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Finalists of the “Inclusive Moscow” Festival Performed “Katyusha” Before the Football Match

Finalists of the “Inclusive Moscow” Festival Performed “Katyusha” Before the Football Match

Published on: 2026-05-12

Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

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Thousands of football fans became witnesses to a unique performance: 100 finalists of the “Inclusive Moscow” festival, together with the artistic director of the capital’s Center for Social Integration Diana Gurtzkaia, performed the song “Katyusha” at the 29th round match of the “Russian Premier League” between the teams “Dynamo” (Moscow) and “Krasnodar”.

The song, which became a symbol of the war years, was chosen to open the match not by chance: its simple memorable melody and warm words emotionally supported the fighters at the front during the war years. By opening the “Katyusha” match, the organizers from the hotel not only once again reminded the audience of the feat of the victorious people but also showed how participants of the “Inclusive Moscow” festival achieve success.

“Behind every talent lies tremendous effort, for many children with disabilities today’s meeting with a wide audience is an event that will be remembered for life. This is the main goal of our work — to create conditions so that there are as many such moments as possible, and this is a significant victory for everyone,” shared Diana Gurtskaya, the artistic director of the Center for Social Integration, People’s Artist of Russia.

The “Inclusive Moscow” festival creates opportunities for realizing the creative potential of talented residents of the capital. The decision to admit participants to the final was made by an authoritative jury, which included producers, actors, directors, choreographers, musicians, and experts in inclusive projects — a total of more than 30 representatives of the creative industry and culture.

This year, over 2,400 people participated in the qualifying stage of the festival — individual performers and creative groups from Moscow aged from five to 35 years. As a result of the live auditions, participants received invitations to the final stage of the festival. The selections were held in five categories: vocal and sign singing, instrumental performance, choreography (including wheelchair dances), artistic reading, and original genre.“Inclusive Moscow” is a special space where one can grow, develop, and receive valuable advice from those who have already reached a high level of mastery in creativity,” said Fyodor Molkov, director of the Center for Social Integration.

The qualifying round of the IX “Inclusive Moscow” festival began on January 26. At the end of April, the jury determined the composition of the participants for the upcoming gala concert, which traditionally takes place in November-December 2026. The finalists have serious preparation ahead: rehearsals, masterclasses, and creative workshops. The intensive program will help artists refine their skills and acquire new abilities.

Diana Gurtzkaya Center for Social Integration of the CapitalDepartment of Labor and Social Protection of the PopulationA unique rehabilitation center for Russia and other CIS countries. Talented children and young people with health special needs reveal their creative potential in one of five areas: theatrical, artistic, dance, vocal, and instrumental. The center organizes international, all-Russian, and city events and festivals for people with disabilities. The institution’s students regularly become winners and laureates of prestigious creative competitions.

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