"Russian Seasons" strengthens cultural ties between Russia and Thailand

The international "Russian Season" project gave residents and visitors to Bangkok the opportunity to meet soloists from the State Academic Folk Ensemble "Russia" named after L.G. Zykina. The ensemble’s performances and masterclasses took place in the Thai capital for the first time, offering an opportunity to learn more about Russian culture.

During the ensemble’s masterclass, its artistic director, Honoured Artist of Russia Dmitry Dmitrienko, spoke about the history of folk instruments, whilst the ensemble’s musicians introduced the audience to the sounds of the balalaika, the domra, the Russian accordion, the Bashkir kurai and even a real saw. After the masterclass, the audience played spoons and the balalaika, sang along to the ensemble’s accompaniment, and chatted with the musicians.

"I would describe our masterclass more as a creative and personal gathering, a mutual exchange, and a conversation about world musical culture and Russia’s national art. I was pleased that many guests came to this gathering well-prepared. One person, for example, brought a balalaika with them and then happily played the double bass with us. So it wasn’t quite a masterclass; it was a dialogue, a shared joy," noted Dmitry Dmitrienko.

A gala reception was also held at the Russian Embassy in Bangkok to mark Russia Day. The event was attended by Thailand’s most senior officials, including Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, representatives of the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the diplomatic corps, and figures from civil society, business and academia. The guests of honour for the evening were the ambassadors of China, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Morocco, Kazakhstan, the Philippines, Cuba, and other countries – more than a thousand people in total. Soloists from the "Russia" ensemble performed at the gala reception alongside pupils from the Russian Dance Academy "Katyusha". The programme featured works by P. I. Tchaikovsky, S. V. Rachmaninoff and S. S. Prokofev, as well as folk songs.

Anutin Charnvirakul thanked the Russian Embassy for organising the performance by the musicians, who gave a splendid rendition of the Royal Anthem of Thailand.

"Russia has been a trusted friend of Thailand for over a century. […] Next year, we will mark the 130th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between our countries. We will commemorate this important milestone with high-level exchanges, thereby reaffirming our shared commitment to an even stronger partnership for the benefit of our peoples"

Anutin Charnvirakul Prime Minister of Thailand

An important part of the cultural programme for this international project was the concert "From Russia with Love", performed by the "Russia" ensemble in Bangkok. The guests were welcomed by Evgeny Tomikhin, Russia’s Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Thailand, who emphasised the importance of cultural dialogue between the two countries and thanked the organisers and participants of the "Russian Seasons".

"Cultural ties are, of course, a very important component of any bilateral relationship. They are always a positive force, a source of mutual enrichment, and an opportunity to learn a little more about a country’s culture, traditions and people and, thereby, to dispel certain entrenched stereotypes. Because today’s culture is diverse, all the more so when we are talking about Russia – a vast country with nearly two hundred ethnic groups. It is a rich and varied landscape that should be showcased abroad, including in Thailand. Next year, we will be marking 130 years of diplomatic relations between our countries. And, of course, culture is an essential part of this. The 'Russian Seasons' project facilitates this valuable cooperation and interaction," emphasised Evgeny Tomikhin.

The international "Russian Seasons" project will continue in Thailand until the end of the year. In October, the Bolshoi Puppet Theatre and the State Academic Ballet Theatre will arrive in the Kingdom from St. Petersburg, followed in November by the Igor Moiseyev State Academic Folk Dance Ensemble. Thailand will also host a series of educational and exhibition events organised by the Russian Academy of Arts and the Cinema Museum to mark the Museum of Cinema’s centenary.

"Russian Seasons" is the largest international project organised by the Government of the Russian Federation and the Ministry of Culture of the Russian Federation, with events taking place in one or more foreign countries throughout the calendar year. In 2025, "Russian Seasons" took place simultaneously in the Kingdom of Bahrain and the Sultanate of Oman.