Vladimir Spivakov, the National Philharmonic Orchestra of Russia and acclaimed Russian and international opera star Hibla Gerzmava will perform the musical-patriotic programme “I Love You, Life!” on September 27 at the City Palace of Culture in Obninsk, Kaluga Region. The programme is dedicated to the memory of the victims of fascism and war. Its title comes from the legendary song by Eduard Kolmanovsky, with lyrics by Konstantin Vanshenkin, which became one of the enduring symbols of the Soviet era.
In 2025 the «I Love You, Life!» project in commemoration of the 80th Anniversary of the victory of the Soviet people over the German-fascist army had been presented in 14 cities and towns of the Russian Federation and in friendly Abkhazia. The tour route encompassed eminent places of military glory, including hero-cities. In 2026 the project is continuing its triumphal tour in Russian regions including Kaliningrad and Kaluga Regions, East Siberia and the Volga Region.
The program features much loved and well-known songs from the 1940s-1980s about the Great Patriotic War. A special place in the program is given to symphonic works by Russian and Soviet classic composers (from Tchaikovsky to Sviridov) and to epochal film soundtracks which tie the songs into a choate. The songs born during the War times are witnesses and chroniclers of the immortal deeds of the Soviet people, the memory of which is still alive in the people's hearts. They emboldened the defenders of our country, strengthened their morale, reminding of their home and family, heartening their souls in the time of standstill. However, war songs are not only those created during the War, but also masterpieces that appeared many years after. Among them, there are songs by Vassily Soloviev-Sedoy, Andrey Eshpay, Alexandra Pakhmutova, Yan Frenkel, David Tukhmanov, Bulat Okudzhava and many others. Entering the spiritual memory of our people, they have become part of their historic consciousness and genetic code. At present, they are still known and sung.
A specially created video sequence featuring documentary footage from the Great Patriotic War accompanies the musical programme.
The general partner of the project is Sberbank whose mission is to preserve and amplify the cultural heritage of the country.