The 26th “Our Hopes” Regional Music Festival for Young Performers has finished in Dagestan. Organized by the T. Muradov Dagestan State Philharmonic Society with support from the Republic’s Ministry of Culture, the festival reaffirmed its role as a key cultural event in the region—and this year, it gained all-Russian recognition for the first time.

For the first time, the festival welcomed participants not only from across Dagestan but also from Elektrostal and Astrakhan, underscoring its growing national profile. Performances were held at multiple venues, including the Kumyk Theatre and the Philharmonic’s Chamber Hall. More than 100 young musicians presented their talents, performing on a wide array of instruments—from classical staples such as piano and violin to traditional North Caucasian instruments like the tar and accordion.

A notable feature of this year’s edition was the performance of 36 young soloists accompanied by the S. Khrzhanovsky Chamber Orchestra, conducted by Zarefa Abdullaeva, Honored Artist of Russia. The festival also introduced an art exhibition showcasing works by students from the Fine Arts Department of the M. Kazhlaev Republican Children’s Art School.

“At a time when cultural initiatives are especially important, the ‘Our Hopes’ Festival has, for over a quarter of a century, remained the only platform of its kind in the Northern Caucasus—a true launchpad for future professionals” Irina Nakhtigal, Artistic Director of the Philharmonic said at the closing ceremony. Over its 26-year history, the festival has supported hundreds of gifted young artists, deepening their connection to music and making a lasting contribution to the cultural life of the region.