Bolshoi Theater Nights at the Radziwills’ Castle
A unique exhibition in Minsk invites art lovers to see the original works of great masters of the 20th century, Salvador Dali and Pablo Picasso. Among the exhibits are graphic and lithograph works, sculpture and ceramics acquired by Russian collector Alexander Shadrin all over the world: from museums, galleries and auction houses, including the famous Christie's. The patron of arts collected one of the largest collections of Dali, which is considered the fourth largest in the world. Among the rarities the exhibition will feature the famous lobster telephone and surreal flowers, the famous lithograph Flower Women which for several years hang on the wall in the bedroom of Salvador Dali and Gala... The second part of the exhibition will present the late works of Pablo Picasso, "the most expensive" artist in the world. Among them are about 30 ceramic pieces from the former collection of the famous Ramie family.
When: 28 April – 30 June
Where: Belarus National History Museum, Minsk
The new program will gather great circus performers and winners of international festivals from around the world at the Belarusian State Circus. The fascinating show will feature record holders from the Guinness Book of World Records, such as the "king of a one-wheeled bike" and the author of 40 records Peter Rosendahl from Sweden, the Swiss illusionists who invented giant soap bubbles, and the tamer and snake charmer Bruno Medjalaro from Italy who will show the power of giant pythons, anacondas, scorpions, and spiders. The program will also include performances by aerial acrobats, gymnasts, acrobats on a teeterboard, Italian clowns from the famous Salvini dynasty, and tamers of camels, llamas, and monkeys.
When: from 9 May till 2 August
Where: Belarusian State Circus, Minsk
The project The Artist and the City that became famous after the exhibitions of reproductions of works by the great artists Marc Chagall and Kazimir Malevich invites the residents and guests of Minsk to get acquainted with Nikolai Seleshchuk, an outstanding Belarusian artist of the 20th century who was a black-and-white artist, an illustrator, and a laureate of the State Prize of Belarus. He was one of the first Belarusian surrealists. The exhibition under the open sky features 30 reproductions of the works by the "Belarusian Salvador Dali" from the holdings of the leading Belarusian museums, including the National Art Museum of Belarus and the Mogilev Regional Art Museum named after Pavel Maslenikov. The visitors to the exhibition will see the artist’s most important paintings including Chronicle of One Day, Way Home, and Portrait of a Girl …
When: from 14 May till 10 September
Where: Yakub Kolas Square, Minsk
The festival, which is new for Belarus, presents the works by the best masters from six Russian cities: within two weeks in May they created an amazing gallery of sculptures near the walls of the Minsk Church of All Saints. The sculptures will remain in place until the end of August. The exhibition titled World Collection brings together the sculptures dedicated to the Slavonic culture and religion, the Middle Eastern art, myths about the mysterious Atlantis, mysterious Easter Island, sunny Africa... One of the most impressive sculptures is a 4-meter-high monument dedicated to the 70th anniversary of the Victory of the Soviet people in the Great Patriotic War. At night the open-air gallery is illuminated by LED lights, which makes fragile artworks from sand look even more expressive and mesmerizing...
When: 3 May – 30 August
Where: 121 Kalinovskogo Street, Minsk; near the Church of All Saints
The project, which was launched in the Chelyuskintsev Park in Minsk, allows getting acquainted with Belarus’ outstanding landmarks which are known all over the world. The large-scale open-air exhibition is a continuation of the Heritage of Belarus project and is dedicated to the jubilee events of 2015: the 70th anniversary of the UNESCO, the 60th anniversary of Belarus’s membership in the UNESCO, and 10 years since the Nesvizh Palace and Park was awarded the status of a UNESCO site. The exposition, which was on display on the fence of the park for a year, includes more than 60 photographs and shows four Belarusian sites on the list of the world cultural and natural heritage: Belovezhskaya Pushcha; Mir Castle; The Architectural, Residential and Cultural Complex of the Radziwill Family at Nesvizh; Struve Geodetic Arc.
When: from 22 May
Where: Chelyuskintsev Park, Minsk
The famous singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, one of the founders of the Russian rock, founder of the group Slavyane and Skomorokhy, People's Artist of Russia Alexander Gradsky is now more known as a mentor in the popular Russian TV show The Voice. The winners of the past three seasons were Alexander Gradsky’s students: Dina Garipova, Russia’s entry at Eurovision Song Contest 2013, Belarusian Sergey Volchkov, and Alexandra Vorobyova. Alexander Gradsky is the author of more than 40 songs to films, 15 albums, and several rock operas and ballets. Accompanied by the State Academic Symphony Orchestra of the Republic of Belarus conducted by Arkady Berin, Alexander Gradsky will sing the most famous compositions in various genres: opera, romance, jazz and, and, of course, rock...
When: 3 June
Where: Palace of the Republic, Minsk
One of the largest charity events – marathon concert Touching Life – will take place in Belarus in 2015 for the seventh time. The event has been organized by the children’s charity foundation Touching Life. Famous Belarusian artists will perform on the stage of the Sports Palace in Minsk: Alexander Tikhanovich and Yadviga Poplavskaya, Alyona Spiridovich, J:Mors, Iskui Abalyan, Alexei Khlestov, Teo, Uzari&Maimuna… The Russian actress Yana Poplavskaya will be a special guest. She is known to many children after starring in Belarusfilm’s fantasy musical About Red Riding Hood. Using the slogan Belarusian Stars For Children!, money will be collected to help orphans and young patients suffering from oncological and hematological diseases.
When: 4 June
Where: 4 Pobeditelei Avenue, Sports Palace, Minsk
The popular festival invites fans of music and poetry to appreciate concerts by Belarusian pop stars and young performers. Following the established tradition, famous songs by Belarusian composers and poets of various generations will be heard in the Summer Amphitheater in Molodechno. During the solemn opening ceremony timed to the 25th anniversary of Belarus’ independence spectators will be able to hear the song Maladzechna by the prominent composer Igor Polivoda. The festival will also include an exhibition “Forever in people’s memory” dedicated to the 70th anniversary of the Great Victory, a concert “Songs of native land” featuring prominent folk music collectives, a jubilee concert “My song” by composer Oleg Molchan, the Star Stagecoach show featuring Dmitry Koldun, Iowa band, Anna Sharkunova… One of the key events will be the young performers contest: accompanied by the National Academic Orchestra of the Republic of Belarus conducted by Mikhail Finberg, participants of the contest will perform popular Belarusian hits.
When: 5 – 7 June
Where: Chist, Molodechno, Minsk Oblast
As part of the project cinema fans will be able to watch the best short films of the last few years, including nominees and winners of prestigious world awards and cinema festivals (Oscar 2015, Berlinale 2015, Cannes Film Festival 2014, Los Angeles, Sandance). The collection will feature six foreign-made short films in various genres: drama, comedy, tragicomedy, western, and surrealistic grotesque. Apart from that, viewers will be able to see a film made by a young Belarusian movie director and selected by the national commission. The viewers will be able to watch short films featuring famous actors such as British actress Sally Hawkins, Japanese actress Kaori Momoi, who starred in the Memoirs of a Geisha, Oscar, Golden Globe, and BAFTA laureate, two-time Emmy nominee Jim Broadbent…
When: 5 – 7 June
Where: movie theaters in Minsk and oblast capitals
The international musical project invites Minsk residents and visitors to taste some jazz rhythms. In the very heart of the Belarusian capital virtuosos from Belarus, Poland, Germany, France, the UK, Sweden and Denmark will present their compositions in ethno, classic jazz, blues, and soul. The famous participants of the summer evenings will include Danish vocalist and multiinstrumentalist Mads Matias, the Swedish band Copro, Polish singer, piano player and composer Beata Przybytek, British jazz icon (according to the Time magazine) Denys Baptiste. Along with European jazz performers visitors will be able to see leading Belarusian performers: Alexander Storozhuk and Vladimir Belov, Konstantin Goryachy’s Trio, and the Apple Tea band.
When: 6, 13, 20 June
Where: Svobody Square, Minsk
The legendary band Scorpions will return to Belarus as part of the big world tour Return to Forever which is dedicated to the 50th anniversary of the band. Over these years the German rock band has sold over 100 million copies and performed over 5,000 concerts in 80 countries, thus becoming one of the most successful rock bands in the world. The concert in the Belarusian capital will feature songs from the 20th album. Scorpions will also show a unique film Forever and a Day made by renowned director Katja von Garnier about the off-stage life of the extremely popular rock stars. Apart from that, the concert will feature Scorpions’ golden hits such as "Wind of Change", "Still Loving You", "Rock You Like a Hurricane", "Send Me an Angel"…
When: 10 June
Where: Minsk Arena
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This superb music festival is traditionally held near Mir Castle, which is one of the most beautiful architectural landmarks of Belarus inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. For several evenings the visitors will enjoy wonderful open-air shows featuring popular Belarusian and foreign singers. The program of the summer music marathon will include:
12 June
21:00 Belarus’ Song of the Year 2015
01:00 Concert of the rock bands "Live Rock"
13 June
19:00 Alexei Khlestov’s anniversary concert The Best Songs for You
21:00 The anniversary concert by Belarus Honored Artist Alyona Lanskaya True Me
23:30 Belarus’ Song of the Year 2015
14 June
21:00 Belarus’ Song of the Year 2015
01:00 Lolita's concert
Where: Mir Castle, the town of Mir, Grodno Oblast
The international festival in the Belarusian Poozerye (Lake District) will bring together professional and amateur art groups from all over Belarus. Apart from the traditional contest of folk music bands and musicians, the festival of national culture will feature a photo exhibition “Town. History. People”, a concert of classical music, a theatrical production “Music of Belarusian Palaces and Estates”, concerts, sports competitions, and a fair of arts and crafts with the participation of craftsmen from Vitebsk Oblast. One of the brightest events of the festival will be the musical theatrical performance “Postavy Ball” in the palace which belonged to the renowned Tyzenhaus family in the 18th century.
When: 12 – 14 June
Where: Postavy, Vitebsk Oblast
The summer fashion market in Minsk invites those who like designer clothes and accessories and uniquely designed souvenirs… Young Belarusian designers will demonstrate their collections of men's and women's clothing, accessories and imitation jewelry, decoration items, souvenirs, and handmade gifts. Besides, a number of restaurants and cafes will present different cultures and cuisines to their visitors. Partaking in the project will be a Turkish cuisine restaurant, an Italian pizza restaurant, a sushi bar, a British-style pub, a burger restaurant, and a hot dog cafe…
When: 14 June
Where: Food Republic, 25 Yanki Kupaly Street, Minsk
One of the largest international projects of the National Academic Bolshoi Opera and Ballet Theater of Belarus invites opera and ballet lovers to enjoy world’s masterpieces performed by the leading dancers of Belarus and other countries:
17 June – Ballet Swan Lake with prima ballerina of the Kremlin Ballet Theater, Honored Artist of Russia Alexandra Timofeyeva as Odette/Odile.
18 June – One act ballets The Firebird and Sheherazade with Alexandra Timofeyeva in the title role.
19 June – Ballet Laurencia with laureate of international contests, leading soloist of the Tbilisi State Opera and Ballet Theater Lali Kandelaki as Laurencia.
21 June – Saint Petersburg State Academic Ballet Theater of Leonid Yakobson will present the ballet Romeo and Juliet.
22 June – Ballet Giselle, or The Wilis featuring Honored Artist of Russia Yekaterina Borchenko.
23 June – Evening of modern choreography.
24 June – Gala concert featuring world ballet stars.
When: 17 – 24 June
Where: Bolshoi Opera and Ballet Theater of Belarus, Minsk
The festival will bring together the leading dairy brands and the best cheese makers of Belarus who will showcase their traditional and new products. The guests will have an opportunity to take part in the tasting Best Cheese, win the "cheese surprise" provided by the interactive theater Moustache, learn the difference between cheese and similar products, participate in a "mouse race," perform a "cheese dance," and try their luck at a "cheese casino." Besides, the program of the festival will feature a culinary show, workshops by famous Belarusian chefs and many other events like “cheese news,” interviews, trivia games, and competitions. The organizers have also prepared a special program for children featuring an ice-cream feast, contests, games, a battle against the Mouse King for cheese, sports events and even themed Olympic Games (cheeselifting, jumping with cheese, and cheese races).
When: 20 June
Where: Central Botanical Garden of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus, Minsk
The old folk crafts and technologies museum Dudutki will hold a two-day celebration of the Kupala Night, one of the oldest folk holidays in Belarus. The program of this year’s edition of the international forum combines scientific and entertainment events. It includes conferences, seminars, and workshops on the old Kupala Night rites and traditions. During the celebrations, in Dudutki there will be a town of craftsmen with blacksmiths, potters, and weavers, a fair, and a ground for workshops on Kupala Night traditions, fortunetelling, making flower crowns, and jumping over bonfires. The local tavern will offer dishes of the Belarusian cuisine to its visitors…
The highlight of the celebrations will be a big open-air concert featuring Belarusian and foreign folk/folk-rock performers who will present different music genres, from plangent folk songs to folk metal. And of course, the participants of the Kupala Night celebrations in Dudutki will try to find the mysterious fern flower…
When: 20 – 21 June
Where: Dudutki, Pukhovichi District, Minsk Oblast
Every year the church music festival in Mogilev brings together over 900 soloists and choirs from Belarus, Russia, Ukraine, Bulgaria, Poland, Serbia, Germany, Italy, Spain, Mexico, Venezuela… Apart from traditional competitions among soloists and choirs, the program of the forum will include theatrical performances, classical, organ and change-ringing concerts as well as numerous events such as conferences, ecclesiastical literature exhibitions, master classes and meetings.
When: 23 – 27 June
Where: Mogilev
This year the international festival in Bobruisk will gather folk music groups and professional soloists from the countries of Europe and Asia, South America, Africa, and the United States. This year’s forum will be held under the motto Festival of Friendship – For Peace and Concord Without Borders. Representatives of different countries will take part in a festive parade along the city’s streets, concerts and meet-the-artist events, a traditional night of friendship, an exhibition of souvenirs and the competition Wreath for the best present for the festival. Guests of the festival in Bobruisk will be able to attend exhibitions, theatrical and entertainment shows, arts and crafts fairs, contests, national cuisine tasting events.
When: 25 – 29 June
Where: Bobruisk, Mogilev Oblast
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The unique open-air festival will gather the leading artists of the Bolshoi Theater of Belarus as well as opera and ballet connoisseurs in one of Europe’s most magnificent palace and park ensembles – a legendary residence of the Radziwill Family in Nesvizh. The program of the forum will include ballet plays, opera concerts, evenings with artists, and exhibitions. By tradition, a courtyard of the castle, the Theater and Hetman Halls, the Nesvizh Corpus Christi Cathedral and the City Hall will be the main festival venues.
26 June
The concert of the choir of the Bolshoi Theater headed by People’s Artist of Belarus Nina Lomanovich
The night of ballet: Igor Stravinsky’s The Firebird and Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov’s Scheherazade
27 June
28 June
When: 26 – 28 June
Where: National Historical and Cultural Museum-Reserve Nesvizh, Minsk Oblast
Belarus Events Calendar: May 2015
Belarus Events Calendar: April 2015
Belarus Events Calendar: March 2015