Author: admin_two

Russian Spiritual Culture Days, which took place from  10 to 14 December 2025, have concluded in Bangkok, the capital of the Kingdom of Thailand.

The Days of Russian Spiritual Culture opened on 10 December at the Thailand Cultural Center. Joining the Royal Bangkok Symphony Orchestra conducted by Maestro Vanit Potavanit, Russian musicians – laureates of the 17th International Tchaikovsky Competition – took the stage: the First Prize winner, pianist Dmitry Masleev; the Third Prize winner, violinist Daniil Kogan; and the Fourth Prize winner, soloist Igor Morozov.

The evening’s program featured world-famous classics including works by Sergei Rachmaninoff, the Waltz from the ballet The Sleeping Beauty and the Polonaise from the opera Eugene Onegin by Pyotr Tchaikovsky. Daniil Kogan performed Waltz-Scherzo and Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto, Op. 35: III. Finale – Allegro vivacissimo, and Dmitry Masleev performed Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 2. Igor Morozov performed arias from Tchaikovsky’s operas Eugene Onegin and The Queen of Spades, as well as old Russian romances and folk songs.

The opening concert of Russian Spiritual Culture Days started with a moment of silence in memory of the late Queen Sirikit, mother of the reigning monarch, Maha Vajiralongkorn, who passed away in October of this year at the age of 93. Thailand is observing a year-long period of mourning for the Queen Mother.

On 11 December, the Royal Siam Society (Siam Society Under Royal Patronage) hosted the opening of two Russian photo exhibitions: Cultural Heritage of Russia and Kizhi – a Reborn Masterpiece of Russia.

The motto of the Siam Society of Bangkok, “Knowledge Gives Rise to Friendship,” perfectly captures the essense of the Spiritual Culture Days  events, which showcased the richness, uniqueness, and deep spiritual traditions of Russian culture.

Evgeny Tomikhin, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Russian Federation to Thailand, and Bilaibhan Sampatisiri, President of the Royal Siam Society, addressed the audience with welcoming speeches. Evgeny Tomikhin noted that the opening of the exhibitions “is an event that reflects our long-standing friendship and fruitful collaboration with the Russian Geographical Society, the organization that stands behind one of the exhibitions we had the pleasure to attend. This evening is a testament to the close and growing collaboration between the Russian Embassy, ​​the Russian Geographical Society, and the Royal Siam Society – three institutions united by a commitment to promoting cultural understanding, academic exchange, and enduring friendship. We look forward to further strengthening and expanding this flourishing partnership.”

The exhibition Cultural Heritage of Russia was dedicated to the 180th anniversary of the Russian Geographical Society. It featured works by the winners and finalists of the Most Beautiful Country photo contest, capturing unique historical and architectural monuments from across Russia.

The Kizhi State Museum-Reserve introduced the Thai public to the largest traditional wooden building in the world – the Church of the Transfiguration of Our Lord on Kizhi Island.  The exhibition Kizhi: A Reborn Masterpiece of Russia was prepared to mark the completion of the church’s restoration, and featured works by renowned photographer Igor Georgievskiy, a member of the Union of Journalists of Russia.

The twenty-two-domed church, built by anonymous carpenters in 1714, is the heart of the Kizhi Pogost and is considered the eighth wonder of the world. In 1990, the Kizhi Pogost, along with the Moscow Kremlin and the historic center of St. Petersburg, became one of the first three Russian sites to be included on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

The Days of Russian Spiritual Culture culminated on 14 December with a concert by one of Russia’s oldest professional choirs, the Moscow Synodal Choir. Founded in Moscow in 1721, the choir currently  involves 80 singers of various ages. Each year, the choir participates in over 800 church services, gives solo concerts, and takes part in international festivals.

The Moscow Synodal Choir performed at St. Nicholas Cathedral in Bangkok. The program included sacred works by Russian classics of the 19th and 20th centuries, including Pyotr Tchaikovsky’s It Is Truly Meet, Georgy Sviridov’s Holy Love, Sergei Rachmaninoff’s Rejoice of Virgin Mary, Vladimir Martynov’s The Beatitudes, and others. Representatives of various diplomatic missions, ambassadors, and a representative of the Thai royal family attended the concert. The guests also honored the memory of the Queen Mother of Thailand.

The extensive program of the Russian Spiritual Culture Days  offered Thai residents the opportunity to enjoy beautiful examples of Russian sacred, classical, and folk music; to “visit” architectural and spiritual gems of Russian Orthodoxy through an exhibition; and to become acquainted with the renowned musical culture. All of this resonated with the grateful and hospitable Thai audience, who greeted our artists with a storm of applause.

The Spiritual Culture Days  in the Kingdom of Thailand concluded a series of events within the project, which took place in Zimbabwe, Hungary, Serbia, the Republika Srpska (Bosnia and Herzegovina), and Indonesia in 2025.

***

Russian Spiritual Culture Days is one of the leading international projects of the Ministry of Culture of the Russian Federation, aimed at promoting the spiritual and moral values ​​of the Russian people and national culture abroad. Since 2008, events of Russian Spiritual Culture Days have spanned more than 50 countries. The project is carried out in collaboration the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Russian Orthodox Church, and is organized by the Autonomous Nonprofit organization “Russian Seasons.”

The Russian Spiritual Culture Days opened in Bangkok, the capital of the Kingdom of Thailand, and will run until 14 December.

The opening of the Russian Spiritual Culture Days was held on 10 December at the Thailand Cultural Center. Joining the Royal Bangkok Symphony Orchestra conducted by Maestro Vanit Potavanit, Russian musicians – laureates of the 17th International Tchaikovsky Competition – took the stage: the First Prize winner, pianist Sergei Davydchenko; the Third Prize winner, violinist Daniil Kogan; and the Fourth Prize winner, soloist Igor Morozov.

The evening’s program included world-famous classics: compositions by Sergei Rachmaninoff, arias from the operas Eugene Onegin and The Queen of Spades by Pyotr Tchaikovsky, as well as other instrumental works by Russian composers and even Russian folk songs.

According to Minister of Culture of the Russian Federation Olga Lyubimova, “cultural cooperation between our countries is developing very dynamically and is one of the most important areas of dialogue between Russia and Thailand. Despite the distance, we are united by a profound respect for our history, culture, and traditions. The Russian Spiritual Culture Days in Thailand are an expression of trust between our peoples and acknowledgement of our shared values.”

On 11 December, the Siam Society Under Royal Patronage in Bangkok will host the opening of two Russian photo exhibitions: Cultural Heritage of Russia and Kizhi – A Reborn Masterpiece of Russia.

The exhibition Cultural Heritage of Russia is dedicated to the 180th anniversary of the Russian Geographical Society. It displays the works of the winners and finalists of the photo contest Most Beautiful Country, capturing unique historical and architectural monuments from across Russia.

The Kizhi State Museum – Reserve will introduce the Thai audience to the largest traditional wooden building in the world—the Church of the Transfiguration of Our Lord on Kizhi Island. The exhibition Kizhi: A Reborn Masterpiece of Russia was prepared to mark the completion of the church’s restoration, and features works by renowned photographer Igor Georgievskiy, a member of the Union of Journalists of Russia.

The twenty-two-domed church, built by anonymous carpenters in 1714 in the heart of the Kizhi Pogost and is considered the eighth wonder of the world. In 1990, the Kizhi Pogost, along with the Moscow Kremlin and the historic center of St. Petersburg, became one of the first three Russian sites to be included on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

The Russian Spiritual Culture Days will conclude on 14 December with a concert by one of Russia’s oldest professional choirs, the Moscow Synodal Choir. Founded in Moscow in 1721, the choir currently  involves 80 singers of various ages. Each year, the choir participates in over 800 church services, gives solo concerts, and takes part in international festivals.

The Moscow Synodal Choir will perform at St. Nicholas Cathedral in Bangkok. The program will include sacred works by Russian classics of the 19th and 20th centuries: Pyotr Tchaikovsky’s It Is Truly Meet, Georgy Sviridov’s Holy Love, Sergei Rachmaninoff’s Rejoice of Virgin Mary, Vladimir Martynov’s The Beatitudes, and others.

***

Russian Spiritual Culture Days is one of the leading international projects of the Ministry of Culture of the Russian Federation, aimed at promoting the spiritual and moral values ​​of the Russian people and national culture abroad. Since 2008, events of Russian Spiritual Culture Days have spanned more than 50 countries. The project is carried out in collaboration with the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Russian Orthodox Church, and is organized by the Autonomous Nonprofit organization “Russian Seasons.”

Russian Spiritual Culture Days took place on 7 December in Jakarta, Indonesia, at the Russian House, which is celebrating its 60th anniversary this year.

“Russian culture always resonates particularly strongly in Indonesia, the ‘Land of a Thousand Islands,’ with its rich, unique heritage. Amid global challenges, it is crucial to strengthen the dialogue between cultures, and art is a universal language that speaks directly to the heart. Russian Spiritual Culture Days  are a long-term investment in humanitarian cooperation between Russia and Indonesia, creating strong ties between our peoples for decades to come,” noted the Minister of Culture of the Russian Federation Olga Lyubimova.

On the sidelines of the event, the opening of the photo exhibition Cultural Heritage of Russia took place. It showcases unique historical and architectural monuments from various regions of the country. The exhibition dedicated to the 180th anniversary of the Russian Geographical Society displayed the works of the finalists and winners of the photo contest Most Beautiful Country.

In the evening, the audience was invited to a musical concert featuring winners of the 17th International Tchaikovsky Competition. First Prize winner Sergei Davydchenko (piano), Third Prize winner Daniil Kogan (violin), and Fourth Prize winner Igor Morozov (tenor) performed masterpieces by Russian composers Pyotr Tchaikovsky, Sergei Rachmaninoff, and Sergei Prokofiev, as well as old Russian romances such as Shine, Shine My Star and The Bell is Ringing Monotonously.

***

Russian Spiritual Culture Days is one of the leading international projects of the Ministry of Culture of the Russian Federation, aimed at promoting the spiritual and moral values ​​of the Russian people and national culture abroad. Since 2008, events of Russian Spiritual Culture Days have spanned more than 50 countries. The project is carried out in collaboration with the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Russian Orthodox Church, and is organized by the Autonomous Nonprofit organization “Russian Seasons.”

On 7 December, Russian Spiritual Culture Days will be held in Jakarta, Indonesia.

The Rossotrudnichestvo Representative Office in Jakarta (Russian House), which this year celebrates 60 years of its work in Indonesia, will become the venue for the event.

The opening of a photo exhibition Cultural Heritage of Russia prepared by the Russian Geographical Society will be held.

The exhibition Cultural Heritage of Russia showcases unique historical and architectural monuments in various regions of the country. It is dedicated to the 180th anniversary of the Russian Geographical Society and features the best works of the finalists and winners of the photo contest Most Beautiful Country.

The Russian Spiritual Culture Days will continue with a concert featuring musicians who bear the prestigious title of laureates of the International Tchaikovsky Competition – an event that nominates the leaders of world classical music.

• Sergei Davydchenko, First Prize winner of the International Tchaikovsky Competition (piano);
• Daniil Kogan, a member of a renowned musical dynasty, winner of international competitions, and Third Prize and bronze medal at the 17th International Tchaikovsky Competition (violin);
• Igor Morozov, one of Russia’s most prominent opera singers and Fourth Prize winner of the International Tchaikovsky Competition (tenor).

The program of the evening will feature masterpieces by Pyotr Tchaikovsky, Sergei Rachmaninoff, Sergei Prokofiev, as well as old Russian romances, including Shine, Shine My Star, The Bell is Ringing Monotonously, and others.

***

Russian Spiritual Culture Days is one of the leading international projects of the Ministry of Culture of the Russian Federation, aimed at promoting the spiritual and moral values ​​of the Russian people and the richness of national culture abroad. The project is carried out by the Ministry of Culture of the Russian Federation in close cooperation with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation and the Russian Orthodox Church. Organized by the Autonomous Nonprofit organization “Russian Seasons.” Since 2008, events of Russian Spiritual Culture Days have spanned more than 50 countries.

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.”

The International project “Russian Seasons” in the Kingdom of Bahrain, organized by the Government and the Ministry of Culture of the Russian Federation, has successfully concluded in the country’s capital, Manama. The project was launched in January 2025, the year marking the 35th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations with the Kingdom.

A vibrant program of the “Russian Seasons” closing events was prepared for Bahraini audiences on the stage of the Bahrain National Theatre. On 12 and 13 November 2025, the legendary Vaganova Ballet Academy gave a gala show. For the first time in nearly three hundred years of the Academy’s  history, 50 of its best alumni presented their art in the Kingdom of Bahrain.

The events were attended by officials from the Kingdom of Bahrain and representatives of the cultural and diplomatic communities, including the ambassadors of India, Morocco, Algeria, Egypt, Turkey, Indonesia, Serbia, Pakistan, Bangladesh, China, and Thailand. The Russian side was represented by State Secretary and Deputy Minister of Culture of the Russian Federation Zhanna Alekseyeva and Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Russian Federation to the Kingdom of Bahrain Alexey Skosyrev.

As Alexey Skosyrev noted, Russian ballet enchants the entire world, embodying grace, discipline, and artistic perfection.

“We are closing the “Russian Seasons” with a feeling of pride and gratitude. The project has become an important milestone in the development of relations between Russia and Bahrain, bringing our peoples closer together through the language of art – a language that requires no translation,” he said.

The Vaganova Ballet Academy, the first Russian professional dance school, founded in 1738, is today one of the oldest and most prestigious ballet schools in the world. Bahraini audiences were treated to dances from Act II of Pyotr Tchaikovsky’s ballet “The Nutcracker,” choreographed by Vasily Vainonen: a pas de deux of the main characters and a divertissement of character dances—Spanish, Oriental, Chinese, and Russian. This magical story of love and courage, the good and the evil has become the Academy’s hallmark Christmas dance. Each year, the ballet is staged with a new cast of students.

The audience also enjoyed the beautiful Suite from the ballet “The Fairy Doll,” to music by Joseph Bayer, Riccardo Drigo, and Cesare Pugni. “The Fairy Doll” was the debut production of the Legat brothers, with set design by Léon Bakst, and was revived in 2016 by the Academy Rector Nikolai Tsiskaridze.

Rector Nikolai Tsiskaridze personally introduced his students: “Today you have met the future of our ballet, you met those dancers who will perform on all the world’s major stages tomorrow. Our school has over 600 students. We came with a small company because this is a very long and difficult journey, but we tried to prepare an interesting program for you. What the world calls ‘classical ballet’ was staged within the walls of our School, because it was once home to the great Mariinsky Theatre. Therefore, every ‘classical ballet’ you see,  was staged in Russia, right in the building where the Academy is now based.”

On 14 November, the closing concert of the “Russian Seasons” in the Kingdom of Bahrain featured the Ossipov National Academic Orchestra of Folk Instruments of Russia, conducted by People’s Artist of the Russian Federation Vladimir Andropov. Last year the orchestra celebrated its 105th anniversary. The distinctive sound of its folk instruments and the highest professional level earn the orchestra a place of honor among the unique phenomena of Russian art.

A surprise at the concert was the joint performance of the composition “Since the Creation of the World, We Are the People of Bahrain,” with lyrics by Sheikh Isa bin Rashid and music by Ahmed Al-Jumairi, by the Ossipov Orchestra and Bahraini musicians. The Bahraini musicians, in turn, joined the Osipov Orchestra in performing the famous Russian folk song “The Moon Shines,” using such rare instruments as the kanun and oud.

State Secretary and Deputy Minister of Culture of the Russian Federation Zhanna Alekseeva, in her speech to the guests and organizers of the evening, noted that in recent years cooperation between Russia and Bahrain has reached a qualitatively new level.

“Openness to dialogue, love for their homeland, and a respectful attitude toward traditions undoubtedly unite people in Russia and Bahrain. Thanks to this project, we have all become closer to each other, learn about the best examples of our countries’ cultures, and reached a better understanding. This is the true mission of any cultural project. We plan to expand our cooperation and cover such important areas as cultural education, librarianship, and folk art. We also see great potential in expanding our concert and touring activities. We certainly look forward to the Bahraini Cultural Days in Russia, scheduled for 2026,” she said.

On 15 November, at the Cultural Hall, musicians from the Ossipov Orchestra held a master class for children studying music. They talked about the history of Russian folk instruments—the balalaika, domra, gusli, button accordion, and the exotic Bashkir kurai—and gave those interested the opportunity to try playing these instruments, much to the children’s delight.

***

The “Russian Seasons” project in the Kingdom of Bahrain ran throughout the year. During this time, Bahraini audiences were introduced to performances of the Mariinsky Theatre Symphony Orchestra under the baton of People’s Artist of Russia Valery Gergiev, the “Lezginka” State Academic Honored Dance Ensemble of Dagestan, and young residents of the Kingdom tried their hand at creating animated films under the guidance of artists from the “Soyuzmultfilm” studio.

A working meeting was also held on the sidelines of the event between Zhanna Alekseyeva, State Secretary and Deputy Minister of Culture of the Russian Federation, and Farah Matar, Director General of the Kingdom of Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities. The meeting was devoted to summing up the project’s results and outlining joint plans for 2026.

On 16 and 17 November, Muscat, the capital of the Sultanate of Oman, will host events concluding the international project Russian Seasons in the Sultanate of Oman. The project is taking place in the year of celebration of the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

The Minister of Culture of the Russian Federation Olga Lyubimova noted: “The interest shown by residents of the Sultanate in the ‘Russian Seasons’ projects once again   exemplifies the shared approach of Russia and Oman to respecting and preserving the cultural and historical heritage, traditional values, and spiritual wealth of our peoples. Cultural events held in Oman throughout the year—an exhibition of unique diplomatic gifts, ‘Gifts from Khiva and Bukhara to the Russian Imperial House,’ from the State Hermitage Museum collection; a concert by the Valentin Berlinsky String Quartet and the legendary, ‘Lezginka’ Dance Ensemble from Dagestan; educational programs for children from the Soyuzmultfilm Studio; and the final performance by one of Russia’s oldest orchestras, the Ossipov National Academic Orchestra of Folk Instruments—created a vibrant palette of contemporary Russian culture. I am confident that the ‘Russian Seasons’ program left unforgettable and intense impressions on residents and guests of the Sultanate of Oman.”

On 16 November, from 11:00 to 14:00, at the Royal Opera House Muscat in Oman, Mikhail Bryzgalov, General Director of the Russian National Museum of Music, Advisor to the Minister of Culture of the Russian Federation, and primary initiator of numerous cultural and educational projects, will give a lecture entitled Russian and Arabic Musical Instruments from the Collection of the Russian National Museum of Music. The lecture will be combined with a masterclass by musicians from the Ossipov Orchestra of Folk Instruments of Russia.

On 17 November, at 19:00, the Ossipov National Academic Orchestra of Folk Instruments of Russia will perform at the stage of the Sultan Opera (Royal Opera House Muscat) under the baton of the Orchestra’s artistic director, People’s Artist of the Russian Federation Vladimir Andropov.

The program includes 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.

In the second half of the concert, Russian and Omani musicians will jointly perform two national compositions: Beautiful Oman and The Moon Shines by Vasily Andreev. The Omani composition will feature such instruments as oud, qanun, and drums, whereas for the Russian composition oud and qanun will be required.

The concert will feature 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).

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 started to form a musical group at the Red Army Heavy Artillery Club to boost the morale of the soldiers. 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. It has toured worldwide, however this will be its first appearance in the Sultanate of Oman.

On the same evening, at 18:00, the Library of the Royal Opera House Muscat will host a meeting dedicated to the conclusion of the International Project Russian Seasons in the Sultanate of Oman, where its organizers and participants will share their experiences in preparing and holding the project’s events.

From 12 to 15 November, Manama, the capital of the Kingdom of Bahrain, will host events concluding the annual cycle of the Russian Ministry of Culture’s international project “Russian Seasons” in the Kingdom of Bahrain. The project is taking place during the celebration of the 35th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

According to Minister of Culture of the Russian Federation Olga Lyubimova, “thanks to the international project ‘Russian Seasons,’ the Kingdom of Bahrain has become a special place where Russian culture has found a sincere and profound response in the hearts of all who have had the opportunity to experience it. Over the past year, residents of the Kingdom have been able to hear the Mariinsky Theatre Symphony Orchestra under the baton of Maestro Valery Gergiev, see a dance program by the legendary ‘Lezginka’ ensemble, and now will encounter rising stars of our ballet at a gala concert by the Vaganova Ballet Academy; in addition they will see a performance by one of the country’s oldest orchestras – the Ossipov Orchestra. I sincerely hope that the impressions given by the ‘Russian Seasons’ projects will spark a lasting interest in Russian culture in the future.”

On 12 and 13 November 2025, a gala concert by students of the legendary Vaganova Ballet Academy will take place on the stage of the Bahrain National Theatre.

The Academy is one of the oldest and most prestigious ballet schools in the world, the first Russian professional dance school, founded in 1738. For nearly three centuries, the school has made an invaluable contribution to world choreographic teaching, carried on and developed the traditions established by generations of dancers and teachers, and won the recognition of millions of ballet fans. The school is headed by Nikolai Tsiskaridze, a principal dancer of the Bolshoi Theatre, People’s Artist of the Russian Federation, and State Prize laureate. He is a disciple of the great masters of dance Pyotr Pestov, Marina Semenova, and Galina Ulanova. The Academy’s First Vice-Rector and Artistic Director is Zhanna Ayupova, prima ballerina of the Mariinsky Theatre and People’s Artist of the Russian Federation, who was brought up by Vaganova’s beloved student Ninel Kurgapkina.

For the first time in the Academy’s history, its students will tour the Kingdom of Bahrain. The Academy’s Rector, Nikolai Tsiskaridze, will personally introduce the students’ performance.

The program includes:

Dances from Act II of P. Tchaikovsky’s ballet The Nutcracker, choreographed by V. Vainonen. Academy students will perform pas de deux of the main characters and a divertissement of character dances: Spanish, Oriental, Chinese, and Russian. This magical story of love and courage, good and evil has become a kind of a Christmas hallmark for the Academy: each year, the ballet is staged with a new cast of students. Bahraini audiences will be treated to Tchaikovsky’s enchanting music, a fairytale multimedia set, an atmosphere of Christmas miracles, and the mastery of rising stars of Russian ballet.

Next, the audience will be invited to see an incredibly colorful Suite from the ballet The  Fairy Doll to music by Joseph Bayer, Riccardo Drigo, and Cesare Pugni. The  Fairy Doll is a revived version of the ballet choreographed by the brothers Nikolai and Sergei Legat, originally staged in 1903. The revival of the ballet was made by Nikolai Tsiskaridze, Rector of the Academy (2016). The costumes are made according to sketches by Leon Bakst.

The action takes place in a toy shop in St. Petersburg. One evening, as soon as the shop closes and a boy assistant is accidentally left inside, magic begins. The most beautiful Fairy Doll Fairy brings the toys to life: Harlequin, Clown, Porcelain and Lace Dolls, Chinese Doll, Japanese Doll, French Doll, and others. A dolls’ ball begins, with one dance following another, as if competing in beauty and virtuosity. The culmination of the ball is the trio of the beautiful Fairy Doll and the two Pierrots, who are both in love with her – the sad one and the merry one.

On 14 November, the Closing Ceremony of the International project “Russian Seasons”  in the Kingdom of Bahrain will take place. A spectacular finale to the year of cultural events in the country will be a performance by the Ossipov National Academic Orchestra of Folk Instruments of Russia, conducted by People’s Artist of the Russian Federation Vladimir Andropov.

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 started to form a musical group at the Red Army Heavy Artillery Club to boost the morale of the soldiers.

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. It has toured worldwide, however this will be its first appearance in the Sultanate of Oman. The program, prepared especially for the residents of the Kingdom, will feature variations and fantasies on themes of Russian folk songs, works by Pyotr Tchaikovsky and Alexander Alyabyev, and the famous Kamarinskaya.

A surprise for the audience will be a joint performance of the composition “Since the Creation of the World, We Are the People of Bahrain,” with lyrics by Sheikh Isa bin Rashid and music by Ahmed Al-Jumairi, by the Ossipov Orchestra and Bahraini musicians.

On 15 November, at the Cultural Hall, musicians from the Ossipov Orchestra will conduct a master class and share the secrets of their artistry with children studying music.

Russian Spiritual Culture Days, held from October 6 to 8, concluded in the Republic of Srpska (Bosnia and Herzegovina).

The series of events opened with a concert by the Sretensky Monastery Choir at the Christ the Savior Cathedral of the Banja Luka Diocese of the Serbian Orthodox Church. Iconic Russian liturgical chants were performed at the cathedral, including Pavel Chesnokov’s God Is With Us, Sergei Rachmaninoff’s Having Seen the Resurrection of Christ (from the All-Night Vigil), and Alexander Grechaninov’s The Symbol of Faith.

Igor Kalabukhov, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Russian Federation in Bosnia and Herzegovina, who attended the opening concert, noted that the residents of the Republic of Srpska love and value Russian culture, and that such events are of particular importance for strengthening Russian-Serbian relations.

Marko Romić, Advisor to the President of the Republic of Srpska: “Your art is an evidence of the excellence of Russian culture. Without it European musical civilization is unimaginable. Without it, neither La Scala, nor the Covent Garden, nor any other famous opera venue could exist. We invite Russian artists to actively participate in cultural events in our country in the future. The government and the office of the President of the Republic of Srpska will  do whatever is needed to organize such tours.”

Dragan Maksimovic, rector of the Christ the Savior Cathedral: “I believe that Glory to God should be sung with the glorious voices for which this cathedral was built. Therefore, I thank our dear guests for giving us this evening. It is important to us that they came from Sretensky Monastery, which holds a special place in our hearts.”

The opening of the photo exhibition Kizhi – A Reborn Masterpiece of Russia, organized by the Kizhi State Historical, Architectural, and Ethnographic Museum-Reserve, took place in the Museum of the Republic of Srpska. The exhibition celebrates the completion of the restoration of the Church of the Transfiguration of Our Lord on Kizhi Island – the largest, most complex, and most harmonious traditional wooden building in the world, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The photographs were taken by photographer Igor Georgievskiy.

Russian Spiritual Culture Days in Bosnia and Herzegovina culminated in a joint concert featuring soloists of the Valentin Berlinsky Quartet, winners of international competitions Denis Gasanov (violin) and Mikhail Kalashnikov (cello), and winner of the A.N. Scriabin and E.Grieg International Piano Competitions, winner of the First International Rachmaninoff Competition for Pianists, Composers, and Conductors Arseny Tarasevich-Nikolaev (piano). The concert was held as part of the VIII International Music Festival “Autumn Sonata” in Banski Dvor, Banja Luka.

The events of Russian Spiritual Culture Days in the Republic of Srpska attracted a wide range of Serbian audiences: political figures, representatives of the government of the Republic Srpska, the creative intelligentsia, and the university community were honored guests of the concerts and exhibition.

***

Russian Spiritual Culture Days is a unique multi-genre project of the Ministry of Culture of the Russian Federation, aimed at promoting the spiritual and moral values ​​of the Russian people and the treasures of Russian culture and art in foreign countries. 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 organizer is the Autonomous Non-profit Organization “Russian Seasons.” Since 2008, events of Russian Spiritual Culture Days have been held in nearly 50 countries.

Russian Spiritual Culture Days finished in Serbia. The events took place from 4 to 8 October.

The State Academic Russian Folk Ensemble Rossiya named after Lyudmila Zykina performed in five cities across the country: Vranje, Pirot, Niš, Aleksinac, and Sremski Karlovci.

The Serbian audience was offered a program of Russian folk music and classical works by Soviet and foreign composers: The River Runs by E. Kolmanovsky, Oh, Snow, Snow by G. Ponomorenko, Tell Me, Girls by R. Falvo, Concert Rondo by N. Chaikin, By the Long Road by B. Fomin, the Russian folk song I See Wonderful Wide Open Spaces, etc. The famous Kalinka was performed at the finale.

The Rossiya Ensemble has toured Serbia on numerous occasions. According to Artistic Director Dmitry Dmitrienko, “specially for the tour, one of the founders of the “Rossiya” Ensemble, Viktor Gridin, brilliantly arranged the famous waltz “Danube Waves” for the accordion, and created a musical composition, “Cinderella and Vanya”, based on the musical piece by Alexey Arkhipovsky. This piece, performed by the soloists of “Rossiya” Ensemble Vladimir Dunayev and Luiza Nuriyeva, was one of the highlights of the concert.”

In Aleksinac, musicians from the Rossiya Ensemble also took part in the unveiling ceremony of the restored monument to Russian volunteers who perished in 1876 during the Serbian-Turkish War for the liberation of Serbia from Ottoman occupation. Their performance of the Russian national anthem and Vocalise by Sergei Rachmaninoff created an exclusive atmosphere for this momentous occasion.

Master classes by musicians from the Valentin Berlinsky String Quartet were held at the University of Arts in Belgrade. Members of this young ensemble, renowned in Russia and abroad, are winners of international music awards and graduates of the Moscow State Tchaikovsky Conservatory: Dennis Gasanov (first violin), Pavel Romanenko (viola), Mikhail Kalashnikov (cello), and a graduate of the Ippolitov-Ivanov State Music and Pedagogical Institute Fyodor Kalashnikov (second violin). They shared their unique experience of performing music of the Classical and Romantic periods, as well as works by contemporary composers.

Sremski Karlovci became the main venue for the final day of the project. The Divine Liturgy was celebrated at St. Nicholas Cathedral by Metropolitan Aristarchus of Kemerovo and Prokopyevsk and Metropolitan Vasily of Srem, along with clergy from the Russian and Serbian Orthodox Churches. The choirs of the Sretensky Stavropegic Monastery and the Karlovci Theological Seminary took part in the service performing liturgic chants.

Soloists of the Sretensky Monastery Choir held a master class for the students of the Seminary.

The Vidikovac Cultural Center hosted a photo exhibition by the Kizhi State Historical, Architectural, and Ethnographic Museum-Reserve, titled Kizhi: A Reborn Masterpiece of Russia. The exhibition celebrates the completion of the restoration of the Church of the Transfiguration of Our Lord on Kizhi Island—the largest, most complex, and most harmonious traditional wooden building in the world, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The photographs were taken by photographer Igor Georgievsky.

The Days of Spiritual Culture in Serbia culminated in a concert at the Vidikovac Cultural Center, featuring the Rossiya Ensemble and the Sretensky Monastery Choir. Iconic church chants were performed, including God Is With Us by P. Chesnokov, Having Seen the Resurrection of Christ (from the All-Night Vigil) by S. Rachmaninoff, The Symbol of Faith by A. Grechaninov, as well as music by secular composers, including The Grape Seed by Bulat Okudzhava, Call Me Quietly by Name by Igor Matvienko, etc.

Among the guests of the concert were the Mayor of the Sremski Karlovci Municipality, Dražen Đurđić; the director of the Russian Center for Science and Culture in Belgrade Evgeny Baranov; representatives of the Russian Embassy in Serbia; as well as residents and visitors from Serbian cities.

***

Russian Spiritual Culture Days is a unique multi-genre project of the Ministry of Culture of the Russian Federation, aimed at promoting the spiritual and moral values ​​of the Russian people and the treasures of Russian culture and art in foreign countries. 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 organizer is the Autonomous Non-profit Organization “Russian Seasons.” Since 2008, events of Russian Spiritual Culture Days have been held in nearly 50 countries.