“Russian Seasons” project in Oman concludes with performance by Ossipov Orchestra

The international cultural project “Russian Seasons”, organised by the Government of Russia and the country’s Ministry of Culture, has concluded in the Sultanate of Oman. The final events took place in the country’s capital, Muscat, on the stage of the Royal Opera House Muscat. The TV BRICS International Media Network acted as the international information partner of the event.

The project was launched in January 2025. The Ossipov National Academic Folk Instruments Orchestra of Russia, conducted by People’s Artist of Russia Vladimir Andropov, concluded the project programme with a concert on 17 November. The audience heard works by P. I. Tchaikovsky, A. A. Tsygankov, S. Z. Saydashev and other compositions specially selected for the Omani public. The orchestra performed in the country for the first time and attracted great interest.

“Cultural cooperation between Russia and Oman has enormous potential and is developing rapidly. [...] This year we are marking the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between our countries. As part of the celebration of this significant date, by decision of the President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin, we are holding the largest Russian cultural project – ‘Russian Seasons’ – in the Sultanate. [...] I am confident that the impetus given by ‘Russian Seasons’ to our cultural cooperation will lead to the emergence of new joint projects,” noted the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Russian Federation to the Sultanate of Oman, Oleg Levin.

A distinctive feature of the concert was the joint performance by Russian and Omani musicians of the national compositions “Beautiful Oman” and the Russian folk song “The Moon Is Shining”. Both Russian folk instruments and traditional Omani instruments – the oud, qanun and drums – were used for this purpose.

On the eve of the concert, Director of the Russian National Museum of Music Mikhail Bryzgalov delivered a lecture on Russian and Arab musical instruments from the museum’s collection, accompanied by a master class given by soloists of the Ossipov orchestra.

“At the meeting in the hall there were young people: students and young aspiring musicians. For me, it is a great happiness that the musical illustration to my lecture was provided by the ensemble of soloists of the Ossipov orchestra. We talked about music and demonstrated Russian national musical instruments and the principles of playing each of them. […] It seems to me that this is one of the high missions of the ‘Russian Seasons’ project – to carry and pass on traditions. I am very happy that I can do this together with my dear colleagues,” he added.

During the final meeting, the organisers and participants of the project shared their experience of its preparation. Director General of the Autonomous Non-Profit Organisation “Russian Seasons” Svetlana Kondratyeva noted that cooperation between Russia and Oman in the cultural sphere would continue – musical evenings featuring young Russian performers are planned at the National Museum of Oman.

“Russian Seasons” is an annual international cultural project of the government and the Ministry of Culture of Russia that presents Russian art abroad. In 2025, the project in Oman was timed to coincide with the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries. The “Russian Seasons” brand dates back to the early 20th century, when Sergey Diaghilev introduced Europe and America to Russian opera, ballet and visual art. The symbol of the modern project is the Firebird – an image of light, warmth and rebirth.

Photo: Olga Zatonskikh / press service of the Autonomous Non-Profit Organisation “Russian Seasons”