The first part of the International project “Russian Seasons” has concluded in Thailand. Over several eventful days, from 27 February to 4 March, five triumphant performances by Russian artists took place in Bangkok, the Kingdom’s capital, and on the island of Phuket, attracting over 5,000 spectators. Full houses, long applause, and shouts of “bravo” and “encore” — everything speaks for the Russian artists’ genuine captivating impact on Thai audiences.
The large-scale international project of the Government of the Russian Federation and the Ministry of Culture of Russia, “Russian Seasons,” opened on 27 February at the Thailand Cultural Center in Bangkok with a concert featuring Denis Matsuev, Russian soloists and the Royal Bangkok Symphony Orchestra. The concert was attended by Russian Minister of Culture Olga Lyubimova and the guest of honor – a representative of Her Highness Princess Sirivannavari Narirat Ratchakanya.
“Russia and Thailand are discovering new facets of cultural interaction every year,” Olga Lyubimova noted in her opening ceremony speech. “The ‘Russian Seasons’ will undoubtedly become a special starting point, opening an even more intense phase of our cooperation.”
In turn, Mrs. Yutthika Itsarangkun, Director General of the Department for Cultural Promotion of the Ministry of Culture of Thailand, noted that “a series of events as part of the ‘Russian Seasons’ will contribute to strengthening mutual understanding, deepening people-to-people ties, and developing cultural cooperation, providing a positive impetus to the celebration of the 130th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Thailand and Russia in 2027.”
The Royal Bangkok Symphony Orchestra posted a special ‘thank you’ to the ‘Russian Seasons’ in its social media pages:
“Thank you for an unforgettable evening! We thank everyone who joined us at the Great Hall of the Thailand Cultural Center for the ‘Russian Seasons’ concert with the Royal Bangkok Symphony Orchestra. We were delighted to see a full house and share this special musical evening with so many wonderful fans. We would also like to express our sincere gratitude to the Ministry of Culture of the Russian Federation and the Embassy of the Russian Federation in Thailand for their valuable cooperation and support, which made this concert possible. Your presence, warmth, and enthusiastic applause made this evening truly memorable for our musicians and artists. We are deeply grateful for your continued support and look forward to welcoming you again in the near future.”
The Moscow School of Mosaic specially prepared an exhibition Diaghilev. Russian Seasons. Dress Rehearsal. for the project, It included a collection of mosaic murals dedicated to the 154th birthday of the renowned Russian theater figure Sergei Diaghilev and the premieres of the one-act ballets “Petrushka” and “The Firebird.”
Evgeny Tomikhin, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Russian Federation to the Kingdom of Thailand, noted: “It is very important to bring and share our culture, our traditions, and our diversity with our Thai friends. There are many fans of Russian culture here. There is a number of universities and schools that teach Russian. More and more Thais want to travel around our country, especially in winter, because it’s eternal summer here. We hope that through our joint efforts we will enhance cultural exchange and a deeper understanding of our country.”
On 1 March, Lumpini Park hosted a joint concert featuring Russian soloists Andrei Ivanov (double bass), Borislav Strulev (cello), Sofia Wieland (flute), Sofia Tyurina (saxophone), David Tkebuchava (percussion), and Ekaterina Mochalova (domra) and the Royal Bangkok Symphony Orchestra. Families flocked to hear classical pieces reimagined with jazz. At the conductor’s desk was Honored Artist of the Russian Federation Maestro Yuri Tkachenko – he also was conducting the orchestra at the opening concert. The audience applauded after each composition and called for an encore at the end. Chadchart Sittipunt, the Governor of Bangkok was present at the concert. He remarked that “’Russian Seasons’ is a wonderful project as it helps to bring people together.”
Phuket hosted the “Russian Seasons” on 1 March. In her speech at the opening ceremony, the head of the Russian Ministry of Culture noted that “culture has always been a key vector of development for Russia and Thailand. Our countries are rightfully proud of their rich heritage, which carefully preserves traditional values and reflects the distinctive cultural codes of our two civilizations. This continuity of generations inspires confidence in the future, helps us meet modern challenges, and strengthens cultural sovereignty. Holding the ‘Russian Seasons’ in Thailand is the best confirmation of the friendship between the peoples of our countries, as well as a unique opportunity to showcase the diversity of Russian culture and art.”
The first to present their art on the island were pianist Dmitry Masleev, first prize winner of the International Tchaikovsky Competition, and the Altai State Youth Song and Dance Ensemble: together, they presented a poetic concert program, Tribute to Rachmaninoff.
Members of the Dance Theater of the State Philharmonic of the Karachay-Cherkess Republic to Thai audiences the unique performance that demonstrates the beauty of the national character of southern Russia: on 2 March, they performed at the AKSRA Theater in Bangkok, and on 4 March, their show in Phuket marked the finale of this part of the “Russian Seasons” program.
Zurab Agirbov, Minister of Culture of the Karachay-Cherkess Republic and present at the performance, noted the importance of the participation of groups from various regions of multinational Russia in international projects: “This is a powerful impetus for the Dance Theatre’s development – the young people are now motivated for many years ahead and their artistry will continue to grow. But I think it’s also important for the entire project that we were able to demonstrate that Russia is a country where the cultures of even very small nations thrive, and the state helps them preserve their identity.”
In addition, artists of Dance Theater of the Karachay-Cherkess Republic and the Altai Ensemble also held master classes for Thai dancers and choreographers in Bangkok.
Artistic Director of the Altai Ensemble Elena Berezikova shared her impressions of performing in the Kingdom of Thailand: “Here, we especially felt that our culture is in demand in the whole world. And we are very proud of that.”
More than 150 dancers in total participated in the master classes — these were young students of the Katyusha Russian Folk Dance Ensemble, which has been operating in Bangkok for over 15 years. They appreciated the unique opportunity to experience and “get into their muscles” the movements characteristic of Russian and Caucasian dance cultures. Their eyes sparkling with delight were the best gift for their master instructors.
Ekaterina Alekseeva, director of the Katyusha Artistic Dance Ensemble: “It was truly magical. The Thai children, who have been studying Russian dance for many years, for the first time saw an original performance and learned about the traditions of new regions of Russia. It was incredible for them to see it performed in the original style. I’m sure that after these master classes, their dance technique will improve and they’ll be thrilled to explore Russian dance culture more and more deeply.”
From 2 to 4 March, Phuket Island also became a magnet for fans of contemporary Russian cinema. A large-scale film festival, organized by ROSKINO, was held there as part of the “Russian Seasons” International project. As General Director of ROSKINO Elsa Antonova noted, “this is the fourth time the Russian film festival has been held in Thailand—it’s clear proof that good cinema knows no boundaries.”
The festival opened with the sports drama “First on Olympus” (2025, directed by Artyom Mikhalkov). Residents and visitors to the island will also have the opportunity to watch on the big screen such new Russian films as the war film August (2025, directed by Nikita Vysotsky and Ilya Lebedev), the science fiction drama The Aviator (2025, directed by Yegor Mikhalkov-Konchalovsky), the family comedy Cheburashka 2 (2026, directed by Dmitry Dyachenko), the adaptation of the famous fairy tale Buratino (2025, directed by Igor Voloshin), and the animated film Finnick 2 (2025, directed by Denis Chernov).
During the Phuket Russian Film Festival the Bakhrushin Museum opened the exhibition Russia – Land of Talents. This joint project between the museum and ROSKINO was inspired by the war film August, which was included in the festival program: the exhibition featured photographs of members of famous film and theater acting dynasties which demonstrate the tradition of continuity in the arts. The exhibition also marked the start of the large-scale Cinema|Theater project.
The “Russian Seasons” events are planned to continue in the Kingdom of Thailand until November this year.
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The “Russian Seasons” International project, organized by the Government of the Russian Federation and the Ministry of Culture of the Russian Federation, is held annually. Its mission is to present Russia as a country that carefully preserves and develops its rich cultural heritage and traditions. The themes and formats of the “Seasons” vary widely, from concerts of classical music and theatrical productions to art exhibitions, educational projects, lectures, and master classes. Over the course of its existence, the project’s events have attracted over 13 million spectators.
