and Italian society. Notably, the Special Prize was presented to Denis von Meck by the Prize's partner, Irina Arkadyevna Kraeva, Rector of the Moscow State Linguistic University (MSLU, formerly known as the Maurice Thorez Institute of Foreign Languages).

Speaking to International Affairs magazine, Denis von Meck noted that, as a researcher, he is always particularly fascinated by discovering deep connections between names and facts, whether across different eras or within a single historical period.

"If one attempts to link the figure of A.S. Pushkin, whose name this international prize bears, N.M. Karamzin, whose anniversary we are commemorating, and P.I. Tchaikovsky, whose legacy I am dedicated to preserving, the connection proves to be direct and inseparable," von Meck explained. "Alexander Pushkin was, without a doubt, Pyotr  Tchaikovsky 's favorite poet. Furthermore, the breadth of Tchaikovsky's historical interests is eloquently evidenced by the contents of his personal library: it naturally includes collected works by Karamzin, and the composer's profound love for history is vividly reflected in the numerous articles from historical journals that he meticulously studied."

The event's high diplomatic and cultural stature was further elevated by a distinguished roster of guests and robust institutional support. The ceremony was held under the patronage of the All-Russian Pushkin Museum, the Boldino Museum-Reserve, the University of Rome Tor Vergata, and MSLU. Particular significance was lent by the personal participation of H.E. Alexey Paramonov, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Russian Federation to the Italian Republic and the Republic of San Marino. The Russian diplomat not only hosted the laureates at a formal reception and dinner at his historic residence, Villa Abamelek, but also personally attended the award ceremony at Villa Altieri, presenting the awards and addressing the extensive Russian and Italian audience.

Photo: Villa Altieri. Photo by Anna Tsyba

The main ceremony, held in the hall of the Archaeological Museum of Villa Altieri, brought together prominent cultural figures from both nations. Alongside the laureates, the celebration of Russian and Italian culture was shared by Alessandro Masì, Secretary General of the Dante Alighieri Society; Prince Guglielmo Giovannelli Marconi (grandson of the inventor of radio); aristocrat Manfredi Mattei Filo della Torre; Father Amvrosy Matsegora, rector of the Church of St. Catherine the Great Martyr; as well as MSLU Professor Olga Egorova and publisher Sandro Teti. A timely and organic highlight of the evening was the solemn unveiling of the portrait of Alexander Pushkin, titled Wind of Freedom, painted by the acclaimed artist Natalia Tsarkova.

Photo: Portrait of A.S. Pushkin, "Wind of Freedom", by Natalia Tsarkova

The laureates of the VIII Prize across various categories included writer Pietro Angelini (Italy, "Literature"); art historian Tatyana Danilyants (Russia, "Cinematography"); philologist Stefano Garzonio and translator Yuri Kuprikov ("Scientific Works. Translations"); and opera director Giancarlo Del Monaco and composer Angelo Inglese (Italy, "Art"). A Special Prize was awarded to Lora (Eleonora) Guerra for her decades-long dedication to preserving the creative legacy of her late husband, the renowned screenwriter, poet, and artist Tonino Guerra.

Photo: Lora Guerra and H.E. Alexey Vladimirovich Paramonov, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Russian Federation to the Italian Republic and the Republic of San Marino

Beyond the official proceedings, the Prize's program was enriched with immersive cultural experiences, including visits to the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, the Villa Albani Torlonia, and the magnificent exhibition of Pontormo's works at the renowned Scuderie del Quirinale — a 16th-century palace situated on the Quirinal Hill, the highest of Rome's seven hills.

Concluding an informal exchange with fellow laureates, Denis von Meck shared a poignant anecdote that perfectly encapsulates the essence of the events in Rome. "Several years ago, I attended a meeting of the Tchaikovsky Society in Germany, of which I am a member," he recounted. "It was a gathering of musicologists and simply people who love music endlessly. How astonishing and moving it was to hear, within such a professional environment, devoted admirers of Pyotr Ilyich's work reciting Pushkin's poetry in six different languages!"

This story served as a perfect concluding note to the discourse on how Russian culture continues to resonate in the hearts of people worldwide. As Yulia Bazarova, the founder of the Prize, aptly observed:

"In these complex times, hosting the International Pushkin Prize is not merely a recognition of outstanding achievements in the cultural sphere, but a vital act of cultural diplomacy. It provides an opportunity to preserve and strengthen, and sometimes rebuild, the ties between the Russian and Italian peoples, to support dialogue and mutual understanding, and to carefully safeguard our shared cultural heritage."

The VIII International Pushkin Prize in Rome has once again demonstrated that genuine art, literature, and historical memory remain a resilient space for dialogue, capable of uniting people and eras in the face of any external challenges.

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