First programme block of international project “Russian Seasons” concludes to applause in Thailand

The first block of the international project “Russian Seasons” concluded in Thailand. In the capital Bangkok and on the island of Phuket, five performances by Russian artists drew an audience of around 4,000 spectators. The TV BRICS International Media Network served as the project’s international information partner.

The opening ceremony in Bangkok was attended by Olga Lyubimova and Thanchanok Phagudom, representative of Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana. The Minister and the honoured guest viewed an exhibition by the Moscow School of Mosaic entitled “Diaghilev. Russian Seasons. Dress Rehearsal”. They were given a guided tour of the collection of mosaic panels, dedicated to the 154th birthday of Russian theatre figure Sergey Diaghilev and the premieres of the one-act ballets "Petrushka" and "The Firebird". Also participating in the opening ceremony was Yuthika Isarangkura, Director General of the Department for Cultural Development of the Ministry of Culture of Thailand.

The central event of the opening of “Russian Seasons” in Thailand was the concert “From Classical to Jazz” by Denis Matsuev, People's Artist of Russia and virtuoso pianist, with leading Russian musicians accompanied by the Royal Bangkok Symphony Orchestra. The premiere programme, which included improvisations on works by Edvard Grieg, Aram Khachaturian, Aleksander Borodin, Paul Desmond, and other composers, was conducted by Yuri Tkachenko, Honoured Artist of Russia. The national anthems of both countries, as well as the royal anthem of Thailand, were also performed. The audience greeted the Russian musicians with a long ovation, which continued after the traditional presentation of flowers to the performers on behalf of the Princess of Thailand.

A joint concert of Russian soloists Andrey Ivanov (double bass), Borislav Strulev (cello), Sofia Viland (flute), Sofia Tyurina (saxophone), David Tkebuchava (percussion), Ekaterina Mochalova (domra), and the Royal Bangkok Symphony Orchestra drew over 1,000 spectators in Lumpini Park, the capital’s central park. Classical works in jazz arrangements were performed outdoors. At the conductor’s podium, as at the opening concert, stood maestro Yuri Tkachenko. Among the guests was Chadchart Sittipunt, Governor of Bangkok.

On the island of Phuket, “Russian Seasons” presented several programmes. The first performances were by artists of the State Youth Song and Dance Ensemble "Altai", named after A. F. Berezikov, with the concert programme “Tribute to Rachmaninoff”. The finale of the dance programme on the island was the performance of the Dance Theatre of the State Philharmonic of the Karachay-Cherkess Republic (its artists also performed in Bangkok).

It is noted that each Russian performance took place to full houses and consistently delighted audiences. Artists of the Altai Ensemble and the Dance Theatre of Karachay-Cherkessia also conducted masterclasses for Thai dancers and choreographers.

In addition, the island of Phuket became a centre for fans of contemporary Russian cinema for several days. As part of “Russian Seasons”, a large-scale festival was held, organised by Roskino with the support of the Ministry of Culture of the Russian Federation and the Ministry of Culture of Thailand. Residents and visitors of the island had a unique opportunity to watch new Russian releases on the big screen.

In 2026, “Russian Seasons” events will take place in Thailand from February to November. The programme will feature tours of leading Russian ensembles and performers, including the State Academic Russian Folk Ensemble “Russia” named after Lyudmila Zykina, the Saint Petersburg State Puppet Theatre, the State Academic Folk Dance Ensemble named after Igor Moiseyev, and the Boris Eifman Saint Petersburg State Ballet Theatre. Thai audiences will also enjoy masterclasses by renowned artists, a series of educational and exhibition events by the Russian Academy of Arts and the Cinema Museum, and the Russian Museum’s “Russian Seasons” project.