Large-scale works by Alexander Tchaikovsky will conclude the VII Winter International Art Festival in Moscow

02.02.2026

On February 13, the Tchaikovsky Concert Hall will host the final concert of the VII Winter International Art Festival, dedicated to the upcoming eightieth anniversary of the People’s Artist of Russia, composer Alexander Tchaikovsky.

This evening, two of his monumental works on subjects from Russian history will be presented. The dramatic symphony “The Word about Igor’s Regiment” is dedicated to the pages of the Ancient Russian chronicle known from school years. The composer masterfully brought together history and modernity. The clash of epochs is expressed in the instrumental composition: the New Russia Symphony Orchestra conducted by Freddy Cadena (Ecuador) and the Lyudmila Zykina State Academic Russian Folk Ensemble Rossiya will join on stage. Actor Sergey Garmash will play the role of the reader, and Yuri Bashmet will perform the viola solo.

An even more impressive action will unfold in the second part of the author’s evening, where the choral opera “The Tale of Boris and Gleb, their brothers Yaroslav the Wise and Svyatopolk the Accursed, about dashing robbers and the Good Russian People” with actor Andrey Merzlikin in the role of Yaroslav the Wise will be played. Directed by Pavel Safonov.

“In the 12th century, passions were off the charts just as they are now. Yaroslav the Wise is tough, smart, but somewhere he does not feel his subordinates. As an intelligent ruler, he deftly manipulates the mood of the crowd. His image is a mix of Richard III and King Lear.” The performance features a dance and plastic ensemble, a huge combined choir, a folk choir, two countertenor soloists, and an orchestra with domra and cymbals added to the symphonic instruments. Yuri Bashmet will act as the musical director of this grandiose musical army and as a viola soloist. The voice of the instrument is like a separate character – his monologues sometimes complement the speech of Yaroslav the Wise, then correspond with the remarks of Boris and Gleb. The images of these saints are the embodiment of conscience and justice. “Behold that I have loved Your commandments,” the opera begins with this phrase, and ends with a prayer for peace. Boris and Gleb turn out to be the conduits of the Divine Word, the supreme force that subjugates nations,” emphasizes Alexander Tchaikovsky.