The International project of the Government and the Ministry of Culture of the Russian Federation in the Sultanate of Oman “Russian Seasons”, which started in January 2025, has successfully concluded in Muscat, the country’s capital. The project was held during the celebration of the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
Aсcording to Oleg Levin, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Russian Federation to the Sultanate of Oman, “cultural cooperation between Russia and Oman possesses enormous potential and is rapidly developing. This is largely due to a respectful attitude toward history, rooted in ancient times, and shared commitment of the two countries to preserve and promote the rich cultural heritage, spiritual values, and traditions of our peoples, as well as to protect historical truth in the modern world. This year, we celebrate the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations between our countries. As part of this remarkable celebration, by decision of the President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin, we are holding a major Russian cultural project in the Sultanate – “Russian Seasons.” Russian culture is in demand in Oman. I am confident that the impetus given to our cultural cooperation by “Russian Seasons” will lead to the emergence of new joint projects.”
On 16 November, Mikhail Bryzgalov, director of the Russian National Museum of Music delivered a lecture titled Russian and Arabic Musical Instruments from the Collection of the Russian National Museum of Music at Royal Opera House Muscat. The lecture was combined with a master class by musicians from the Ossipov Orchestra of Folk Instruments of Russia.
Mikhail Bryzgalov, General Director of the Russian National Museum of Music:
“The audience at the meeting included young people – students and young aspiring musicians. I was delighted that the Ossipov Orchestra’s ensemble of soloists acted as a musical illustration for my lecture. We discussed music, demonstrated Russian traditional musical instruments, and explained the principles of playing each one. We could read it in listeners’ faces that they were interested. In the second part, I presented our collection of Arabic musical instruments; we have a large collection of historical instruments. I believe one of the lofty missions of the “Russian Seasons” project is to carry on and pass on traditions. I am happy to be involved in this together with my dear colleagues.”
On 17 November, the Royal Opera House Muscat hosted a concert by the Ossipov National Academic Orchestra of Folk Instruments of Russia, conducted by the Orchestra’s Artistic Director, People’s Artist of the Russian Federation Vladimir Andropov. This was the first appearance of the orchestra in Oman, and it aroused great interest on the part of the audience due to the quality of its performance and the uniqueness of its instruments.
The program included Dance of the Buffoons from the music for A. Ostrovsky’s spring fairy tale Snowmaiden by Pyotr Tchaikovsky, Variations on the theme of the Russian folk song Grass, Sward (Travushka-muravushka) by Alexander Tsygankov performed by the orchestra, a Fantasy on the theme of the romance Nightingale by Alexander Alyabyev and Henri Vieuxtemps, Tatar Waltz by Salikh Saidashev, a Fantasy on the theme of the romance In the Moonlight by Yevgeny Yuryev, and other compositions selected specially for the concert in Oman. The concert featured soloists of the Orchestra, as well as Sofia Onopchenko (vocal), Honored Artist of the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia) Albina Degtyareva (jaw harp), and laureate of all-Russian and international competitions Arslan Umurzakov (kuray).
In addition, Russian and Omani musicians jointly performed two national compositions together: Beautiful Oman and The Moon Shines by Vasily Andreev. The Omani composition featured such instruments as oud, qanun, and drums, whereas for the Russian composition oud and qanun will be required.
Vladimir Andropov, People’s Artist of the Russian Federation, Artistic Director of the Ossipov National Academic Orchestra of Folk Instruments of Russia:
“This is our first involvement in the international project ‘Russian Seasons,’ which has a long history. It is especially gratifying that we are not just participating, but closing the ‘Russian Seasons’ in Oman. Much can be said about Russian music and how music brings people together, but we have truly discovered a kin in the Sultanate of Oman – the qanun. The qanun and our most ancient Russian folk instrument, the gusli, have much in common. I’m delighted that today’s audience heard our joint performance with Omani musicians.”
The Ossipov Orchestra is one of the oldest in Russia, last year it celebrated its 105th anniversary. Its history began in 1919, when balalaika players Boris Troyanovsky and the Alekseyev brothers began forming a musical company at the Army Heavy Artillery Club to boost the morale of Red Army soldiers. The Ossipov Orchestra is of great significance to Russian musical culture. The Ossipov Orchestra is of great importance to Russian musical culture. The distinctive and pure sound, special culture of playing folk instruments, and high artistic level rank the orchestra the unique phenomena of Russian art. The repertoire features original orchestral works for Russian folk instruments and arrangements of classical symphonic music. The orchestra has released about 70 records and over 30 compact discs.
In the evening, a meeting was held at the Royal Opera House Muscat to discuss the results of the International project “Russian Seasons” in the Sultanate of Oman. The organizers and participants of the project shared their experiences in preparing and holding the project’s events. The panel included Svetlana Kondratieva, General Director of the Autonomous Nonprofit organization “Russian Seasons”; Mikhail Bryzgalov, General Director of the Russian National Museum of Music; and Vladimir Andropov, People’s Artist of Russia and Artistic Director of the Ossipov National Academic Orchestra of Folk Instruments of Russia. Umberto Fanni, General Director of the Royal Opera House, represented Oman at the meeting. He emphasized the importance of projects that “help to develop interstate dialogue on the basis of culture. The language of music needs no translation; it reaches people’s hearts directly.”
Svetlana Kondratieva, General Director of the Autonomous Nonprofit organization “Russian Seasons”:
“Although the Russian Seasons project is concluding in Oman, there will be more encounters with Russian culture. There are still musical evenings ahead at the National Museum of Oman, where we will introduce the Sultanate’s residents to the young, talented Russian musicians. These are laureates of international competitions, including the Tchaikovsky and Rachmaninoff competitions. Therefore, cooperation between Russia and Oman in culture and the arts will definitely continue.”
