Press releases
Belarus Events Calendar: December 2016
Palace of the Rumyantsevs and the Paskeviches in Gomel
Vintage bicycles exhibition in Minsk
The international project “Whole life in one bicycle”, which was presented for the first time at EXPO 2015 in Milan, invites you to learn more about the history of a bicycle – a unique means of transport and one of the greatest inventions, which has made the life of European urban dwellers and villagers much easier. The visitors to the exhibition will learn many interesting facts about the life and daily routine of representatives of various professions: a priest, a doctor, a fireman, a baker, a milkman, a tailor and a barber, and the role which the bicycle played in their lives. The exclusive collection, with the youngest bike of about 60 years old, belongs to Maurizio Urbinati from Italy. He has been collecting vintage bicycles with an interesting story for the past four last decades.
When: 18 February – February 2017
Where: National History Museum, Minsk
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Heritage of Belarus: Restored Architectural Values art project
For several years, Minsk residents and guests have had a chance to learn more about Belarus’ outstanding landmarks, the uniqueness of which is recognized throughout the world. This year, the open-air gallery has brought together over 100 reproductions depicting the architectural heritage, among which are towns halls, manors, palaces and parks, Orthodox and Catholic churches which have been restored over the past decade in different regions of the country. The authors of the art project are well-known photographers, journalists, winners of the Spiritual Revival Award (2005) Alexander Alekseev and Oleg Lukashevich, who released the album "Heritage of Belarus" in 2004. The album sold over 42 million copies from 2004 to 2014 and became a real sales hit in the history of the national book publishing.
When: from 21 May
Where: Chelyuskintsev Park, Minsk
Arena of Triumph show at Belarusian State Circus
The Arena of Triumph show which will open a new circus season which will have original directing solutions and many surprises. For example, the program will include a performance of the world’s only trained rhinoceros, the fantastic program Shambhala. Training of White Tigers hosted by Honored Artists of Russia Yelena Fedotova and Sergei Nesterov. The show will also feature acrobatic performances directed by Alexander Skokov, trained horses of Olga Dyagileva, a boxing kangaroo of Alexei Poruchayev, the show of performing dogs Spring Jazz of Alisa Nesterova, a young artist of the Old Moscow Circus on Tsvetnoy Boulevard. The show will be crowned by the performance of multiple winner of international circus festivals and the 2011 Golden Clown award Armen Asiryants.
When: 23 September – 11 December
Where: Belarusian State Circus, Minsk
Great Classics of the 20th Century in Minsk
The new exhibition is a continuation of the project “Great Classics of the 20th Century”. In October 2015 Dom Kartin art gallery arranged a large-scale exhibition of 229 graphic works by the world-renowned artists who changed the course of the 20th-century art: Salvador Dali, Marc Chagall and Henri Matisse. This time the exposition is dedicated to modernism that left a mark on all arts: literature, music, architecture, fashion, design, television. Connoisseurs of modernism will be able to see a unique collection of lithographs and etchings by Pablo Picasso, Joan Miro and Wassily Kandinsky, and to attend lectures and lessons in the art studio of the gallery.
When: 11 November – 11 December
Where: Dom Kartin art gallery, Minsk
Buddhist Art Expo from Hermitage Museum
The Buddhist Art exposition is a joint project of the National Art Museum of Belarus and the State Hermitage Museum that will invite residents and guests of the Belarusian capital to get familiar with the heritage of the Asian countries and regions: China, Mongolia, Nepal, Bhutan, Tibet and Buryatia. The collection of one of the world’s biggest museum features 170 masterpieces of painting (thangkas) and sculptures, the oldest of which are dating back to the 12th-13th centuries. Among them are mandalas, images used in astrological rituals, cult objects, ghau reliquaries and tsa tsa… One of the main exhibits is the Avalokitesvara statuette, a unique figurine of a deity of mercy and compassion, which, according to the legend, laid foundation for the development of a unique culture of the ancient Tibet in the early 7th century.
When: 22 November – 22 January
Where: Palace of the Rumyantsevs and the Paskeviches, Gomel
Teatralny Koufar International Student Theater Festival
Since its founding, the only in Belarus international festival of student and youth theaters, which has grown into one of the most prestigious festivals in Eastern Europe, has brought together some 250 theater companies from 60 countries. This year’s edition of the festival will be held under the slogan Traditions. Search. Experiment. It will feature the best productions and first-night performances by youth theater companies from Belarus, Russia, Lithuania, Latvia, Poland, Italy, Croatia, Spain, Israel, Iran, Morocco and China. The winner of the Grand-Prix of the festival, the Big Koufar, will be traditionally decided by the audience. The program of the festival also includes meetings with famous personalities, discussions, acting and directing workshops, and presentations of experimental productions staged by KoufarDramaLab.
When: 23 November – 1 December
Where: Belarusian State University, Minsk
Belarusian Biennale of Fine Arts, Drawings and Sculptures BI-5
Belarusian Biennale 2016 is a large exposition of the best works of painters and sculptors, graphic artists - members of the Belarusian Union of Artists over the past two years. The exposition which is dedicated to the Year of Culture presents a panorama of contemporary art: about 400 works by more than 250 artists from different regions. They will illustrate the diversity of artistic tendencies, genres and techniques in modern painting, graphics and sculpture. Visitors will learn about the achievements of the art industry, get acquainted with the works of famous artists, take part in musical events, attend lectures and workshops and take part in the annual vote for the best works in various categories.
When: 24 November – 11 December
Where: Palace of Arts, Minsk
Yury Stoyanov’s concert in Minsk
Theatre and cinema actor, multiple TEFI award winner, People's Artist of Russia Yury Stoyanov won the hearts of millions of people back in 1993 with his comic program Gorodok. Scintillating dialogues and memorable images created in tandem with the unsurpassed Ilya Oleinikov have entertained the viewers for many years. The actor was honored with the Golden Eagle awards for his characters in cthe movies “Landysh Serebristyy” and “12”. Today Yury Stoyanov is a host of the TV show “Large Family” and is part of the jury of the popular TV talent show Odin v Odin” (Your Face Sounds Familiar). The concert, which the artist describes as a lyrical stand-up, will feature the best miniatures, interesting facts, stories and recollections from the artist’s personal and creative life.
When: 1 December
Where: Minsk concert hall, Minsk
Sollertinsky International Music Festival in Vitebsk
This year Belarus’ only chamber music festival, named in honor of the outstanding musical and theatrical critic of the 1920-30s Ivan Sollertinsky is dedicated to the 110th anniversary of Dmitry Shostakovich. It is even more symbolical as recently it has become widely known about the Belarusian roots of the family of the composer. The official opening of the festival will be preceded by the photoproject “Peripheral Vision” dedicated to the great composer or the 20th century and a concert by the string ensemble of the Belarusian State Academy of Music. The playbill features concerts by well-known musicians, virtuosos and vocalists. Among them are the outstanding pianist-improviser Alexander Markovich, Latvian trio Riga MEM, winner of international contests Russian pianist Nikita Mndoyants, and the Belarusian ensemble Klassik-Avangard under the baton of Vladimir Baidov.
When: 2 – 13 December
Where: Minsk, Vitebsk, Vitebsk State Musical College, Vitebsk Regional Philharmonic
Song of the Year 2016 in Minsk
The Song of the Year show aired annually since 1971 is a recognized project of the Soviet and, later, Russian and Belarusian show business. The main criterion for selecting songs is their popularity throughout the year. The format of the festival has changed a little, but its concept remained the same. Partaking in the final concert are the most popular singers and music bands chosen through the voting on the leading radio stations. For the first time in 45 years the Song of the Year concert will be staged at Belarus’ Minsk Arena, and will feature Russia’s best singers, including Sofia Rotaru, Filipp Kirkorov, Larisa Dolina, Sergei Lazarev, Ani Lorak, Alexei Vorobyov, Lolita, Irina Dubtsova, Nyusha, Byanka, MBAND, IOWA…
When: 5 December
Where: Minsk Arena
TheatreHD: World’s Best Premieres
The International project TheatreHD, which unites more than 35 cities of Russia, Ukraine, Kazakhstan and Belarus, will once again feature real-time screenings of drama, opera and ballet productions of the world’s biggest theaters. The winter season will kick off with the King Lear, after one of Shakespeare’s most epic tragedies, starring famous British actor Antony Sher. This month opera connoisseurs will see Kaija Saariaho’s Love From Afar (Finland) based on the libretto of modern French writer, Prix Goncourt winner Amin Maalouf. Ballet lovers will be treated to legendary Nutcracker in the production of Russian choreographer Yuri Grigorovich, who premiered his work at the Bolshoi Theater in 1968.
When: 6, 10 and 18 December
Where: Tsentralny Cinema House, Minsk
Thomas Anders in Minsk
Singer, actor and composer Bernd Weidung, known as Thomas Anders, will bring his new concert show to Minsk. The pop music legend of the 1980-90s, co-founder and lead singer of Germany’s music band Modern Talking has remained at the peak of the popularity after the band split up. The singer has been working solo for more than 20 years already. He produced his first studio album Different in 1989. Then there were Whispers, Down On Sunset, Barcos de cristal, Souled, This Time, Songs Forever, Strong, Christmas for You, and, finally, History in 2016. In Minsk Thomas Anders will sing the golden hits of Modern Talking, and also compositions from his latest album, including Take the Chance и Lunatic.
When: 6 December
Where: Sports Palace, Minsk
7th Minsk International Christmas Opera Forum
The Christmas Opera Forum will bring together a constellation of stars from the best opera houses of the world on the stage of the Bolshoi Theater of Belarus for the seventh time. This year, the Belarusian capital will host renowned singers, musicians, directors of theaters and agencies from 32 countries. Enthusiasts of classical music will be treated to impressive first-night performances, music evenings and best productions with the lead roles performed by the best opera singers of Belarus, Russia, Ukraine, Georgia and Italy. The spotlight of the opera forum will be on the 3rd Minsk International Christmas Singing Competition that will gather over 200 young opera singers from 20 countries. The winners of the contest will be decided by an expert jury and announced during the Gala Concert of World Opera Stars. The gala will feature the winners of the previous two editions of the competition.
14 December – Carmen, starring Francesco Pio Galasso (Italy) as Jose. Conductor – Daniel Montane, Spain
15 December – first night of Macbeth with Goderdzi Janelidze (Georgia) as Banquo
17 December – The Queen of Spades, Odessa National Academic Opera and Ballet Theater
18 December – The Marriage of Figaro, starring Sergei Moskalkov (Russia) as Count Almaviva, German Yukavsky (Russia) as Figaro
19 December – Turandot, starring Honored Artist of Russia Akhmed Agadi (Russia) as Calaf
20 December – Gala Concert of World Opera Stars
When: 7 – 13 December; 14 – 20 December
Where: Bolshoi Theater of Belarus, Minsk
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Mysteries and Secrets of the Radziwills Quest
The famous princely residence in Nesvizh invites tourists to take part in a series of interactive quests "Mysteries and Secrets of the Radziwill Palace." Tourists will be offered to take an exciting journey through the magnificent halls, and get acquainted with the history of one of the most influential dynasties of Europe of the 15th – 18th centuries. The participants of the quest will be accompanied by Prince Anatoly Wilhelm who was the first to restore the Nesvizh Palace in the 19th century after decades of desolation. To pass through the levels of the fascinating quest, the participants will have to find answers to tricky questions, solve historic puzzles, and visit the places usually closed for tourists: princely chambers, underground labyrinths, towers and defensive fortifications.
When: 10 December
Where: National historical and cultural museum-reserve at Nesvizh, Minsk Oblast
Strauss Festival Orchestra of Vienna in Minsk
The Strauss Festival Orchestra of Vienna, one of the best orchestras in Europe, has been preserving the traditions of world’s music culture for more than 30 years. The orchestra is famous for its professional and unique interpretation of pieces by the Strauss family and other representatives of Viennese operetta. It opens the annual New Year’s Eve Ball. The orchestra led by conductor and violin virtuoso Peter Guth will present in Minsk its new program Viennese Winter Fairytale. The concert will feature music by Johann Strauss, his successor in the position of Imperial Court Ball Director Karl Michael Ziehrer, and also pieces by Robert Stolz, the last of the waltz kings.
When: 10 December
Where: Minsk Concert Hall, Minsk
David Garrett in Minsk
The career of the virtuoso violinist and composer David Garrett started when he was just 11 years old with a concert at the residence of German President Richard von Weizsacker who presented to the young musician his first Stradivarius violin. At the age of 13, David Garrett became the first young musician to sign a contract with the record company Deutsche Grammophon Gesellschaft. Music connoisseurs call his signature style a brilliant combination of classical music, rock, jazz and modern music. David Garrett will perform in Minsk as part of his world tour for the first time to present his new album Explosive recorded with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra in 2015.
When: 11 December
Where: Palace of the Republic, Minsk
Carmen on Ice by Ilia Averbukh
In the run-up to the New Year holidays renowned figure skater, coach, choreographer, and producer Ilia Averbukh will present the musical Carmen on Ice based on the Carmen opera by Georges Bizet in Minsk. The original interpretation of the famous novella by Prosper Merimee which is a romantic story featuring the unique atmosphere of Spanish Sevilla has already won the hearts of millions of people. The musical stars world-famous figure skaters Tatyana Navka (Carmen), Roman Kostomarov (Jose), and Alexei Yagudin (Toreador Escamillo). Other parts will be played by great figure skaters Maria Petrova, Alexei Tikhonov, Tatyana Totmyanina, Maxim Marinin, Margarita Drobiazko, Povilas Vanagas, Albena Denkova, Maxim Staviski…
When: 15 – 18 December
Where: Minsk Arena
Toto Cutugno in Minsk
Italian singer and composer, winner of the Eurovision Song Contest 1990 Toto Cutugno began his successful creative career in 1975 when he wrote the music for all-time hits of French singer Joe Dassin Et si tu n’existais pas and Salut. He also wrote many beautiful songs for world-famous singers, including Dalida, Adriano Celentano, Ricchi e Poveri, Ray Charles, Mireille Mathieu, Michel Sardou, Amy Stewart. Toto Cutugno became very popular in Italy after the triumph of his song Solo Noi at the Sanremo Music Festival in 1980. The concert in Minsk will feature the best songs of the legendary maestro, including the song Ti lascio amore recorded with Adriano Celentano in 2016.
When: 18 December
Where: Palace of the Republic, Minsk
Premiere of Kim Breitburg’s musical Jane Eyre
After the success of theater projects Blue Cameo and Dubrovsky in the Belarusian State Academic Music Theater and the musical Casanova, the renowned composer, Honored Figure of Arts of Russia Kim Breitburg will present the premiere of the musical Jane Eyre based on the world-famous novel by English writer Charlotte Bronte in Minsk. Karen Kavaleryan’s libretto will tell the story of a young orphan who had to cope with many difficulties and who found love and happiness with Sir Edward Rochester. The spectacular and dynamic musical with the romantic plot, wonderful music and dances was staged by choreographer and Kim Breitburg’s wife Valeria Breitburg.
When: 19, 20, 23 December
Where: Belarusian State Academic Music Theater, Minsk
Best Movie Soundtracks in Minsk
The previous performances by the symphony orchestra Olimpiya Klassika conducted by Mikhail Snitko drew full houses and standing ovations. Mikhail Snitko is a pupil of the internationally recognized conductors, People’s Artists of Russia Gennady Provatorov, Ilya Musin, and Gennady Rozhdestvensky. This time Belarusian fans of cinema art and connoisseurs of movie soundtracks will be treated to a musical program based on the world’s best masterpieces of cinema art. The choice will include the top-grossing movies such as Beware of the Car, Titanic, City Lights, Sherlock Holmes, Pirates of the Caribbean, Harry Potter, Terminator, Game of Thrones, Lord of the Rings… Spectators will be able to watch their favorite movies accompanied by the live orchestra.
When: 20 December
Where: Concert hall Minsk in Minsk
Piano player Di Wu in Minsk
The Chinese-American pianist Di Wu, who has been critically acclaimed by the Wall Street Journal as “musically perfect and passionate”, is now famous all over the world thanks to her virtuoso performance of classic music. At the age of 14 she debuted in the Beijing Philharmonic. Since then she has toured Europe, Asia, and America. She has performed with the best orchestras of China, the USA, and Germany. She conquered the stages of Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center in New York. One of her recent concerts in Tokyo gathered a record high number of concert-goers – 11,000. As part of her world tour Di Wu will visit Minsk for the first time and will present a lyrical program Only For You that will feature famous works by musical geniuses of the 19th century – Claude Debussy and Sergei Rakhmaninov.
When: 22 December
Where: The Belarusian State Philharmonic, Minsk
January and February 2017
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13th Christmas Ice Hockey Amateur Tournament for the Prize of the President of Belarus |
The Four Seasons concert by Antonio Vivaldi7 January |
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29th International Classic Music Festival January Musical Evenings9–12 January |
Masterpieces of World Organ Music by Maurizio Corazza (Italy)22 January |
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ISU Short Track Speed Skating World Cup in Minsk10–12 February |
Denis Matsuev in Minsk19 February |
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4th Vladimir Spivakov Invites… Festival16–21 February |
Evening with Alexander Filippenko in Minsk17 February |
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