Press releases

27 Sep 2019

Royal Philharmonic Orchestra to open Yuri Bashmet festival in Minsk

MINSK, 27 September (BelTA) – The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra based in London is in Minsk to open the 14th edition of the Yuri Bashmet International Music Festival on 27 September, BelTA learned from Artistic Director of the festival Rostislav Krimer.

“This cultural event is truly historic. Minsk will host the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra for the first time,” Rostislav Krimer noted. “Eighty talented musicians have come to Mink for one day to perform masterpieces of classical music in the Palace of the Republic this evening. Such a large-scale project has become possible thanks to the official partner of the event, the Belarusian air carrier Belavia.” Rostislav Krimer added that guests of the concert will hear several unique violins in the same place. By the way, instruments of the orchestra have been transported separately by land transport.

Belarus is a hospitable country with amazing history and great traditions. We are in Belarus for the first time. I hope that tonight we will be able to share our vision of music with Belarusians, said Rafael Payare, invited conductor of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.

The Belarusian Culture Ministry has helped organize, finance and host the festival for many years, said Mariya Netsvetayeva, deputy head of the main department, head of the main department for professional art at the Belarusian Culture Ministry. “The main mission of the festival is to popularize the world’s outstanding musical heritage and promote Belarusian performers,” she added.

Tonight’s concert by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra will be one of the highlights of the festival, said Aleksandr Shestakov, deputy head of the department for culture of the Minsk City Hall.

The concert will feature Symphony No.2 by Ludwig van Beethoven, Piano Concerto No.1 by Ferenc Liszt, and Symphony No.1 by Johannes Brahms. The orchestra will preform under the baton of famous Venezuelan conductor Rafael Payare who cooperates with the world’s finest orchestras, including the Vienna Philharmonic and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. This season, Rafael Payare will perform together with philharmonic orchestras from Munich, Los Angeles, Chicago, and many others. Since July 2019, the renowned conductor has been music director of the San Diego Symphony.

The 14th edition of the Yuri Bashmet International Music Festival will be running in Minsk from 27 September till 12 October. Musicians from all over the world will perform in the best concert halls of Minsk. The festival will feature stars of classical music, Grammy winners, world premieres, and unusual crossover projects.