Mariinsky Theatre, TV BRICS partner to promote classical theatre arts across BRICS nations
Moscow, July 22
Russia's State Academic Mariinsky Theatre and the TV BRICS International Media Network have entered into a partnership to promote classical theatre arts, strengthen cultural cooperation and expand humanitarian ties among BRICS countries through music, opera and ballet, as reported by TV BRICS.
Under the collaboration, TV BRICS will serve as the international media partner of the Mariinsky Theatre, showcasing its creative projects and contemporary achievements to audiences across the BRICS nations.
The initiative aims to promote Russian musical art and the country's long-standing tradition of classical performance while fostering greater cultural exchanges.
Speaking on the TV BRICS programme BRICSterview, Valery Gergiev, General Director of the Bolshoi Theatre of Russia and Artistic and General Director of the Mariinsky Theatre, said Russia intends to deepen creative cooperation with BRICS countries, with particular emphasis on supporting emerging talent.
"Our contacts with the BRICS countries have never ceased. We are significantly expanding our cultural ties with colleagues from China, where opera and ballet are experiencing remarkable growth. In the near future, we will further strengthen creative exchanges with BRICS countries and create more opportunities for young and established artists to perform at leading Russian cultural venues," Gergiev said.
He also highlighted the role of the Mariinsky Theatre's Academy of Young Opera Singers and the International Tchaikovsky Competition in nurturing young performers from around the world.
According to Gergiev, the academy has, for over 25 years, discovered and trained numerous artists who have gone on to achieve international recognition, while the Tchaikovsky Competition has expanded its reach to attract talented participants globally.
Founded in 1783, the Mariinsky Theatre is one of Russia's most prestigious cultural institutions and has been home to generations of celebrated opera singers, ballet dancers and stage designers.
Over more than two centuries, it has helped shape the careers of internationally acclaimed artists, including Anna Pavlova, Rudolf Nureyev, Mikhail Baryshnikov and George Balanchine.
Janna Tolstikova, CEO and Editor-in-Chief of TV BRICS, said promoting the national cultures of BRICS countries remains one of the media network's key priorities.
She said TV BRICS is building a common information space through media diplomacy to encourage cultural dialogue, showcase national identities and strengthen international cooperation.
TV BRICS currently collaborates with several leading Russian cultural institutions, including the Bolshoi Theatre, Moscow Kremlin Museums, the Moscow State Academy of Choreography and the Russkiy Mir Foundation.
In 2026, the network also supported the XV International Ballet Competition in Moscow and serves as the international media partner for the IV All-Russian Competition of Young Composers, "Partitura."
— ANI
Reader Comments
This is wonderful for global culture, but I wish India's own classical arts were getting similar international platforming. Our Sangeet Natak Akademi and institutions like Kalakshetra could benefit from such media partnerships. That said, Russian ballet is legendary—Anna Pavlova and Nureyev are household names in my family. Exciting times for arts diplomacy.
Finally some good news! In a world obsessed with conflict, this kind of cultural cooperation is a breath of fresh air. The Mariinsky Theatre has produced legends—Balanchine changed modern ballet forever. I hope this partnership extends to live broadcasts and workshops accessible to Indian artists. Imagine a fusion of Kathak and Russian folk dance! 🙌
As a classical music enthusiast, this is thrilling. The Tchaikovsky Competition is one of the most prestigious in the world, and Indian musicians have fared well there. But I'm cautiously optimistic—BRICS partnerships often sound grand on paper but lack ground-level implementation. Hope this isn't just another press release and actually translates into accessible programming for Indian audiences.
Culture is the soft power that binds nations together without politics. Russia's classical arts are unparalleled—Swan Lake, The Nutcracker—these are treasures. However, I'm concerned that TV BRICS might prioritise Russian content over genuinely diverse BRICS voices. India's own performing arts need representation too. Still, a step in the right direction.
I remember watching a documentary on Mariinsky Theatre—it's older than many modern countries! This 240
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