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17 June
Rio de Janeiro
Theatro Municipal do Rio de Janeiro
GRAND OPENING OF THE “RUSSIAN SEASONS” PROJECT IN BRAZIL
The Grand opening of the International project “Russian Seasons” in Brazil, which was carried out at a high state level, became an important event in the cultural life of both countries.
At the opening ceremony, the Minister of Culture of the Russian Federation Olga Lyubimova and Deputy Minister of Culture of the Republic of Brazil Marcio Tavares Dos Santos addressed the participants of the event and the audience with welcoming speeches.
CONCERT of Honored Artist of the Russian Federation
Ildar Abdrazakov and laureates of the International Tchaikovsky Competition
Ildar Abdrazakov (bass)
Zinaida Tsarenko (mezzo-soprano)
Sergey Davydchenko (piano)
Daniil Kogan (violin)
The Symphony Orchestra of the City of Barra Mansa (Brazil)
Conductor – Denis Vlasenko (Russia)
In honor of the official opening of the International Project “Russian Seasons” in Brazil, a concert of the world-famous Russian opera singer, Honored Artist of the Russian Federation Ildar Abdrazakov took place. Together with him, young but already internationally acknowledged performers, laureates of the International Tchaikovsky Competition, took to the stage: mezzo-soprano Zinaida Tsarenko, pianist Sergei Davydchenko, and violinist Daniil Kogan.
The concert featured the Symphony Orchestra of the city of Barra Mansa (Brazil) under the direction of the Russian conductor Denis Vlasenko. The concert program included orchestral, vocal and instrumental works by M.I. Glinka, P.I. Tchaikovsky, N.A. Rimsky-Korsakov, S.V. Rachmaninov, C. Saint-Saëns, I. Albeniz.
At the finale, to thunderous applause from the audience, Ildar Abdrazakov performed the famous Russian romance “Dark Eyes” and – in a duet with Zinaida Tsarenko – the song “Moscow Nights” that is popular all over the world.
ART-MASQUERADE OF THE “RUSSIAN SEASONS”
Exhibition of theatrical costumes by Nika Velegzhaninova
As part of the opening ceremony of the International project “Russian Seasons” in Brazil, the exhibition “Art-Masquerade of the “Russian Seasons”” was opened in the foyer of the Theatro Municipal do Rio de Janeiro. The exhibition displayed theatrical costumes made according to sketches by outstanding Russian artists Léon Bakst, Alexander Golovin, Mikhail Larionov and Sergei Sudeikin.
A century later, Russian artist Nika Velegzhaninova and her colleagues from the “Nika and Partners” workshop recreated 12 gorgeous costumes for the productions of “Orpheus”, “Masquerade”, “Midnight Sun”, “The Madmen of Venice” and “Sleeping Beauty”. The costumes were made of velvet, satin, methanin and rep according to sketches and detailed descriptions that have survived. Authentic historical techniques alongside with modern equipment were used in the production process.
The exhibition was organized with the assistance of the Moscow Musical Theater “Helikon-Opera” under the direction of Dmitry Bertman.
24–25 June
São Paulo
Theatro São Pedro
GALA CONCERTS of the Vaganova Ballet Academy
The Vaganova Ballet Academy is one of the oldest and most reputable ballet schools in the world. The concerts in the city of São Paulo were a huge success! This was the first ever performance of the Academy’s students in Brazil in its history.
The program of the Gala Concerts featured masterpieces of the classical repertoire – ballets of the late XIX – early XX centuries. The fragments of famous ballets presented in the first part – “Sleeping Beauty” by P.I. Tchaikovsky, “Naiad and the Fisherman” by C. Pugni, “The Awakening of Flora by R. Drigo – provided the students of the Vaganova Academy an opportunity to demonstrate the full range of their artistic abilities.
In the second part, the young ballet dancers presented a colorful suite from the ballet “The Fairy Doll” to the music of J. Bayer, R. Drigo and C. Pugni. “The Fairy Doll” is a revival of the ballet by brothers Nikolai and Sergei Legat premiered in St. Petersburg in 1903. The author of the revival and present-day edition of the ballet is People’s Artist of the Russian Federation, the rector of the Vaganova Academy Nikolay Tsiskaridze. Costumes by Dmitry Paradizov were made according to sketches by Léon Bakst.
Before the evening commenced, Nikolay Tsiskaridze and Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Russian Federation to the Federative Republic of Brazil Alexey Labetsky addressed the audience with welcoming speeches from the stage.
25 June
São Paulo
Escola de Dança de São Paulo
MASTER CLASSES by teachers of the Vaganova Ballet Academy
Master classes by teachers of the Vaganova Ballet Academy that were held as part of the “Russian Seasons” program became a landmark event in the world of classical ballet in Brazil. The teachers of the Department of classical dance and classical duets of the Vaganova Academy: Honoured Artist of the Russian Federation Irina Zhelonkina, Merited Worker of Culture of the Russian Federation Julia Kasenkova and Fethon Miozzi, held master classes for students and tutors of the Escola de Dança de São Paulo. They revealed the secrets of classical dance and shared the skills from their many years of experience in choreography.
26 June
Rio de Janeiro
Theatro Municipal do Rio de Janeiro
MASTER CLASS by People’s Artist of the Russian Federation, Rector of the Vaganova Ballet Academy Nikolai Tsiskaridze
The rector of the Academy, People’s Artist of the Russian Federation Nikolai Tsiskaridze conducted a master class for the ballet dancers of the Municipal Theater of Rio de Janeiro, during which he revealed many nuances of the Russian system of teaching classical dance.
Exactly 25 years ago, Nikolai Maksimovich performed in Brazil as part of the Bolshoi Theatre troupe, and today he returned to this country in a new capacity. This is especially symbolic, as classical dance in Brazil was founded precisely on Russian traditions. At the origins of the development of the ballet school in Brazil, making a huge contribution to the formation and development of Brazilian ballet, stood the outstanding ballerina and great-granddaughter of the famous Russian writer Nikolai Leskov — Tatyana Leskova, who personally came to watch the master class of the renowned ballet artist.
2–14 July
São Paulo / Santo André / Mairiporã / Diadema / São Bernardo do Campo
BRAZILIAN TOUR
of the S.V. Obraztsov State Academic Central Puppet Theater
Within the framework of the International Cultural Project “Russian Seasons”, the first ever tour of the world-famous Sergei Obraztsov Puppet Theater in Brazil took place. The company performed in five cities of the state of São Paulo and presented two chamber puppet productions to the Brazilian audience: “Circus on Strings” staged by the theater’s Сhief artist Viktor Antonov and “The Snowman” based on the fairy tale by Hans Christian Andersen staged by the Chief director of the theater Boris Konstantinov.
The tour program also included master classes and meetings of the theater’s artistic staff with the audience.
Circus on Strings
AUTHOR, PERFORMER AND PUPPET DESIGNER – winner of the “Golden Mask” National Theatre Award Viktor Antonov
2 July São Paulo, Teatro Sobrevento
5 July Municipal Theatre of Santo André
7 July Santo André, Escola Livre de Teatro
8 July Mairiporã, New Theatre Dos Contadores de Mentiras
9 July Diadema, Clara Nunes Theatre
10 July São Bernardo do Campo, Martins Pena Theatre
13–14 July São Paulo, Itaú Cultural Institute
Viktor Antonov’s puppet circus is a firework of unique stunts with puppets. This is a retro-style circus, the kind you could see at fairgrounds before. The director has come up with an extraordinary trick for each puppet
Snowman
Based on the fairy tale by Hans Christian Andersen “The Snowman”
DIRECTOR
winner of the National Theatre Award “Golden Mask”
Boris Konstantinov
SET DESIGNER
Evgenia Shakhotko
PUPPETEERS
Honored Artist of the Russian Federation Dmitry Chernov
Honored Artist of the Russian Federation Andrey Nechaev
3 July São Paulo, Teatro Sobrevento
4 July Santo André, Teatro Municipal de Santo André
5 July Santo André, Teatro Conchita de Moraes
9 July Diadema, Teatro Clara Nunes
10 July São Bernardo do Campo, Teatro Martins Pena
11–12 July São Paulo, Itaú Cultural Institute
A magical and romantic winter performance based on Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy tale about the Snowman who fell in love with a hot stove. Designer Evgeniya Shakhotko created an exquisite winter landscape. On a tiny stage a whole city is placed – a lake, houses, a town hall, a mill… A wonderful example of naive theater, reminding a spectator of the true depth of human feelings. The performance is a winner of the “Golden Mask” Russian National Theater Award.
16-17 October
São Paulo, Teatro Bradesco
19-20 October
Rio de Janeiro, Cidade das Artes
BRAZILIAN TOUR of St. Petersburg State Academic Ballet Theatre
Artistic Director – People’s Artist of the Russian Federation Boris Eifman
ANNA KARENINA
based on the novel by L. Tolstoy
to the music by P. Tchaikovsky
Set design – Zinovy Margolin
Costumes – Vyacheslav Okunev
Lighting – Gleb Filshtinsky
Six shows of the internationally acclaimed ballet “Anna Karenina” staged by the artistic director of the company, People’s Artist of the Russian Federation Boris Eifman were held during the tour. This is a modern choreographic work that has already gained fame in many countries around the world. Boris Yakovlevich removes all secondary lines, focusing attention on the main love triangle ‘Anna – Karenin – Vronsky.’ The performance is emotional, full of inner psychological energy and passion. In total, the performances were attended by over 6,500 spectators, including representatives of the professional theater community, the diplomatic corps and local authorities.
The famous Brazilian impresario Miriam Dauelsberg was present at one of the shows. It was she who brought the Boris Eifman Ballet Theater to Brazil for the first time 27 years ago.
8 December
Rio de Janeiro, Teatro Prio
CONCERT OF THE MOSCOW JAZZ ORCHESTRA under the direction of Igor Butman
The International cultural project “Russian Seasons” in Brazil 2024 ended with concerts by the world-famous musician, saxophonist, People’s Artist of the Russian Federation Igor Butman and his Moscow Jazz Orchestra. The famous band, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, visited Brazil for the first time.
The concert program, prepared specially for this tour, featured the orchestra’s best hits from more than 10 albums, including famous Russian melodies – “Walking the streets of Moscow,” “Black Cat,” compositions in Russian, Portuguese, Spanish and English. Some of the compositions recalled the band’s creative partnership with the legends of world jazz – Chick Corea, Jack DeJohnette, John Patitucci, Wynton Marsalis, Randy Brecker and others.
The concerts featured the famous jazz singer of Russian-Dominican origin Fantine, who performs her own songs in different languages.
11 December
São Paulo, Teatro B 32
OFFICIAL CLOSING OF THE INTERNATIONAL PROJECT “RUSSIAN SEASONS” IN BRAZIL
The closing ceremony of the International Project “Russian Seasons” 2024 in Brazil took place in Sao Paulo, in the B 32 Theater. The scale and significance of the project were noted at the highest state level. The Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Russian Federation to the Federative Republic of Brazil Alexey Labetsky read out the words of greeting from the President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin.
Vladimir Putin:
“It is gratifying that the current “Russian Seasons” were held at a high level, significantly enriched the palette of Russian-Brazilian humanitarian cooperation, and contributed to strengthening trust and mutual understanding between our countries and peoples.”
Specially for the closing ceremony of the project, the Minister of Culture of the Russian Federation Olga Lyubimova, who personally attended the opening of the “Russian Seasons” in Brazil in June, recorded a video message.
Olga Lyubimova:
*I would like to heartily thank the audience and participants of the “Seasons” for the attention the Russian artists and the unchangeable warmth they were welcomed with. We have held more than 30 large-scale events this year. “Russian Seasons” are coming to an end – but we are not saying goodbye to Brazil. Russian cultural figures will visit your wonderful friendly country again, and more than once, including visits within the framework of the BRICS presidency that is being transferred to Brazil.”
7 CITIES
18 VENUES
32 EVENTS
5 PERFORMING COMPANIES
5 SOLOISTS
OVER 16 000 SPECTATORS
OVER 500 PUBLICATIONS IN THE MEDIA
