Author: admin_two

The international Russian Seasons project, which launched in Thailand in early 2026, continued with two new events. A photo exhibition, Buddhism in Buryatia, dedicated to the traditions and culture of Buddhism in Russia, opened in the city of Ubon Ratchathani as part of the famous Candle Festival. In Bangkok, the Thailand Cultural Center hosted the concert titled Royal Benevolence, dedicated to the 74th birthday of King Maha Vajiralongkorn (Rama X), featuring the brilliant flutist Sofia Wieland and the Royal Bangkok Symphony Orchestra. The orchestra was conducted by the talented young Russian conductor Ivan Nikiforchin.

Through a visual dialogue between the past and present, the photo exhibition Buddhism in Buryatia acquainted the Thai audience with the history of Buddhism in Russia, its formation and development. Displayed near the city’s  holy pillar in the central square, the exhibition, featuring rare archival photographs from the early 20th century and works by contemporary Buryat photographers Sergei Tarasenko and Anna Arapova, became an integral part of the Ubon Ratchathani Candle Festival, which is of great religious significance for Buddhists.

The exhibition by the National Museum of the Republic of Buryat was presented at the Festival by the museum’s Deputy Director for Research and Exhibitions Tatyana Bazarova and the Head of the Local History Center Sayana Galsanova. The honorary guests of the event  included Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Russian Federation to Thailand Yevgeny Tomikhin and the Governor of Ubon Ratchathani Province  Mr. Narong Thepsena.

The joint performance of Russian musicians and the Royal Bangkok Symphony Orchestra was warmly received by the audience, among which were many fans of Russian culture. The stars of the evening, conductor Ivan Nikiforchin and flutist Sofia Wieland, were much impressed by their collaboration with the orchestra and the reception of the Thai audience. Sofia Wieland commented on the performance:

“I was absolutely delighted with both the audience and the orchestra—the way they responded to all the changes during rehearsals and the concert. The atmosphere within the orchestra was incredible; they were so energetic, so amazing! They were very sensitive to the music and brought their own energy to the concert—the energy of Thailand, warmth, and summer. Ivan and I thoroughly enjoyed both the audience’s reaction and the atmosphere on stage.”

Ivan Nikiforchin noted that the concert’s vibrant, colorful program, which included the Overture from William Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Op. 21, and the Violin Concerto in E minor, Op. 64, by Felix Mendelssohn, as well as the symphonic suite Scheherazade, Op. 35, by Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov, was highly appreciated by the Thai audience. The conductor noted the local audience’s particular sensibility and love for Russian music:

“I always feel the attention, the atmosphere, the silence in the auditorium during the pauses. For me as a conductor, this is always very important. The most revealing moment is when a movement ends, and Rimsky-Korsakov’s movements end in different ways: the first – solemnly, the second – swiftly, the third – with a romantic sense of a fairytale-like, and the fourth – the finale. And then, between movements, there’s a moment when I take my hands off the orchestra, the music fades, musicians look at me, and I look at them… During these moments no one from the audience moves, no one coughs, no one’s phone rings, no one applauds – there is magic in such moments. And this feeling brings me to the conclusion that people consciously come to listen to this music. This commands tremendous respect.”

The international project “Russian Seasons,” which launched in Thailand in early 2026 and has already gained a devoted audience, continues with two new events.

On 29 July, the city of Ubon Ratchathani in northeastern Thailand will open a vibrant photo exhibition, Buddhism in Buryatia, dedicated to the traditions and culture of Buddhism in Russia. It will be held as part of the Ubon Ratchathani Candle Festival, a landmark event in the city.

Soelma Dagaeva, Minister of Culture of the Republic of Buryatia, sent a greeting to the project participants, noting:

“We are honored to present a piece of Buryat spiritual culture in hospitable Thailand. It is symbolic that our exhibition is taking place during the Candle Festival. Light is a universal symbol of the Buddhist tradition, embodying knowledge that conquers the darkness of ignorance. We believe that the light of our hearts and the warmth of our culture, which we brought with us from distant Buryatia, will resonate in your hearts.”

The exhibition is dedicated to the formation and development of Buddhism in Russia and is a kind of visual dialogue between the past and the present. The historical section features rare archival photographs from the early 20th century from the collections of the National Museum of the Republic of Buryatia. These images are priceless testaments to the era, capturing Buddhist clergy, the architecture and rich decoration of lost or altered datsans, and conveying the atmosphere of religious holidays and rituals that have become part of history. The contemporary section features works by Buryatia-based photographers Sergey Tarasenko and Anna Arapova. Through their lenses, they explore Buddhism as a living, vibrant tradition. Their photographs convey the aesthetics of Buddhist art, portraits of contemporary Buddhist teachers, and the meditative silence of sacred sites.

On 31 July, the Thailand Cultural Centre in Bangkok will host a concert by the brilliant flutist Sophia Wieland, accompanied by the Royal Bangkok Symphony Orchestra. Conducting the evening will be the young, talented, and highly sought-after Russian conductor Ivan Nikiforchin.

The concert titled The Royal Benevolence is dedicated to the 74th birthday of King Maha Vajiralongkorn of Thailand (Rama X). The first half will feature works by Felix Mendelssohn, one of the greatest representatives of early Romanticism. The musicians will perform his famous Overture from William Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Op. 21, and his Violin Concerto in E minor, Op. 64. The second part will feature a symphonic suite Scheherazade, Op. 35 by Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov, one of the most popular works by the outstanding Russian composer, the founder of the fairytale opera genre. This orchestral work combines two characteristic features of Rimsky-Korsakov and Russian music in general: dazzling, colorful orchestration and an interest in the East. The title Scheherazade refers to the main character of the book One Thousand and One Nights.

Sofia Wieland is a first prize winner and gold medalist at the 17th International Tchaikovsky Competition, a soloist of the flute section of the Mariinsky Symphony Orchestra and the World Orchestra for Peace, and a participant in numerous international festivals.  As a soloist, she has performed with many orchestras and ensembles, and her repertoire includes flute concertos by Vivaldi, Haydn, Mozart, Fétis, Mercadante, Verhey, Nielsen, Ibert, Françaix, Liebermann, and other composers.

Ivan Nikiforchin is the youngest chief conductor in Russia. At the age of 29, he took charge of the Moscow State Academic Symphony Orchestra, one of the oldest symphony orchestras in the country. He is the founder, artistic director, and chief conductor of the Academy of Russian Music, which unites a symphony orchestra and choir and is one of the most prominent orchestral and choral ensembles in modern Russia. Nikiforchin is a laureate of the 1st Sergei Rachmaninoff International Competition for Pianists, Composers, and Conductors (2022) and a laureate of the Russian Presidential Prize for Young Cultural Figures (2024). In 2025, Ivan Nikiforchin was named Conductor of the Year by the BraVo International Professional Music Award.

 ***

“Russian Seasons” is a flagship international project of the Government of the Russian  Federation and the Ministry of Culture of the Russian  Federation. It will continue in Thailand until the end of 2026. Future events will include performances by the St. Petersburg Bolshoi Puppet Theatre, the Boris Eifman Ballet, the Igor Moiseyev State Academic Folk Dance Ensemble, and much more.

The State Academic Russian Folk Ensemble Rossiya named after Lyudmila Zykina gave its first performances and master classes in Bangkok as part of the International Project Russian Seasons. The project traditionally presents the best national ensembles, giving international audiences the opportunity to discover new horizons in their acquaintance with Russian culture.

On 11 June, a master class by Dmitry Dmitrienko, artistic director of the State Academic Russian Folk Ensemble Rossiya named after Lyudmila Zykina, professor and Honored Artist of the Russian Federation, received an  enthusiastic response from the audience. Dmitry Dmitrienko told the Thai participants about the history of folk instruments, while the ensemble’s soloists introduced the audience to the sounds of the balalaika, domra, Russian accordion, Bashkir kurai, and even a real saw! After the master class, the audience interacted with the musicians, played wooden spoons and balalaika, and sang songs together with the ensemble members.

Dmitry Dmitrienko commented on the event’s results: “I would describe our master class as more of a creative and human encounter, a mutual interaction, a conversation about global musical culture and Russian national art. A pleasant surprise was that many guests came prepared. One of them, for example, brought a balalaika and then happily played the double bass with us. So it wasn’t a master class in the proper sense of the word; it was rather a dialogue bringing a mutual joy.”

On 11 June, a gala reception was held in Bangkok by the Embassy of the Russian Federation in the Kingdom of Thailand to celebrate Russia Day. The event was attended by senior officials of the Kingdom, including Prime Minister Anuthin Chanvirakul, representatives of the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs, representatives of public, business, and academic circles, and the diplomatic corps. Honorary guests of the evening included the ambassadors of Azerbaijan, China, Cuba, Egypt, Kazakhstan, Morocco, the Philippines, and Saudi Arabia — over 1,000 people in total. Soloists of the Rossiya Ensemble named after Lyudmila Zykina performed at the gala reception, along with students of the Katyusha Academy of Russian Dance. The program featured works by Pyotr Tchaikovsky, Sergei Rachmaninoff, Sergei Prokofiev, and, of course, folk songs, including those performed on Bashkir kurai, Known for its inimitable timbre,  and exotic saw.

Thai Prime Minister Anuthin Chanvirakul thanked the Russian Embassy for organizing the musicians’ beautiful performance of the Royal Anthem of Thailand, adding that “every Thai here has taken it very deep into our hearts.” He also noted:

“Russia has been a trusted friend of Thailand for more than a century. This enduring friendship dates back to 1897 when His Majesty King Rama V visited St. Petersburg as the honoured guest of tsar Nicholas II. The iconic photograph of the king and the tsar remains a powerful symbol of friendship and mutual respect between our two peoples…  Next year we will mark the 130th anniversary of diplomatic relations between our two countries. We will commemorate this important milestone through exchanges of high-level visits while reaffirming our shared commitment to an even stronger partnership for the benefit of our peoples.”

On 12 June, the State Academic Russian Folk Ensemble Rossiya named after Lyudmila Zykina gave the concert titled From Russia with Love at the Yamaha Music Hall in Bangkok. The guests were greeted by the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Russian Federation to the Kingdom of Thailand, Evgeny Tomikhin, who emphasized the importance of cultural dialogue between the two countries and thanked the organizers and participants of the Russian Seasons in Thailand. The audience observed a moment of silence in memory of the Queen Mother and Princess Bajrakitiyabha Narentiratheppayawadi.

At their very first performance in Thailand, the musicians of the Rossiya Ensemble literally captivated the audience. Joining the musicians on stage were soloists Anna Sidnina and Boris Dyakov, who performed the Russian romance By The Long Road and Vasily Solovyov-Sedoy’s celebrated Moscow Nights. Ramil Gaizullin, a master of the Bashkir kurai, a folk wind instrument, attracted particular attention from the audience. After the concert, he ceremoniously donated it to the Russian Embassy in Thailand. Multi-instrumentalist Alexander Uskov earned a standing ovation with his own composition, a fantasy based on the Russian folk song From Behind the Island to the Rod. The ensemble’s musicians demonstrated their masterful technique of playing the button accordion, domra, and balalaika. For many guests, this was a true musical revelation.

Evgeny Tomikhin, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Russian Federation to the Kingdom of Thailand, emphasized:

“Cultural ties are, no doubt, a very important component of any bilateral relationship. They are always positive, mutually enriching, an opportunity to learn a little more about a country’s culture, its traditions, and people, and thereby erase some ingrained stereotypes. Today’s culture is diverse, especially in Russia—a vast country with nearly two hundred ethnic groups. This is a rich space that should be represented abroad, including in Thailand. Next year, we will celebrate 130 years of diplomatic relations between our countries. And, of course, we cannot do without culture. The “Russian Seasons” project facilitates this beneficial cooperation and interaction.”

The International project Russian Seasons will continue in Thailand until the end of the year. In October, the Bolshoi Puppet Theater and the Boris Eifman State Ballet Theater will come to the Kingdom from St. Petersburg, and in November, the Igor Moiseyev State Academic Folk Dance Ensemble will perform. Thailand will also host a series of educational events and exhibitions by the Russian Academy of Arts and the Cinema Museum, the latter dedicated to the Cinema Museum’s 100th anniversary.

***

Russian Seasons is a major international project of the Government of the Russian Federation and the Ministry of Culture of the Russian Federation, with events held in one or more foreign countries throughout the calendar year. In 2025, Russian Seasons were held simultaneously in the Kingdom of Bahrain and the Sultanate of Oman.

The project presents Russia as a country that carefully preserves and develops its rich cultural heritage and traditions. Russian Seasons is a multi-genre cultural festival, with a program featuring a wide range of events: from classical music concerts and theatrical productions to art exhibitions, educational projects, lectures, and master classes. Over 13 million people have attended Russian Seasons events.

A state reception and concert were held at the residence of the Russian Ambassador to Italy, Villa Abamelek, to mark Russia Day – a holiday that unites the history, traditions, and hearts of millions of Russians. Symbolically, the evening was part of the Russian Spiritual Culture  Days project.

The Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Russian Federation to the Italian Republic and the Republic of San Marino, Alexey Paramonov, and the Permanent Representative of the Russian Federation to the FAO and other international organizations with similar responsibilities in Rome, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Igor Golubovsky, delivered welcoming remarks. Paramonov noted, in particular, that “the most important distinguishing feature of Russia is the multinational and multi-confessional nature of its population. Today, more than 190 nationalities live in our country. They profess the four main traditional faiths in Russia: Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, and Judaism. Cultural and religious diversity is Russia’s wealth. It unites its citizens, who respect their past, value the present, share common traditions, and understand their interests and prospects in a similar way—inextricably linking their lives with the life of their homeland, Russia.”

The guests of the evening were treated to a performance by the Young Soloists’ Ensemble of the Ossipov National Academic Orchestra of Folk Instruments of Russia—a vibrant, distinctive group of musicians who embrace unparalleled creative experimentation. All members of the Ensemble are virtuoso performers, graduates of Russia’s finest music universities, and winners of national and international competitions. The concert featured masterpieces of Russian music, original works based on folk themes, including I’m Sitting on a Stone, Will I Go Out to the River, and oriental melodies such as Lezginka from the ballet Gayane. The musicians concluded with a performance of the famous Italian song O Sole Mio by Eduardo Di Capua and the internationally beloved Russian song Kalinka — a gesture of friendship between Italy and Russia.

Among the more than 500 guests at the evening were heads of diplomatic missions from Asia, Africa, and Latin America. The guest of honor was Dr. Qu Dongyu, Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). Italian political and public figures, representatives of Italian business, members of regional Russian-Italian friendship associations, writers, musicians, Italian participants of the World Youth Festival, students and teachers from Italian universities, compatriots, and journalists were among the guests.

***

Russian Spiritual Culture Days is a unique multi-genre project of the Russian Ministry of Culture, aimed at promoting the spiritual and moral values ​​of the Russian people and the richness of Russian culture and art abroad. The project is implemented by the Ministry of Culture of the Russian Federation in close collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs  of the Russian Federation and the Russian Orthodox Church. The project is operated by the Autonomous Non-profit Organization Russian Seasons. Since 2008, Russian Spiritual Culture Days events have spanned over 50 countries.

In 2026, Russian Seasons, а large-scale international project of the Government of the Russian Federation and the Ministry of Culture of Russia, will take place in the Kingdom of Thailand. One of the highlights of Thailand’s cultural life in June will be the performance of soloists from the  Rossiya State Academic Russian Folk Ensemble named after Lyudmila Zykina on Russia Day, 12 June, at the Yamaha Music Hall in Bangkok.

The concert program From Russia with Love will feature legendary musical compositions from the ensemble’s “golden repertoire.” Honored Artist of the Republic of Ingushetia Anna Sidnina and Honored Artist of the Republic of Khakassia Boris Dyakov will join the ensemble on stage. The gem of the program will be a performance by People’s Artist of the Republic of Bashkortostan, Honored Artist of Russia, and outstanding Bashkir kurai player Ramil Gaizullin. The audience will be offered an opportunity to listen to his original compositions, composed specifically for this musical instrument.

Lovers of folk music will also enjoy a performance by multi-instrumentalist Alexander Uskov: in one musical composition, viewers will hear the sounds of several Russian accordions from different regions of the country – Cherepovets, Livenka, Talyanka, Saratovskaya, and Khromka accordions.

As part of the traditional reception at the Embassy of the Russian Federation in the Kingdom of Thailand on the occasion of Russia Day on the eve of the holiday, 11 June, soloists of the Rossiya ensemble will perform a program of the same name, From Russia with Love, together with students of the Katyusha Academy of Russian Dance.

On 11 June, Artistic Director of the Rossiya Ensemble, Honored Artist of Russia, Professor Dmitry Dmitrienko will hold master classes on the theme Russian Folk Instruments – A Unique Phenomenon of World Musical Culture. Attendees will enjoy a fascinating account of the origins and development of playing Russian folk instruments – the domra, balalaika, button accordion (byan), and their varieties. Soloists of the Lyudmila Zykina Rossiya Ensemble will perform masterpieces of national musical art, including the best compositions by N. Rimsky-Korsakov, V. Andreyev, A. Arkhipovsky, V. Gridin, A. Tsygankov, and V. Gorodovskaya. The audience will have the unique opportunity to experience these exotic Russian folk instruments for the first time and receive lessons of playing the domra, balalaika, and button accordion.

***

Russian Seasons is a major international project of the Government of the Russian Federation and the Ministry of Culture of the Russian Federation, with events held in one or more foreign countries throughout the calendar year. In 2025, Russian Seasons were held simultaneously in the Kingdom of Bahrain and the Sultanate of Oman.

The project presents Russia as a country that carefully preserves and develops its rich cultural heritage and traditions. Russian Seasons is organized as a multi-genre cultural festival, with a program that includes events ranging from classical music concerts and theatrical productions to art exhibitions, educational projects, lectures, and master classes. Over 13 million people have attended Russian Seasons events.

“Russian Seasons,” with the support of the Ministry of Culture of the Russian Federation, announces a call for applications for the 2026 All-Russian Competition for theatre productions based on works by contemporary playwrights.

The project aims to develop theatrical art, support Russian drama, and preserve spiritual and moral values. Its primary goal is to support the creation of new productions based on contemporary works, emphasizing patriotic themes, themes commemorating the Year of Unity of the Peoples of Russia, and family-friendly themes.

Support is provided to drama theaters and professional repertory theaters with a permanent company whose current repertoire includes performances for children, teenagers, and/or young adults (including theaters for children and young adults; youth theaters; theaters for young spectators; children’s theaters; theaters for children and young adults; puppet theaters; actor and puppet theaters; marionette theaters; and shadow theaters), and which are budgetary and autonomous institutions of the constituent entities of the Russian Federation or, municipal budgetary and autonomous institutions.

The Expert Committee of the All-Russian Competition includes prominent theater figures, representatives of scientific and educational organizations, and members of the Writers’ Union of Russia.

Applications will be accepted until 15 May 2026.

Details of the competition and the application form are available on the official website.

In preparation for the 200th anniversary of Leo Tolstoy’s birth (to be held in 2028), the Ministry of Culture of the Russian Federation announces the first All-Russian Competition for staging theatre productions based on the author’s works. The competition is operated by the Autonomous Nonprofit Organization “Russian Seasons.”

The competition’s priority areas include: the development of theatrical art, the popularization and dissemination of Leo Tolstoy’s literary legacy, the preservation and promotion of traditional spiritual and moral values, and the attraction of a wide audience, including family audiences.

The competition aims to support the creation of new productions by professional theater companies and  theatrical entertainment organizations under the jurisdiction of state authorities of the constituent entities of the Russian Federation or local governments, which  create, perform, preserve and propagate works of dramatic, musical, dramatic, operatic, and choreographic art.

Applications will be accepted until 15 May 2026.

Details and application form are available on the competition’s official website.

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.

***

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.

On 27 February, the international project “Russian Seasons” by the Government of the Russian Federation and the Ministry of Culture of the Russian Federation opened in Bangkok, the capital of the Kingdom of Thailand. The opening ceremony was held at the Thailand Cultural Center, attended by Minister of Culture of the Russian Federation Olga Lyubimova and the evening’s guest of honor, Her Excellency Mrs. Tanchanok Phagudom, Royal Representative of Her Royal Highness Princess Sirivannavari Narirat Ratchakanya.

Olga Lyubimova noted: “It’s gratifying to realize that each year our peoples are discovering new facets of the creative development of our two countries. I am convinced that the ‘Russian Seasons’ are destined to become a special reference point, ushering in a new, even more intense and meaningful phase of our relations. I would like to thank our Thai partners – first and foremost the Ministry of Culture of Thailand – for their assistance in implementing this project. Thanks to our joint efforts, the audience will have an opportunity to encounter incredibly beautiful and profound examples of Russian art, which rightfully form the ‘golden fund’ of world cultural heritage.”

The Minister and the guest of honor visited the Moscow School of Mosaic’s exhibition Diaghilev. “Russian Seasons.” Dress Rehearsal. Natalia Zaitseva, the    representative of the School gave the guests a guided tour of the display of mosaics 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.

Mrs. Yuthika Itsarangkun, Director-General of the Department of Cultural Promotion of the Ministry of Culture of Thailand, also attended the opening ceremony. She welcomed the audience on behalf of the Ministry and the Minister of Culture of Thailand, Sabida Thaiseth, and expressed hope for the further strengthening of the cultural partnership between Russia and Thailand, noting 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, creating positive momentum for the 130th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Thailand and Russia in 2027.”

The central event of the “Russian Seasons” opening in Thailand was the concert From Classics to Jazz by People’s Artist of the Russian Federation and virtuoso pianist Denis Matsuev, featuring leading Russian musicians Andrei Ivanov (double bass), Borislav Strulev (cello), Sofia Wieland (flute), Sofia Tyurina (saxophone), David Tkebuchava (percussion), and Ekaterina Mochalova (domra), accompanied by the Royal Bangkok Symphony Orchestra. Yuri Tkachenko, Honored Artist of Russia and one of Russia’s leading conductors, was conducting the evening. This premiere program included improvisations on works by Edvard Grieg, Aram Khachaturian, Alexander Borodin, Paul Desmond, and other composers. The national anthems of the two countries and the royal anthem of Thailand were also performed.

The audience greeted the performance by Russian musicians with a long, warm ovation, which continued after the traditional flower-presenting ceremony on behalf of Her Highness Princess Sirivannavari Narirat Ratchakanya of Thailand.

The “Russian Seasons” in Thailand will continue until the end of the year in Bangkok and Phuket. The program will include concerts by world-class Russian artists, a Russian Film Festival, theater performances, master classes, lectures, and a series of exhibitions.

On the first day of spring, Lumpini Park will host an open-air concert featuring Honored Artist of the Russian Federation Andrei Ivanov and laureates of international competitions Borislav Strulev, Sofia Viland, Sofia Tyurina, David Tkebuchava, and Ekaterina Mochalova, accompanied by the Royal Bangkok Symphony Orchestra.

The venue of the Thai Children’s Russian Folk Dance Ensemble Katyusha, which has been working in the Kingdom for over 15 years, will host master classes from the Karachay-Cherkessia Dance Theater.

On the same day, the Altai State Youth Song and Dance Ensemble named after A. Berezikov will perform a concert program Tribute to Rachmaninoff on Phuket Island. This production under artistic direction of the great ballet master Vladimir Vasiliev, choreographed by winner of international competitions Alexei Rastorguev and set to the music of Sergei Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No 2, tells the story of the lives of people in a small, remote town, who are dealing with eternal questions: hope, love, and faith.

On 2 March, a master class for Thai dancers and choreographers from the Altai State Youth Song and Dance Ensemble will be held during the day the AKSRA Theater (Bangkok), followed by an evening concert by the Dance Theater of the State Philharmonic of the Karachay-Cherkess Republic. Especially for Thailand, the artists have prepared the finest examples of Caucasian dance, captivating with their originality and revealing the beauty of the national character of southern Russia. The Karachay-Cherkessia Dance Theater’s tour will continue on 4 March with a performance in Phuket at the Lotus Arena concert hall.

***

“Russian Seasons” is a major international project of the Government of the Russian Federation and the Ministry of Culture of the Russian Federation, with events held in one or more foreign countries throughout the calendar year. In 2025, “Russian Seasons” were held simultaneously in the Kingdom of Bahrain and the Sultanate of Oman.

The project presents Russia as a country that carefully preserves and develops its rich cultural heritage and traditions. “Russian Seasons” is a multi-genre cultural festival, with a program that includes events ranging from classical music concerts and theatrical performances to art exhibitions, educational projects, lectures, and master classes. The events of the “Russian Seasons” have already been attended by over 13 million people.

In 2026, the largest international project of the Government of the Russian Federation and the Ministry of Culture of the Russian Federation, “Russian Seasons,” is hosted by the Kingdom of Thailand. From February to November, the Kingdom will welcome the renowned Russian artistic companies and stars of the Russian stage, thematic exhibitions, film screenings and educational events. Among the participants are State Academic Russian Folk Ensemble “Russia” named after Liudmila Zykina, the unique Boris Eifman St. Petersburg State Ballet, the legendary Igor Moiseyev State Academic Ensemble of Popular Dance, the oldest Russian Museum, Russia’s only State Cinema Museum and the Russian Academy of Arts – the largest artistic and scientific center of the country.

The opening of the “Russian Seasons” in Thailand will be attended by the Minister of Culture of the Russian Federation Olga Lyubimova. According to her, “in recent years, cultural exchanges between Russia and Thailand have been developing dynamically, bringing our peoples closer through the language of art. Holding of the “Russian Seasons” is a sign of high-level trust and mutual understanding, which we have gradually built up through the cross year of cultural exchanges and tourism between Russia and Thailand, Russian Spiritual Culture Days and other joint events. We are happy to present the welcoming Thai public with a bright calendar of cultural events from the country’s best institutions and leading companies of the country – our “icons”. The program includes key genres: classical music, ballet, folk dance, cinema and fine arts.”

The grand ceremony will take place on February 27^th in Bangkok at the Kingdom’s largest concert venue, the Thailand Cultural Center. The program of the evening includes a concert by virtuoso pianist, People’s Artist of Russia Denis Matsuev “From classics to jazz” featuring the Royal Bangkok Symphony Orchestra, Honored Artist of Russia Andrei Ivanov (double bass) and winners of international competitions Borislav Strulev (cello), Sofia Viland (flute), Sofia Tyurina (saxophone), David Tkebuchava (drums), Ekaterina Mochalova (domra). The artists will perform the interlude “Flight of the Bumblebee” from the opera “The Tale of Tsar Saltan” by Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov, the composition “Sabre Dance” from the ballet “Gayane” by Aram Khachaturian, improvisations on themes by Edvard Grieg from the music to “Peer Gynt” (the drama by Henrik Ibsen), a medley on themes by Alexander Borodin and Paul Desmond and other pieces by famous composers.

On the same day, the opening of the exhibition “Diaghilev. “Russian Seasons.” Dress Rehearsal” of the Moscow Mosaic School inspired by the era of Sergei Diaghilev and his famous ballet productions will take place at the Thailand Cultural Center. The exhibition presents a unique reinterpretation of the theatrical aesthetics of the early XX century through modern mosaic art, created by students and teachers of the school.

The “Russian Seasons” events will continue simultaneously in Bangkok and Phuket. On the first day of spring, an open-air concert by Honored Artist of Russia Andrei Ivanov and winners of international competitions Borislav Strulev, Sofia Viland, Sofia Tyurina, David Tkebuchava, Ekaterina Mochalova accompanied by the Royal Bangkok Symphony Orchestra will take place in Lumphini Park. They will present their improvisations to the music of Isaac Dunaevsky, George Gershwin, perform pieces by Alfred Schnittke and instrumental compositions jazz fusion style by Chick Corea. The Thailand children’s Russian folk dance ensemble “Katyusha”, which has been operating in the Kingdom for more than 15 years, will host master classes of the dance company of the Karachay-Cherkess republic.

On the same day, the State Youth Song and Dance Ensemble “Altai” named after A.F. Berezikov will perform on Phuket Island with a concert program “Tribute to Rachmaninoff”. The performance of the great master, the famous choreographer Vladimir Vasiliev, choreographed by the winner of international competitions Alexei Rastorguev to the music of Sergei Rachmaninoff’s second piano concerto, tells the story of the life of people in a remote town who solve eternal questions of hope, love and faith.

On March 2^nd, at the AKSRA Theater (Bangkok) in the afternoon there will be held a master class for Thailand dancers and choreographers by the members of the State Youth Song and Dance Ensemble “Altai” named after A.F. Berezikov, and in the evening there will be a concert of the dance company of the State Philharmonic of the Karachay-Cherkess Republic. Especially for Thailand, the artists have prepared the best examples of dance art of the peoples of the Caucasus, charming with their distinctive performance and revealing the beauty of the national flavor of southern Russia. The dance company of the Karachay-Cherkess republic will continue their tour on March 4^th with a performance in Phuket at the Lotus Arena.

***

“Russian Seasons” is the largest international project of the Government of the Russian Federation and the Ministry of Culture of the Russian Federation, which events take place on the territory of one or more foreign countries throughout the calendar year. In 2025, the “Russian Seasons” were held simultaneously in the Kingdom of Bahrain and the Sultanate of Oman.

The project presents Russia as a country that carefully preserves and develops its rich cultural heritage and traditions. “Russian Seasons” is held in the format of a multi-genre cultural festival, the program includes various events from classical music concerts and theatrical productions to art exhibitions, educational projects, lectures and master classes. The events of the “Russian Seasons” have already been attended by more than 13 million viewers.