Markevich speaks on significant Union State projects in the field of culture

– What initiatives are we talking about?

– As an example, I'll cite the unique production "Pathétique Memory Book" by our Bolshoi Theater. We know how much this work interested Belarusian audiences, so we offered it to our colleagues.

In September 2025, the musical performance "Every Third" premiered at the Kremlin Palace. We showed the full horror of war, the atrocities of the fascist machine, aimed at exterminating the Slavic population. It depicts pain, tragedy, and, at the same time, the courage of the Belarusian people, who, having overcome all trials, achieved the Great Victory at an incredible cost. Projects like these impress audiences.

– As well as events at the Slavianski Bazaar in Vitebsk, the national holiday "Kupalle" ("Alexandria Gathers Friends")... In addition, the Belarusian-Russian Youth Symphony Orchestra has performed successfully in both Moscow and Minsk.

– Yes. The ensemble, which consists of talented musicians from both countries, has existed since 2008. There have been brief hiatus, but the project has been revived by its new director, People's Artist of the Russian Federation Yuri Bashmet. Now, 90 young men and women perform successfully in both Russia and Belarus, learning from the masters and, inspired by them, delivering virtuoso performances on stage. It's important for young people to join the orchestra and learn from the maestro.

Perhaps two concerts in Moscow and one in Minsk are not enough. After thorough rehearsals, the young performers have become friends, a single organism, a family – and now it's time to say goodbye. That's why we're thinking about having more performances in both Russia and Belarus.

– Perhaps it would make sense to hold concerts not only in Minsk, but also, for example, in Brest, Vitebsk...

– There is a rational grain in that. We proposed organizing such an evening in St. Petersburg. Now we are talking about other regions of Russia and, of course, Belarus. We have plans, and I think we will get there. Any event requires funding – the 2026 budget has already been drawn up, but we will try to expand our geography later.

– The 35th anniversary International Arts Festival "Slavianski Bazaar in Vitebsk" will take place in July. It traditionally features a Union State concert. Is the program ready? Should we expect any innovations?

– The Union State Days, part of the "Slavianski Bazaar," always generate genuine interest among the public. We strive to hold events at the highest level, inviting the most renowned and talented artists from Belarus and Russia. This year will be no exception. We're preparing very seriously, considering various conceptual approaches. As always, we're not limiting ourselves to just one day. This year, the main concert will be dedicated to the anniversaries that 2026 is rich in – composers, actors, and musical works… These include Vladimir Mulyavin, Andrei Mironov, Alexander Zatsepin, and Vladimir Gostyukhin, as well as the songs "Vologda" and "My Address is the Soviet Union."

This is only a small part of what we're planning. We want to highlight distinguished figures who have made a significant contribution to the development of art, those who inspire culture in both countries. The script is already in place and is being discussed. I am confident that the upcoming concert, like the previous ones, will bring many positive emotions to the six-thousand-seat hall of the Vitebsk Summer Amphitheater.

– Have you prepared something unique for young audiences?

– Of course! The traditional "Union State for Children" event will be held at the Vitebsk Concert Hall, where a circus program will be presented. The Belarusian State Circus, along with its regular acts, will provide theatrical performances, live sound, music, and ballet. Artists from Russia will also be actively participating. For example, the Beznoskov troupe will be performing a captivating program. The show revolves around a boy named Vanya who visits his grandmother in the countryside during the summer. He has no gadgets or a computer, but his grandmother is a former famous circus performer. She teaches her grandson various tricks. After a while, the boy becomes inspired, wants to become like his grandmother and create something new. Perhaps this performance will encourage circus managers and children to attach greater importance to this art form.

– What other interesting things are planned for the festival?

– We're planning a large jazz concert, using two venues. One is at the Vitebsk Philharmonic, the other is in Zdravnevo, Ilya Repin's estate. It's a wonderful place. We visited it last year with our colleagues. Naturally, everyone was deeply impressed: the scenery is beautiful, with a river and spreading trees – a ready-made backdrop!

The performance will take place outdoors. A light podium, wonderful music... We saw a similar approach in Tatarstan at the jazz festival in the park. I think lovers of this art will enjoy it.

– What about the "Kupalle" festival ("Alexandria Gathers Friends"), which brings together cultural figures from different regions of the Union State? Apparently, its concept is already being discussed?

– The name itself suggests that friends gather at this unique place. People want to share their creativity and skills, show off the riches of their region, how it lives, and what customs and achievements it is proud of. The concert program includes a compilation of cultural heritage. This year, we want to expand the public space – we're discussing this possibility with the Mogilev Regional Executive Committee.

The event will be dedicated to both the Year of Belarusian Women in our country and the Year of Unity of the Peoples of the Russian Federation in the neighboring country. The theme of friendship, collaboration between creative groups, and respect for the traditions of peoples and women will be a common thread running through the festival.

– Are you planning to invite artists from the regions?

– Yes. They will be professional, but perhaps less well-known. And this isn't a negative, but rather a positive: new faces, genres, and performances. Perhaps we'll be able to discover a star that will shine even brighter.

– Anatoly Mechislavovich, April 2 is a holiday widely celebrated in both countries...

– People's Unity Day in Belarus and Russia is a date that symbolizes integration, camaraderie, good relations between people, love for art, and for the land we live in. Events are held in various formats and at various venues. In Belarus, they are held in all regions.

The culmination of the celebration is a major concert program at the Palace of the Republic. There's also an exhibition there presenting the most important events of 2025 and 2026 within the Union State.

We wanted to show how interesting and diverse our lives are.