FESTIVALS AND CONTESTS 2008

January

International Festival “CHRISTMAS MUSICAL MEETINGS IN PALMIRA OF THE NORTH”
December 24, 2007 – January 8, 2008
Locations: Shostakovich Academic Philharmonic, Smolny Cathedral, Academic Cappella, The Holy Trinity Alexander Nevsky Lavra, Kochneva Mansion, Vorontsov’s Palace (Malta Cappella)
Organizers: Committee for Culture, Russian Concert Workers’ Union (273-55-79, 273-77-52)

8th International Winter Festival “ARTS SQUARE”
December 28, 2007 – January 7, 2008
Locations: Shostakovich Academic Philharmonic, Mikhailovsky Theater, Alexandrinsky Theater, Yusupov Palace, Russian Museum
Organizers: Shostakovich Academic Philharmonic (710-42-90, 710-40-85), Russian Museum, Grand Hotel Europe

10th Maria Yudina International Competition of Young Pianists, Piano Duets and Chamber Ensembles
January 3 – 9
Locations: Sviridov Children’s Music School, Shostakovich Academic Philharmonic (Glinka Small Hall)
Organizers: Russian Concert Workers’ Union (273-55-79, 273-77-52), Committee for Culture of Leningrad Region Government

6th International Children Festival of Electronic Music “SOUND AND SYNTHESIS”
January 8 – 11
Location: Russian National Library
The program includes performances by young musicians and music groups and master classes by top-level Russian teachers in the field of computer-based music.
Organizer: “St. Petersburg Lyre” Regional Public Charitable Foundation (323-77-35)

Christmas Folk Festival
January 12 – 15
Location: “Svyatodukhovsky” Center of The Holy Trinity Alexander Nevsky Lavra
This festival traditionally gathers folk groups from St. Petersburg, other cities in Russia, and Vitebsk and Kiev. It includes concerts, an exhibition and master classes about Russian handicraft, as well as creative workshops.
Organizer: Organizing Committee (511-48-81)

International Guitar Competition “GUITAR VIRTUOSI”
January 19 – 26
Locations: Russian College of Traditional Culture, City Concert Halls
Organizers: Creative Union of Cultural Workers – St. Petersburg Branch (719-84-97, 275-57-97), “Creative House” Production Center

February

8th International Festival “ADMIRALTY MUSIC”
February 3 – March 9
Locations: Shostakovich Academic Philharmonic, Academic Cappella
Organizers: “Admiralty Music” Charitable Foundation, Organizing Committee (494-02-03)

Annual Memorial Ceremony to Commemorate the Death of the Great Russian Poet Alexander PUSHKIN
February 10
Location: Pushkin Apartment Museum, Courtyard
Organizer: National Pushkin Museum (314-75-88)

Sretensky Sacred & Folk Music Festival
February 12 – 15
Location: The Orthodox Theological Academy
The festival traditionally gathers school, youth and teachers’ choirs and ensembles from St. Petersburg and other Russian cities. Entrance is free
Organizer: Organizing Committee (513-12-10)

6th International Romantic Trumpet Festival
February 15
Locations: Kalininsky District Cultural Center
Festival presents bright, talented trumpeters from all over the world, performing magnificent classic and jazz pieces. A big band, a string orchestra and an organ accompany the trumpeters during this enjoyable festival.
Organizer: Cultural Fund “St. Petersburg Academy of Trumpeters” ( 8-903-094-34-67)

5th International Festival “MUSICAL HERMITAGE”
February 17 – 24
Locations: Hermitage Museum, Hermitage Theater
World celebrities of musical art will perform in the gorgeous halls of the Winter Palace (Hermitage Museum)
Organizers: Hermitage Museum, Hermitage Music Academy (571-50-59), Committee for Culture

14th Russian Film Festival “LITERATURE & CINEMA”
February 24 – March 1
Locations: Town of Gatchina, “Pobeda” Cinema Hall
The film festival seeks to introduce the public to works by cinematographers from Russia, former C.I.S, and other countries.
Organizers: Federal Agency of Culture and Mass Communications, Committee for Culture of the Leningrad Region Government (315-76-76), Department for Culture of “City of Gatchina” Municipal Organization, “Pobeda” Cinema Hall

March

4th Festival “MASLENITSA” (Shrove-Tide)
March 3 – 9
Location: Mariinsky Theater
The holiday Maslenitsa has played an important part in St. Petersburg’s past. It was celebrated with sweeping grandeur in pre-Revolutionary times, accompanied by promenades, charity balls and masquerades. In the past, the Marinsky Theater actively participated in the seasonal celebrations. It has more recently revived its celebratory spring traditions.
Organizers: Mariinsky Theater (326-41-41, 714-12-11)

8th International Ballet Festival “MARIINSKY”
March 13 – 23
Location: Mariinsky Theater
This is the only festival of classical dance in Russia. Among the participants are leading dancers from the largest ballet companies of the World.
Organizer: Mariinsky Theater (326-41-41, 714-12-11)

17th International Arts Festival “FROM THE AVANT-GARDE TO THE PRESENT”
March 15 – 22
Organizers: Committee for Culture, “Music & Contemporary” Foundation (579-04-44, 589-97-18)

3rd Music Festival “NAMES OF PETERSBURG”
March 15 – 30
Locations: Mariinsky Theater, Shostakovich Academic Philharmonic , Academic Cappella, Hermitage Theater, Rimsky-Korsakov Conservatory
This year’s festival will be dedicated to the creative works of St. Petersburg composer Boris Tishchenko.
Organizers: Organizing Committee (315-27-44, 703-84-70), St. Petersburg Concert Workers Union, Committee for Culture

3rd International Folklore Festival “INHERITERS OF TRADITIONS”
March 17 – 23
Locations: Palace of Youth Creativity, Rimsky-Korsakov Conservatory, palaces and museums of St. Petersburg and suburbs
The main goal of the festival is to restore the folk heritage in today’s life. Children’s, youth, amateur and professional folk ensembles of different countries are expected to take part in the festival.
Organizers: Palace of Youth Creativity (314-94-26), Rimsky-Korsakov Conservatory (312-04-68)

7th International Ballet Festival “DANCE OPEN”
March 22 - 28
The festival includes master classes by outstanding dancers and teachers from St. Petersburg, Moscow and foreign countries, and also a concert with festival participants – students of Russian and foreign ballet schools. The festival will end March 27 with a gala concert of international ballet stars on the stage of “Oktiabrsky” Concert Hall
Organizers: Organizing Committee (272-80-22), Committee for Culture

Festival of Israel’s Cinema in St. Petersburg
March
Organizer: Israel Cultural Center in St. Petersburg (272-78-87)

Program “YOUNG CITIZENS TO ST. PETERSBURG”
March – April
Locations: Hermitage Theater, Academic Cappella
The festival introduces music-lovers to the creative works of young artists.
Organizers: Hermitage Museum, “Domus” Production Center, Committee for Youth Policy and NGO Relations (314-65-35)

Festival of Students’ Creativity “ART-STUDIO!”
March – April
Location: St. Petersburg House of Youth
The festival is a regional stage of All-Russia Competition “Russian Students’ Spring”. The main themes of the Competition are music, dance, theater and other performing arts. The event brings together 200 performers from 50 city’s universities.
Organizers: Committee for Youth Policy and NGO Relations (314-65-35), Heads of Universities Council, St. Petersburg Students Council, “St. Petersburg Universities” Foundation

Festival of Japanese Culture “JAPANESE SPRING IN ST. PETERSBURG”
March – April
Organizers: General Consulate of Japan, “Russia – Japan” Society (719-79-84)

Festival “HONORARY CITIZENS OF ST. PETERSBURG”
March – October
This festival celebrates those who left a mark on the city’s history. The program is dedicated to academics and cultural leaders, who not only ensured the modern standard of Russian scholarship, but also made priceless contributions to our city’s culture.
Organizer: The “St. Petersburg’s Heritage and Prospects” Regional Social Fund for the Support of Culture, Science, and Education (571-44-93, 595-40-49)

April

5th Sergei Prokofiev International Competition in Symphonic Conducting and Composition
April 10 – 22
Locations: Shostakovich Academic Philharmonic, Academic Cappella
The competition is a member of the World Federation of International Music Competitions and is held under the auspices of UNESCO. Conductors and composers from 19 countries will participate.
Organizers: “St. Petersburg Concert”, “International Cultural Center” St. Petersburg’s Foundation, Organizing Committee (710-40-91, 380-92-45)

17th Film Festival “NEW POLISH CINEMA”
April 11 – 17
Location: “House of Cinema” Cinema Center
Presentation of the best films of the Polish cinema, meeting with directors, script writers and actors.
Organizers: Federal Agency of Culture and Mass Communications, Consulate General of Poland, St. Petersburg Cinema Clubs Union of Cinema Clubs Federation of Russia, International Film Festival “Festival of Festivals” (237-00-72, 237-03-04)

Competition “SPRING OF ROMANCE”
April 19
This annual competition is for young performers and ballad writers.
Organizers “St. Petersburg Romance” Foundation for the Support and Development of Music (571-69-52)

2nd International Rimsky-Korsakov Competition for Wind and Percussion Instruments
April 19 – 29
Location: Rimsky-Korsakov Conservatory
Organizers: Rimsky-Korsakov Conservatory, Committee for Culture, Federal Agency of Culture and Cinematography

9th Festival of National Cultural and Diaspora Societies of St. Petersburg “LET US JOIN HANDS, FRIENDS!”
April 20
Location: “Oktiabrsky” Concert Hall
The festival’s goal is to promote the preservation and cultivation of the varied ethnic traditions of an international metropolis and include them in St. Petersburg’s cultural palette.
Organizers: House of Folk Art and Leisure (314-44-95, 571-17-96), Committee for Culture,
Committee for External Affairs

12th Sergey Kuryokhin International Festival “SKIF - 12”
April 24 – 27
Location: Contemporary Arts Center
Contemporary arts festival based on the conception of “Pop-Mechanics” – a multi-cultural project created by Sergey Kuryokhin, a distinguished Russian composer of the late 20th century. There will be 50 music groups from various countries, as well as performances, films and video art.
Organizers: Sergey Kuryokhin Charitable Foundation (322-42-23), Contemporary Arts Center, Committee for Culture

St. Petersburg Pret-a-Porter Week “DEFILE NA NEVE”
April
Organizer: “Defile Na Neve” Company (275-03-13)

6th Open St. Petersburg Student Film Festival “BEGINNING”
April
International competition of student films: fiction, documentary, animation, experimental, social advertising videos.
Organizers: St. Petersburg Cinematographers’ Union (314-80-35), Committee for Culture

10th International Festival of Russian Theaters from the CIS and Baltic States “MEETINGS IN RUSSIA”
April
Location: “Baltic House” Theater-Festival
The purpose of this annual festival is to develop and strengthen cultural relations between theaters in Russia and Russian theaters in other countries. It aims to support Russian-language theaters abroad.
Organizers: Baltic International Festivals Center Foundation, “Baltic House” Theater-Festival (233-09-32, 233-99-36)

Festival of Young Rock-Musicians “ROCK-STUDIO!”
April – May
Location: Red Club
The festival is a competition for 50 groups from 30 St. Petersburg universities. The jury traditionally consists of well-known critics, musicians and DJs of leading radio stations.
Organizers: Committee for Youth Policy and NGO Relations (314-65-35), Heads of Universities Council, “New Resources” Center of Youth Initiatives

May

6th Mravinsky International Youth Competition
May 3 – 10
Locations: Mravinsky Children’s Arts School, Shostakovich Academic Philharmonic
The Competition is a member of the European Union of Music Competitions for Youth (EMCY). It consists of two nominations: alto violin and cello. The participants are aged up to 21 years old.
Organizers: Committee for Culture, Mravinsky Children’s Arts School (388-48-06, 387-44-85)

16th International Arts Festival “STARS OF THE WHITE NIGHTS”
May 11 – July 13
Location: Mariinsky Theater
As one of the year’s most attended musical events, the festival has become a pilgrimage for all lovers of Russian culture. Distinguished conductors and instrumentalists are invited to participate. The festival will present operas, ballets and symphonic programs.
Organizer: Mariinsky Theater (326-41-41, 714-12-11)

16th Russian Film Festival “VIVA RUSSIAN CINEMA!”
May 12 – 16
Locations: St. Petersburg Cinema Halls
The largest festival of national cinema in St. Petersburg, presenting Russian movies released in 2007-2008. The winners of the festival are determined by audience-vote.
Organizers: “Petersburg-Cinema” Company (314-05-56, 310-43-37), Committee for Culture, Federal Agency of Culture and Mass Communications,

6th International Music Festival “GLORY, GLINKA!” to commemorate the Birthday of Mikhail Glinka
May 17 – 20
Location: Pavlovsk Museum-Reserve
Organizers: Children’s Music School ¹ 25, St. Petersburg’s Center of Humanities Programs, Organizing Committee (452-12-14, 494-65-52, 972-38-69)

Day of the Town of Kronshtadt
May 18
Location: Town of Kronshtadt
Celebrations dedicated to the Foundation Day of the Town of Kronstadt.
Organizer: Department for Culture, Kronshtadt District Administration (576-90-20)

Musical Media Festival “GAMES WITH CLASSIC”
May 22 – 23
Location: Russian National Library
Organizers: Russian National Library, “St. Petersburg Lyre” Regional Public Charitable Foundation (710-46-99)

7th International Festival of Bard-Song “PETERSBURG’S CHORD-2008”
May 23 – June 14
The festival occurs once every two years, and is the largest in the genre of bard-song festival-competitions carried out within a city. Special guests and jury members are famous bards, poets and composers.
Organizers: Organizing Committee (237-04-88), Committee for Culture

8th International Carnival Parade on Nevsky Prospect
May 24
Location: Nevsky Prospect
The Carnival is a central event during the celebration of the anniversary of St. Petersburg's founding
Organizers: St. Petersburg Government, “Tzarskoselsky Carnival” Cultural Event Fund (713-25-01)

Celebration of the Opening of the Fountains
May 24
Location: Peterhof Museum-Reserve
Organizer: Peterhof Museum-Reserve (450-62-23, 450-52-87)

13th “MUSICAL OLYMPUS” International Festival
May 25 – June 2
Locations: Shostakovich Academic Philharmonic, Academic Cappella, Hermitage Theater
The festival is an annual parade of the winners of the major international music competitions. It provides music-lovers with the priceless opportunity to hear the world’s best young musicians, to get acquainted with a wide range of schools and tendencies of the contemporary performing art. About 25 young musicians of different specialties from 15 countries will perform, accompanied by the well-known orchestras.
Organizer: “Musical Olympus” Foundation (356-61-04, 356-50-42)

International Arts Festival “PUSHKIN. PETERSBURG”
May 26 – June 6
Location: National Pushkin Museum
Organizers: National Pushkin Museum, “Pushkin. Petersburg” Foundation (570-65-11, 430-75-72)

44th International Festival “PETERSBURG MUSICAL SPRING”
May
Organizers: St. Petersburg Composers’ Union (571-35-48), St. Petersburg Philharmonic Society (314-36-06)

5th Music Festival of the Nordic European Countries “NORDIC MUSIC 2008”
May – June
Locations: Shostakovich Academic Philharmonic (Glinka Small Hall), Academic Cappella, Hermitage Theater, Sheremetev Palace, Peter and Paul Fortress (Atrium), Peterhof Palace-Museum (White Hall), State University (Gråat Hall)
Organizers: Association for cooperation with the Nordic countries “Norden” (571-40-90, 570-59-71), Cultural Institutes of Denmark and Finland, Consulates of Nordic countries

June

16th Annual International Music Festival “ST. PETERSBURG PALACES”
June 1 – July 1
Locations: St. Petersburg palaces
One of the most beautiful festivals of the Northern capital. In the parade halls of St. Petersburg’s palaces, the best works of classical music of different epochs will be performed by outstanding Russian and international performers. The culmination will be the traditional Big Festival Ball on June 28th in Catherine’s palace.
Organizer: “St. Petersburg Palaces” Annual International Classical Music Festival Regional Public Foundation (572-22-26, 312-27-56)

International Contest-Festival “THE IMPERIAL GARDENS OF RUSSIA"
June 5 – 9
Location: Mikhilovsky Garden
The aim of this International Flower Festival is the revival of traditions connected with the history of the St. Petersburg gardens and combining it with modern tendencies in landscape gardening. The gardens of the Russian Museum will turn into real exhibition halls in the open air where the landscape architects will create their compositions of fresh flowers in a single style and in a certain theme.
Organizers: Russian Museum (347-87-21), His Royal Highness Prince Michael of Kent Charitable Foundation, Union of Gardeners of Russia

4th International Music Festival “ST. PETERBURG CAMERTON”
June 6 – 8
The aim of this festival is to support national music schools and expand multicultural awareness. The festival’s program features folk, ethnic, academic music.
Organizer: “St. Petersburg Lyre” Regional Public Charitable Foundation (710-46-99)

International Festival “MUSICAL COLLECTION”
June 6 – July 10
Location: Shostakovich Academic Philharmonic
Organizer: Shostakovich Academic Philharmonic (710-42-90, 710-40-85)

International Festival of the Military Brass Bands
June 11 – July 14
Locations: “Jubileyny” Palace of Sports, Nevsky Prospect, Palace Square, City’s streets and squares
The festival joins together the best military musicians from different countries who present their music and show their art in the streets and squares of the historical part of the city.
Organizers: Committee for Culture, “Festival of the Military Brass Bands” St. Petersburg Regional Public Organization (327-39-66)

18th International Documentary, Short and Animated Films Festival “MESSAGE TO MAN”
June 15 – 22
Locations: “House of Cinema” Cinema Center, City’s Cinema Halls
The festival’s program includes: International Competition, International Competition of Debuts, National Competition “Russian Documentaries” and other special programs.
Organizers: International Non-Feature & TV Film Center “Centaur” (570-61-16), Committee for Culture, St. Petersburg Cinematographers’ Union

Summer Festival of Japanese Culture “GARDEN OF PLEASURE”
June 16
Location: Pavlovsk Museum-Reserve
The festival includes exhibitions, master classes, exhibition of traditional Japanese clothing, and a permanent Japanese holiday attribute, the tea ceremony.
Organizers: St. Petersburg’s Center of Humanities Programs, Organizing Committee (452-12-14, 494-65-52, 972-38-69)

Inter-Regional Festival of Vepss Culture “THE TREE OF LIFE”
June 18
Location: Vinnitsy Village of Volkhovsky District, Leningrad Region
The program includes competitions, performances and displays of Vepss and Russian folk groups. Special guests will come from Norway, Finland, the Republic of Karelia, the Komi Republic, the Murmansk area.
Organizers: Committee for Culture of Leningrad Region Government (315-76-76), “Educational Center of Culture and Art” Leningrad’s Regional State Organization (576-30-47), Administration of Podporozhsky’s Municipal Region, Vinnitsy’s Regional House of Culture - Vepss Folklore Center

16th International Film Festival “FESTIVAL OF FESTIVALS-2008”
June 23 – 29
Locations: “House Cinema” Cinema Center, Cinema Halls: “Rodina”, “Druzhba”, “Union”
The biggest non-competitive film festival of Russia presenting national and foreign award-winning films from major international festivals, which have received high acclaim from critics and viewers.
Organizers: Federal Agency of Culture and Mass Communication, Committee for Culture, Lenfilm Studio, International Film Festival “Festival of Festivals” (237-00-72, 237-03-04)

Contemporary Art Festival “THE BIRTHDAY OF “PUSHKINSKAYA-10” ART CENTER”
June 28
Location: “Pushkinskaya-10”Art Center
The festival program includes contemporary exhibitions of artists from St. Petersburg and abroad, performances, concerts, and installations on all stages of the Art Center. Artistic studios will be open for public.
Organizer: Free Culture Society (764-53-71)

Festivity “SABANTUY-2008”
June 29
Location: Syargi Village of Vsevolozhsk District, Leningrad Region
Organizers: St. Petersburg City Government, Leningrad Region Government, Tatar National and Cultural Autonomy of St. Petersburg, “Petersburg Sabantuy” Foundation (571-64-67)

4th Interregional Military & Historical Festival on the Early Middle Ages “STARAYA LADOGA”
June 30 – July 1
Location: Museum of History, Architecture and Archaeology “Staraya Ladoga”
Participants of the festival represent various military and historical clubs of St. Petersburg, Moscow and Novgorod, which will present a reconstitution of medieval military tournaments, weapons, costumes, traditional crafts and attributes of medieval life.
Organizers: Committee for Culture of Leningrad region (315-76-76), Museum of History, Architecture and Archaeology “Staraya Ladoga” (8-(813-63)-73-524), “Gardarica” Military and Historical Alliance, “Ladoga-Tour” Tourist Company

Celebration “FOUNDATION DAY OF TSARSKOE SELO (PUSHKIN)”
June
The Program includes the International “Carnival in Tsarskoe Selo”.
Organizers: Department of Culture, Pushkin District Administration (466-62-49, 466-19-91)

6th International Festival “THREE CENTURIES OF CLASSICAL ROMANCE”
June
This chamber music competition gives young artists the opportunity to perform vocal and piano duets along with masters of the opera scene on the best philharmonic stages of St. Petersburg, as well as take part in master classes led by remarkable Russian and foreign pedagogues.
Organizers: “Art-Petersburg” Irina Bogacheva Public Charitable Foundation (314-88-46), Committee for Culture, Rimsky-Korsakov Conservatory

International Traditional Jewish Music Festival “KLEZFEST IN ST. PETERSBURG”
June
Festival participants include internationally recognized klezmer music stars from the USA and Western Europe as well as klezmer groups that have only recently appeared in the countries of the C.I.S. Musicians will share with audience the hidden treasures of Jewish national music.
Organizer: St. Petersburg Jewish Center (713-38-89, 571-64-40)

London Fashion Days
June
Organizer: British Council, “ELLE” Magazine (718-50-64, 969-96-46)

Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov Festival
June
Location: Mikhailovsky Theater
Organizers: Mikhailovsky Theater (595-41-15)

3rd International Festival of Baltic Cities
June
Location: “Baltic House” Theater-Festival
Participants of the festival are Baltic cities, which were historically formed as cultural and educational centers, taking an active part in the intellectual life of their countries
Organizers: Baltic International Festivals Center Foundation, “Baltic House” Theater-Festival (233-09-32, 233-99-36)

Historical Reenactment of Ceremonies at the Peterhof Museum-Reserve
June

Location: Peterhof Museum-Reserve

June 9  Celebrations Dedicated to the Birthday of Peter the Great
June 27 Celebration of the Victory at Poltava
Organizer: Peterhof Museum-Reserve (450-62-23, 450-52-87)

International Music Festival “STEREOLETO”
June – July
Organizer: “Light Music” Production Company (315-49-19, 710-61-38)

15th International Jazz Festival “A WHITE NIGHT’S SWING”
June – July
Locations: Jazz-Philharmonic Hall, Arts Square
The aim of this non-commercial festival is to establish jazz as a serious musical art. White Night’s Swing is the jazz festival conducted on a regular basis and presenting a wide variety of the best jazz musicians from Russia and the C.I.S. countries. The festival is attended by the famous European and American jazz musicians. The Artistic Director - David Goloshchekin.
Organizers: Jazz-Philharmonic Hall (764-98-43, 314-46-37), Committee for Culture

Festival “WHITE NIGHT OF ROMANTIC MUSIC”
June – July
Locations: Shostakovich Academic Philharmonic, Academic Cappella
Night concerts of romantic music performed by excellent musicians, an ascent on the colonnade of St. Isaac’s Cathedral and a boat trip on the rivers and channels of the Northern Venice after concerts will make it possible to feel the romantic appeal of St. Petersburg’s white nights.
Organizers: “Art Assembly” Production Center (346-07-21, 943-63-65, 8-911-923-34-46), Committee for Culture

Festival “ART-PLAJ”
June – August
Location: Beach of Peter and Paul Fortress
Sand Sculpture Show, Open-air Concerts, Concerts of jazz, classical, ethnic and early music, as well as choral and ballet shows will take place on a specially installed, open scenic platform, with a panorama on the Neva and Palace Embankment in the background. The festival is a non-profit, popular event.
Organizers: Museum of the History of St. Petersburg (716-13-73, 498-02-43), Peter and Paul Fortress Club of Friends, “Art Assembly” Production Center

July

10th International Summer Dance Festival “OPEN LOOK – 2008”
July 1 – 10
The goals behind the festival are the integration of different modern movements, the development and promotion of dance as a part of modern culture, and the creative contact between foreign and domestic dancers, choreographers and pedagogues.
Organizers: “Kannon Dance” Center (942-28-73), Committee for Culture

18th Century Russian Poetry Celebration
July 3 – 14
Location: Museum of Poet Derzhavin and Russian Literature of His Period
Organizer: National Pushkin Museum (570-65-11, 575-49-85)

6th International Folklore Blues Festival “THE NEVA’S DELTA”
July 5 – 6
Location: Yusupov Garden
Folklore and blues musicians from all over the world will participate in this festival. The gala concert will take place in the historical center of the city. The festival will finish with a blues jam session, a cruise along the Gulf of Finland and fireworks on the water.
Organizers: St. Petersburg Union of Concerts Workers, “Delta of Neva” Organization (315- 27-48)

8th International Festival “MUSIC OF GREAT HERMITAGE”
July 8 – 11
Location: Great Courtyard of the Hermitage
Organizers: Hermitage Museum, Hermitage Music Academy Foundation (571-50-59, 710-95-43), Committee for Culture

Historical Reenactment of Ceremonies at the Peterhof Museum-Reserve
July

Location: Peterhof Museum-Reserve

July 12  Sts. Peter and Paul Celebration. Religious procession. Concert of Church Music
July 13  Celebrations Dedicated to the Name-day of Empress Alexandra Fedorovna
July 22 Celebrations Dedicated to the Name-day of Empress Maria Fedorovna
Organizer: Peterhof Museum-Reserve (450-62-23, 450-52-87)

Theatrical celebration “ALEXANDER NEVSKY’S WREATH OF GLORY”
July 14
Location: Staraya Ladoga Village of Volkhovsky District, Leningrad Region
Program participants include professional artists and folklore groups from St. Petersburg and the Leningrad region, Moscow and Novgorod.
Organizers: Committee for Culture of Leningrad Region (315-76-76), “Educational Center of Culture and Art” Leningrad’s Regional State Organization (576-30-47), Museum of History, Architecture and Archaeology “Staraya Ladoga”

8th International Empress Maria Fedorovna Flower Festival “IMPERIAL BOUQUET”
July 14, 15
Location: Pavlovsk Museum-Reserve
The festival has become representative of summertime at Pavlovsk. The program includes master classes in flowerpot decoration, floral arranging, floral design and table layouts, opening days of photo exhibitions and a gala concert.
Organizers: “Festivals, Competitions, Holydays” Cultural Foundation, St. Petersburg’s Center of Humanities Programs, Organizing Committee (452-12-14, 494-65-52, 972-38-69)

Traditional Russian Culture Festival, “RUSSIAN TUNE”
July 17 – 25
Locations: Tsarskoe Selo Museum-Reserve
This festival is a historical reconstruction dedicated to the history of Russia in the 16th and 17th centuries.
Organizer: Organizing Committee (577-44-46)

10th Kronshtadt Festival of Ballad Performers “STRINGS OF FORTS”
July 18 – 20
Location: Town of Kronshtadt
Participants of Festival include some thousand authors and performers from St. Petersburg and other regions of Russia, and also foreign guests.
Organizers: Department of Culture Town of Kronshtadt, District Administration, “Meridian” Ballad Performers Club, Organizing Committee (576-90-20)

International Sand Sculpture Festival “CLEAR WATER”
July – August
Location: Beach of Peter and Paul Fortress
Acknowledged masters and teams of sculptors from Russia and more than 20 foreign countries will display their unique creativity. The main themes of the Festival are images of Water, Ecology, Protection of the world environment.
Organizers: Museum of the History of St. Petersburg (8-911-923-34-46, 716-13-73), Peter and Paul Fortress Club of Friends

August

6th International Festival of Choral Art “SINGING WORLD”
August 1 – 6
Locations: City Concert Halls, City Churches and Cathedrals
Choirs and ensembles from Russia and many other countries will take part in the festival. Groups of children and adults, both amateur and professional, will perform music of different epochs, styles and trends in different languages. On August 4th an international contest consisting of two nominations, choirs and ensembles, will take place.
Organizers: Organizing Committee (328-39-21), Committee for Culture

16th Russian Film Festival “WINDOW TO EUROPE”
August 11 – 19
Locations: City of Vyborg, “Vyborg-Palace” Cinema Hall
Festival presents Russian films. Ñompeting prizes in feature, documentary and animated film categories.
Organizers: Federal Agency of Culture and Cinematography, Committee for Culture of the Leningrad Region Government (315-76-76)

9th International Festival of Mail Choirs Quartets “HARMONY”
August 17 – 23
Locations: Academic Cappella, Shostakovich Academic Philharmonic, Rimsky-Korsakov Conservatory, Pavlovsk Museum
Organizers: Federal Agency of Culture and Cinematography, House of Folk Art and Leisure (314-44-95)

Military & Historical Festival “ST. GEORGE DAYS”
August 18 – 19
Location: Staraya Ladoga Village of Volkhovsky District, Leningrad Region,
The festival presents military and historical reconstructions of the 17th century events.
Organizers: Committee for Culture of the Leningrad region (315-76-76), Museum of History, Architecture and Archaeology “Staraya Ladoga” (8-813-63-73-524), “Gardarica” Military and Historical Alliance

A Ceremony Celebrating Russian Flag Day
August 22
Location: Peterhof Museum-Reserve
Organizer: Peterhof Museum-Reserve (450-62-23, 450-52-87)

Celebration of the SAMSON FOUNTAIN
August 31
Location: Peterhof Museum-Reserve
Organizer: Peterhof Museum-Reserve (450-62-23, 450-52-87)

Festival “MIKHAILOVSKY CASTLE”
August
Locations: Russian Museum, Mikhailovsky Castle, Vorontsov’s Palace (Malta Cappella), Gatchina Museum-Reserve
The program includes opera, ballet and drama performances of Russian and West-European classics written about chivalry.
Organizers: Russian Museum, St. Petersburg Concert Workers Union (710-40-76)

Historical Reenactment of Ceremonies at the Peterhof Museum-Reserve
August

Location: Peterhof Museum-Reserve

August 10 Celebration of the Russian Navy Victory in the Battles of Gangoot and near Grengam Island
August 12  Celebrations Dedicated to the Birthday of Tsarevich Alexey
August 14  Blessing of the Waters, Trophies of War; Church rites and military ceremonies
Organizer: Peterhof Museum-Reserve (450-62-23, 450-52-87)

September

13th City Festival of Street Musicians “SINGING NEVSKY”
September 6 – 7
Location: Nevsky Prospect
Organizers: St. Petersburg Music Variety Shows Union (708-79-16), Committee for Culture

CELEBRATION OF THE FOUNTAINS AT PETERHOF
September 13
Location: Peterhof Museum-Reserve
This year’s festival, on the Great Cascade of Peterhof, will include a grand theatrical performance, the illumination of the Lower Park, a festive starting of fountains and numerous pyrotechnical, sound and light effects.
Organizer: Peterhof Museum-Reserve (450-62-23, 450-52-87)

International Tenor’s Competition in Commemoration of Luciano Pavarotti
September 14 – 21
Organizer: Elena Obraztsova Cultural Center (575-72-94, 575-50-38)

International Theater Festival "ALEXANDRINSKY"
September 15 – October 31
Location: Alexandrinsky Theater
Organizer: Alexandrinsky Theater (571-70-67)

Day of St. Petersburg First Year Student
September 27
Location: “Jubileyny” Palace of Sports
The program of the city’s celebration includes performances by the best students’ arts groups, Student Comedy Teams, winners of “ArtStudio” Festival, popular musicians and DJs.
Organizers: St. Petersburg Government, Committee for Youth Policy and NGO Relations (314-65-35), Heads of Universities Council, “St. Petersburg Universities” Foundation (315-16-74)

Governor’s Open Championship Cup Game “WHAT? WHERE? WHEN?”
September
Locations: University of Technology and Design (Concert Hall), Bryantsev Young Spectators’ Theater
Organizers: Committee for Youth Policy and NGO Relations, “What? Where? When?” St. Petersburg Branch of International Association

International Forum “APOSITION”
September
The forum will gather artists from different countries working in various directions of contemporary music and multimedia art.
Organizer: “Aposition” Creative Union (8-911-964-83-51)

October

Traditional Closing Ceremony of the Fountains at Peterhof
October 5
Location: Peterhof Museum-Reserve
Organizer: Peterhof Museum-Reserve (450-62-23, 450-52-87)

International Lyceum Festival “AUTUMN IN TSARSKOE SELO”
October 7 – 19
Location: Tsarskoe Selo Lyceum-Museum
Organizer: National Pushkin Museum (570-65-11, 451-77-92)

7th Festival “INTERNATIONAL WEEK OF CONSERVATORIES”
October 17 – 24
Location: Rimsky-Korsakov Conservatory (Glazunov Concert Hall)
An international forum unequaled in the music world. The festival introduces audience with the traditions and modern achievements of the highest caliber music schools in Russia, Europe, Asia and the USA. Its aim is to integrate the eldest Russian conservatory into the World’s musical process. The festival offers concerts of young talented musicians, playing the wide variety of music from baroque to jazz, musical premiers, open lectures and master classes by the well-known professors from Russia and abroad.
Organizers: Rimsky-Korsakov Conservatory (571-10-74, 570-43-36), Committee for Culture

8th International Chamber Music Festival “NORTHERN FLOWERS”
October 22 – 26
Locations: Shostakovich Academic Philharmonic (Glinka Small Hall), Academic Cappella, Sheremetev Palace
Organizer: Musical Alliance “Northern Flowers” (387-23-32)

14th Presentation of St. Petersburg Supreme Theatrical Award “GOLDEN SOFIT”
October 27
The “Golden Sofit” is awarded to the best St. Petersburg theaters within the last season for creative innovations in various genres of theatrical art.
Organizers: Russian Theater Union (272-94-82), Committee for Culture

18th International Theater Festival “BALTIC HOUSE”
October
Location: “Baltic House” Theater-Festival
Being one of the most significant European theatrical forums, the festival has become an integral part of both St. Petersburg and European cultural life. The festival’s aim is to expand cultural relations between Baltic countries and to promote achievements in modern theater. Participants of the festival are famous European theater directors - recognized leaders of the world theater.
Organizers: Baltic International Festival Center, “Baltic House” Theater-Festival (233-09-32, 233-99-36)

International Prize “BALTIC STAR” for the Developing and Strengthening of Humanitarian Ties in the Countries of the Baltic Region
October
Location: “Baltic House” Theater-Festival
The prize is awarded to culture and art workers, to representatives of official and business circles and to political and public figures living or working in the countries of the Baltic region.
Organizer: Baltic International Festival Center Foundation (233-09-61)

Festival “ETHNIKA”
October
Location: Contemporary Art Center
The festival presents national cuisine from different countries in the world, fire shows, fashion shows of ethnic clothing, exotic types of martial arts, photo and art exhibitions, performances, installations and ethnic trade exhibitions.
Organizers: Sergey Kuryokhin Charitable Foundation, Contemporary Arts Center (322-42-23), Committee for Culture

November

International Festival of Independent Cinema “DEBOSHIR-FILM – 11”
November 3 – 6
Location: Leningrad Palace of Youth
This festival of independent low-budget films presents to the audience film-debuts as well as films inaccessible to the general public due to commercial, political or censorship reasons. Organizers: Studio “Deboshir-Film” (572-10-63), “Pure Dreams” Charity Foundation of St. Petersburg Cinema’s support

“WORLD MUSIC TEREM-FESTIVAL”
November 20 – 30
Locations: Shostakovich Academic Philharmonic, Academic Cappella
The main goal of the festival is to create a welcoming “Terem”, the Russian version of a “crossover”, which brings together different genres: traditional and academic music, jazz, pop and contemporary music, performed by musicians from around the world working in the genres close to the creativity of Terem-Quartet
Organizers: “Friends of “Terem-Quartet” Musical Society (710-40-96, 710-43-14), Committee for Culture

Festival of Electronic Art “ELECTRO MEKHANIKA”
November 21 – 23
Location: Contemporary Art Center
The festival presents the latest trends in modern art and reflects the interaction between cultural space and modern technologies.
Organizer: Sergey Kuryokhin Charitable Foundation, Contemporary Art Center (322-42-23), Committee for Culture

International Competition for Young Fashion Designers “THE ADMIRALTY SPIRE”
November
The program includes fashion shows by both aspiring and established designers, fashionable after-parties and creative discussions.
Organizers: University of Technology and Design, Committee for Youth and NGO Relations (314-65-35), “Podium” Production Center

International Contemporary Music Festival “SOUND WAYS”
November
Organizer: St. Petersburg Composers’ Union (571-35-48)

Art Festival “PRO TOLERANCE”
November
Locations: Kochneva Mansion, Kalinin District Cultural Center, A. Raikin Estrada Theater
Organizer: “Petersburg-Concert” (310-29-84, 710-40-84)

December

8th International Winter Festival “ARTS SQUARE,” dedicated to the 170th birthday of Johannes Brahms
December 14 - 24
Location: Shostakovich Academic Philharmonic
Organizers: Shostakovich Academic Philharmonic (710-42-90, 710-40-85), Russian Museum, Grand Hotel Europe

18th Film Festival «FINNISH CINEMA WEEK»
December
Location: “House of Cinema” Cinema Center
Organizers: Federal Agency of Culture and Cinematography, Consulate General of Finland, “Festival of Festivals” International Film Festival (237-00-72, 237-03-04)

Art Festival “PALETTE IN TSARSKOE SELO”
December
Organizer: Department of Culture, Pushkin District Administration (466-19-91)

“CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL IN TSARSKOE SELO”
December
Organizer: Department of Culture, Pushkin District Administration (466-19-91)