Bilingual text of Kazan University’s anthem officially unveiled

The Academic Board has approved the final version of the long- awaited work.

“After Ilshat Gafurov became rector, the work on the anthem received a necessary push,” says Counsellor to the Rector Riyaz Minzaripov. “We asked renowned poet Renat Kharis to pen the Tatar lyrics; the composer is Elmir Nizamov.”

As for the Russian translation, it was made by Nail Ishmukhametov. The anthem will be officially performed in both Russian and Tatar languages.

“Gaudeamus symbolizes the willpower and thinking of the student cohort as a social class. As for KFU’s anthem, it characterizes our alma mater specifically. We can be proud to have come from the walls of this institution. I hope our alumni will be reminded of their student years while listening to this song,” confesses Minzaripov.

Although the lyrics and the music were ready by May 2020, the pandemic hindered the recording process. The final version was performed by the State Ensemble of Music and Dance of Tatarstan.

Composer Elmir Nizamov shares, “While writing, I was inspired by the University’s Main Building, its columns – I thought of how they would be represented through music. The majority of my work was finalized in about one month.” He had had experience with anthems prior to being commissioned for this project. For instance, Nizamov’s Ode to Tatarstan can often be heard during official events conducted by the Office of the President of Tatarstan.

“Pride – this is what I wanted to induce by this anthem. Stronger emotions should arise after many years – after the composition becomes more familiar. I’d want for the anthem to really become a musical symbol and the voice of Kazan University,” concludes Nizamov.

 

Source text: Alina Minnevalieva

Photo: Alexander Kuznetsov

Translation: Yury Nurmeev