The Russian Seasons in Bahrain officially commenced, Monday 27th January 2025, with an extraordinary concert by the Mariinsky Theatre Symphony Orchestra at the Bahrain National Theatre. The event was attended by His Excellency Dr Ramzan bin Abdulla Al Noaimi, Minister of Information, His Excellency Shaikh Khalifa bin Ahmed bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, President of the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities, and Her Excellency Ms. Olga Lyubimova, Russian Minister of Culture, along with several esteemed diplomatic and cultural figures. This launch coincided with the 35th anniversary of Bahrain-Russia diplomatic relations and was a highlight of the 19th Spring of Culture Festival.
On this occasion, His Excellency Shaikh Khalifa bin Ahmed bin Abdullah Al Khalifa said: “This remarkable cultural initiative exemplifies the strong and enduring cooperation between the Kingdom of Bahrain and the Russian Federation. It builds upon last November’s milestone event, Bahrain’s Cultural Days in Moscow, which offered the Russian audience an insightful glimpse into Bahrain’s rich history, culture, and achievements.” He further emphasized the significance of such initiatives in celebrating the depth of the historical, cultural, and diplomatic ties between the two nations, underscoring Bahrain’s commitment to fostering this legacy through cultural exchange projects.
His Excellency also highlighted that the Russian Seasons in Bahrain provide an invaluable opportunity to deepen cultural exchange and strengthen bilateral relations while enriching Bahrain’s vibrant cultural landscape. He stressed the pivotal role of culture in promoting mutual understanding and civilizational openness, reiterating the Authority’s dedication to positioning Bahrain as a global hub for culture and the arts. He concluded by expressing gratitude to the Russian Ministry of Culture for its collaboration, commending their contributions to Bahrain’s cultural movement.
Her Excellency Ms. Olga Lyubimova, Russian Minister of Culture, echoed these sentiments, stating: “We are confident that our collaboration holds immense and diverse potential. We aim to offer the residents of Bahrain unforgettable experiences throughout this year, showcasing the finest examples of Russian art.”
The launch event featured a stunning performance by the Mariinsky Orchestra, led by Artistic and General Director Valery Gergiev. The program included a selection of iconic Russian and European compositions. The Mariinsky Orchestra, one of Russia’s oldest ensembles, has a history spanning over two centuries, originating from the St. Petersburg Imperial Opera Orchestra.
The Russian Seasons in Bahrain will continue throughout 2025 with a diverse array of cultural events. In February, The Magic of Animation, presented by SMF Studio, will take place on 19 and 20 February, offering screenings, workshops, and lectures. On 24 February, the Bahrain National Theatre will host the State Academic Honored Dance Ensemble of Daghestan, Lezginka.
In November, two major performances will captivate audiences. The globally renowned ballet The Nutcracker will grace the stage of the Bahrain National Theatre, while the Ossipov National Academic Folk Instruments Orchestra of Russia will perform at the Cultural Hall, accompanied by a Bahraini folk band.
The Russian Seasons are organized by the Russian Ministry of Culture in collaboration with the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities, as part of the Memorandum of Understanding signed in May 2024 during His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa’s historic visit to Russia. This partnership also brought Bahrain’s Cultural Days in Moscow in November 2024, which included the inauguration of the Treasures of Bahrain: The Art of Gold Crafting Through the Ages exhibition at the State Historical Museum. This exhibition, running until February 2025, showcases the evolution of Bahraini goldsmithing, tracing its journey from the Tylos period over 2000 years ago through the Islamic era and into the modern age.