Beijing – Dalian. Denis von Meck, cultural diplomat, researcher, and promoter of Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky's legacy, has successfully completed his first trip to China in 2026. The visit, which took place in late April, reaffirmed that interest in the life and work of the great Russian composer in the Middle Kingdom is not only undiminished but is acquiring new, more nuanced dimensions.
The itinerary was rich and tightly scheduled. In Beijing, Denis von Meck was invited to speak at multiple venues. The Russian Cultural Centre hosted his lectures over three consecutive evenings, covering not only Tchaikovsky but also extending to various topics in Russian history and culture. The highlight of the capital programme, however, was his address at China's premier music institution – the Central Conservatory of Music (CCOM). There, von Meck delivered an expansive two-hour lecture tracing Tchaikovsky's life, drawing an audience that included not only the conservatory's own students and faculty but also music enthusiasts who had come specially from elsewhere in the city.
As has become customary, dozens of listeners queued up after the lecture for photographs. What drew them was not merely the usual souvenir selfie with the speaker, but a rare opportunity to be captured alongside true treasures from the von Meck family archive: original 19th-century portrait photographs of Tchaikovsky himself. These authentic historical artefacts never fail to evoke heartfelt awe among Chinese audiences.
During this trip, von Meck also held preliminary discussions with Peking University and Renmin University of China regarding potential future lectures.
The final chord of the journey sounded in Dalian. At the invitation of Mr. Zhang Jinxuan, founder and director of the Dalian International Museum of Music and Musical Instruments, Denis von Meck visited this unique cultural treasury. A warm reception and a detailed tour of the museum's rich collections left an indelible impression on the guest.
"Even with a full day, it is impossible to examine in detail the countless exhibits gathered here – they are truly fascinating. I will definitely return to this museum to explore its collections further and to give lectures on Tchaikovsky," said von Meck.

 Mr. Zhang Jingxuan and Denis von Meck exchanged commemorative gifts in a warm and sincere atmosphere and agreed to deepen their cooperation. In essence, both men are engaged in the same cause: the promotion of musical culture, which serves as a bridge between people and between eras.
Von Meck documented his Dalian visit in photographs and a short video, which he shared on both Russian and Chinese social media platforms. According to him, the short clip serves as a prelude to a full-length, in-depth interview to be filmed within the walls of the Dalian museum.
In May 2026, von Meck's next China journey will begin – still under the framework of his "Tchaikovsky – Music Without Frontiers" project. He will travel to Shenzhen, Guangzhou, and Shanghai, delivering several lectures on Tchaikovsky, each with a different thematic focus. The Russian-Chinese musical dialogue continues.
It is particularly noteworthy that 2026 and 2027 have been declared the Cross Years of Education by the leaders of the two countries. In this context, von Meck's lectures at several of China's most prestigious educational institutions offer a compelling example of grassroots cultural diplomacy.