#ARCTIC. #SIBERIA. THIS IS TAIMYR. This year, the northern city will once again host the contemporary art festival Norilsk Seasons, a series of events celebrating the 90th anniversary of Nornickel. This festival will be one of the key cultural initiatives in the lineup of anniversary activities.
The festival will open on April 7 with the concert Tales in Notes. The program has been specially created for the Norilsk Seasons by musicologist, curator, and host of concerts at the Moscow philharmonic, Yaroslav Timofeyev.
On the stage of the Polar Drama theatre, audiences will experience a blend of symphonic music from Pyotr Tchaikovsky and Igor Stravinsky, along with performances by talented dramatic artists. The evening will feature the suite from the ballet The Nutcracker, a magical tale of justice and love, as well as the poignant The Soldier’s Tale. It is the music that brings the story to life, transforming it into a rich and inspiring parable.
One of Russia’s oldest symphonic ensembles, the State Orchestra of Russia named after E.F. Svetlanov, will perform in Norilsk. The orchestra conductor will be Fyodor Beznosikov, an award-winning violinist and conductor known for his work with the Musical Theater named after K.S. Stanislavsky and V.I. Nemirovich-Danchenko, the New Opera Theater, and the Russian National Orchestra. Last season, critics hailed him as the discovery of the year.
“I have a deep appreciation for northern cities; I’ve always felt drawn to their cold and majestic landscapes. I haven’t been to Norilsk yet, but I’m excited to explore the city. It’s wonderful that we will present such a diverse program to the audience in Norilsk at the festival”, said Fyodor Beznosikov.
The staged version of Igor Stravinsky’s musical fairy tale has been specially adapted for the Moscow philharmonic by director and the Moscow Art Theater School teacher Victor Ryzhakov. In Norilsk, he will also perform alongside artists Julia Hlynina and Evgeny Tsyganov.
“Norilsk Seasons offers not just an opportunity to enjoy outstanding examples of contemporary art but also a chance to collaboratively create something new. It’s about dialogue, exploring new meanings, and crafting a unique cultural identity for our region. Culture, more than anything else, unites people and inspires them to seek new horizons. It represents a fusion of the past and the future, where traditions and historical heritage lay the groundwork for innovation and fresh ideas. We are happy that this project is part of our company’s anniversary celebrations”, noted Larisa Zelkova, Nornickel’s senior vice president.
The Norilsk Seasons festival will take place throughout 2025 and will feature theater, music, educational programs, and performances. It will showcase the best examples of stage and musical art, with projects developed in Norilsk in collaboration with residents of all ages, rooted in the local context.
Supporting cultural initiatives is a priority for Nornickel. The company’s projects aim to reshape the image of this Arctic industrial region, making it attractive and comfortable for modern, active individuals, even though it is remote from the mainland.
Over the last decade, Norilsk has inspired individuals from various professions: photographers, artists, musicians, writers, and theater practitioners. It is becoming clear that Norilsk is evolving into the cultural capital of the entire Arctic region.
Currently, Norilsk is undergoing rapid transformation as part of a global renovation program. The city will feature new cultural landmarks, including the Arctic Museum of Modern Art (AMMA), a public space called The Tower, and much more.
As a reminder, last year Konstantin Raikin brought two performances to Norilsk.
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Text: Anzhelica Stepanova, Photo: provided by Nornickel’s press service
