Let's celebrate Russian festivals!
12 June is Russia Day. On this day, the end of the Soviet Union and the beginning of the Russian Federation are celebrated. Traditionally, people attend concerts and fireworks on this day. We are taking this opportunity to highlight Russian festivals on FestivalFinder instead.
A.Sakharov International Art Festival
First up we have the Andrey Sakharov International Art Festival. This festival presents a principally new concept which is harmonious to the democratic changes in Russia within the last years. The authors and artistic directors of the Festival are Olga N. Tomina and Valentin A. Berlinsky. The concept is based on the ideas and moral position of one of the most distinguished humanists, A. D. Sakharov, who had warned that dissociation of mankind could lead to a global catastrophe and that the world needs unity, mutual understanding and free information exchange. That is why the motto of the International Sakharov Art Festival is the indissoluble integrity of domestic and the world culture.
The Andrey Sakharov International Art Festival "Russian Art and the World" has been held by the Nizhny Novgorod Philharmonic Society since 1992. The festival is a member of the European Festivals Association (EFA) since 1999.
The 2020 edition was supposed to run from 20 May until 10 June but because of COVID-19 the next edition will be in 2021.
(Photo via Facebook)
Viva Maestro is an international art contest and a cultural project created by the Russian Academy of arts and educational innovations. This festival has recently been reformatted and an online international art contest was created.
Now it is very easy for everyone to take part. The contest is a good opportunity to improve skills, gain experience, knowledge and contacts.
Registrations are possible from 10-25 May. The jury then selects the laureates. From 1 June, a gala, a conference and masterclass concluding the process are organised respectively each day until 3 June 2020.
(Photo via Facebook)
Dance Open International Ballet Festival
This festival started in 2001 as a series of master classes for ballet students. Today Dance Open Festival is acknowledged as one of the top ballet festivals in Russia and as one of the most important cultural landmarks of St. Petersburg. Every year the festival brings together the world’s premier ballet companies and the most talented dancers in the capital of Russian ballet.
Every year the festival aims to create inspiring atmosphere for all balletomanes coming to St. Petersburg. The varied programme and repertoire permits everyone to find something special, be it a ballet premiere, a thematic exhibition or a public talk with an iconic dancer or choreographer.
Because the original festival could not take place this year, an online marathon was organised instead from 14 till 30 April 2020.
(Photo via FestivalFinder)
Sochi Winter International Arts Festival
This annual festival has become an important event, which turns the city of Sochi into the main cultural center of the country each winter. The festival attracts world-known stars, lots of tourists and international mass media, helping the development of Russian culture.
The Sochi Winter International Arts Festival - which is also a member of EFA - is a shining example of a cultural success story. Not only was it the first Russian member of the international theatrical league "Silk Road", it is also included in the top 20 of the best festivals in the world.
The festival took place from 14 till 24 February 2020.
(Photo via Facebook)
XV International Festival ''VESNUSHKA'' of student and academic choirs
Every year, the ''VESNUSHKA'' choral festival is happy to see old and new friends, those who enthusiastically devote part of their life to choir singing.
The festival features the following events: choir performances, workshops, round table discussions, business and leisure meetings. The participants are offered tours around Yaroslavl and its region.
Participation in the festival competition is open to all types of student and academic choirs (male, female and mixed).
The festival was supposed to take place from 23 till 26 April 2020.
(Photo via website)
If you happen to find yourself in Russia in the future, try to visit these wonderful festivals. You can also show them some love from home by visiting their websites and checking out some of the online alternatives they might have organised.
