Maestro Bashmet’s “Tchaikovsky’s Way” Brings Composer’s Life to the Screen in Urgent TV Premiere
Moscow, Russia – October 26, 2023 – A sweeping television event celebrating the life and music of Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky is set to captivate audiences across Russia. From October 28th to November 1st, the Russia-Culture TV channel will premiere a series of unique concerts, “Tchaikovsky’s Way,” under the artistic direction of the legendary People’s Artist of the USSR, Yuri Bashmet. This isn’t just a concert series; it’s a journey through the heart of Russia, tracing the footsteps of a musical genius. This is breaking news for classical music enthusiasts and a significant cultural moment for Russia, timed to coincide with the 185th anniversary of Tchaikovsky’s birth.
A Pilgrimage Through Tchaikovsky’s Russia
“Tchaikovsky’s Way” isn’t confined to concert halls. The project, which began in 2022 but gains significant momentum this year, takes viewers on a visual and auditory pilgrimage to locations deeply connected to Tchaikovsky’s life and work. Each concert is filmed on location, immersing the audience in the atmosphere that inspired the composer. The series begins on October 28th at the Pleshcheyevo Estate in Podolsk, where the project first took root, and will culminate on November 1st in St. Petersburg’s Great Philharmonic Hall – the very stage where Tchaikovsky last conducted.
Star-Studded Performances and Artistic Depth
The concert series boasts an extraordinary lineup of Russia’s most celebrated artists. Konstantin Khabensky, Olga Litvinova, Sergei Garmash, Evgeny Mironov, and many others lend their talents to performances interwoven with Tchaikovsky’s own words, drawn from his intimate correspondence with Nadezhda von Meck. Musical performances feature virtuosos like Pavel Milyukov and Alexander Ramm on violin, alongside the Chamber Ensemble “Moscow Soloists” led by Bashmet himself. The Demyanovo Estate concert features a stunning production of Tchaikovsky’s opera Iolanta, reimagined by Bashmet, with rising stars from the Bolshoi Theater’s Youth Opera Program.
Beyond the Music: A Documentary Companion
To enrich the viewing experience, each concert will be preceded by segments from a documentary film, “Tchaikovsky’s Way,” hosted by Alexander Malich. Malich will explore the historical context of Tchaikovsky’s life, visiting key locations and offering insights into the composer’s personal struggles and artistic triumphs. Bashmet will also share his unique perspective on Tchaikovsky’s music, delving into the emotional depth and enduring power of his Sixth Symphony – a work often considered his masterpiece.
Zaryadye Park and a Farewell in Vladimir
The journey continues to Moscow’s Zaryadye Park, where the State Symphony Orchestra “New Russia” performed a spectacular concert in September 2025 (as broadcast), featuring Albina Shagimuratova and Dmitry Masleev. The series then moves to the estate of the Gruzinsky princes in Vladimir, a poignant location as it was one of Tchaikovsky’s last stops before his untimely death. Here, the focus shifts to his intimate romances, performed by Ramilya Baimukhametova and Nikolai Zemlyanskikh.
A Climactic Finale in St. Petersburg
The series reaches its crescendo in St. Petersburg with a performance of Tchaikovsky’s Sixth Symphony, the “Pathétique,” by the Orchestra of the Two Capitals – a unified ensemble of musicians from Moscow and St. Petersburg. This performance, held in the Great Hall of the St. Petersburg Philharmonic, is particularly resonant, marking the 132nd anniversary of Tchaikovsky’s final performance on that very stage. Boris Berezovsky will deliver a breathtaking rendition of Tchaikovsky’s Piano Concerto No. 1.
“Tchaikovsky’s Way” is more than just a television series; it’s a national celebration of a composer whose music continues to move and inspire generations. The project, supported by the Presidential Fund for Cultural Initiatives, demonstrates a commitment to preserving and promoting Russia’s rich cultural heritage. For classical music lovers, this is a must-watch event, offering a unique and deeply moving experience. Stay tuned to Russia-Culture TV from October 28th to November 1st to embark on this unforgettable journey with Maestro Bashmet and the stars of Russian art.
