When a wave of grief swept through St. Petersburg, figure skater Ilya Averbukh arrived to offer a sanctuary for those seeking solace. He publicly confirmed through a messaging channel that he would not cancel the ice gala show called Together and Forever in St. Petersburg, signaling his commitment to the audience and the broader skating community during a trying moment for the city. The artist underscored that the event would serve as a gathering point for shared healing and remembrance, and that the performance would carry a spirit of resilience rather than retreat. The intention was clear: every act on stage would be imbued with drama, respect, honor, and memories, and the audience’s applause would provide strength to the injured, to those still in hospital, and to the families touched by the loss. This is what he conveyed to supporters and followers on his official channel, stressing that the show would be a beacon of solidarity for everyone affected by the disaster that had struck.
Averbukh also announced adjustments to the program, noting that the evening would begin with a one minute commemoration ceremony. It would be a solemn yet unifying moment, a time to acknowledge the lives touched by the tragedy and to honor the dignity of all who mourn. The choreographer expressed a belief that the performance could offer a space where viewers could find personal points of support, moments of unity, and a reaffirmation of strength in the face of fear. He urged that the gathering should stand as a manifesto against intimidation and against any attempt to surrender daily life to terror, a stance he described as essential to preserve civic courage and communal hope. The message was not merely about entertainment; it was about collective resolve and the power of art to affirm human dignity in dark times.
The event was scheduled for March 26 in St. It was planned to take place at the Yubileiny sports complex in St. Petersburg. Initially, the gala show was to mark the 50th birthday of Ilya Averbukh, a milestone that added an extra layer of significance to the performance as a tribute to his long career and the role he has played in the skating world. As preparations proceeded, the surrounding atmosphere was strained by the shock of recent events, yet organizers and performers remained committed to delivering a meaningful experience that would help the community begin to move forward with courage and grace.
Earlier in the week, a terrorist attack had shaken the country at the Crocus City Hall concert hall in Krasnogorsk. On the evening of March 22, gunmen entered the venue and opened fire on spectators. The ensuing chaos included explosions and a fire, prompting emergency responses and a swift investigative effort. The Investigative Committee of the Russian Federation opened a criminal case relating to the attack, classifying it under the country’s terrorism statutes and signaling a serious national security concern that stretched beyond a single city. The incident prompted widespread discussions about safety at public events, emergency preparedness, and the resilience of communities to recover after such deliberate acts of violence. It sparked an outpouring of support from across the country for those affected and led to scrutiny of security measures that aim to prevent a recurrence of such incidents.
In the aftermath, others in the performing arts sphere faced cancellations as a precautionary response. Gazmanov postponed all March concerts in light of the Crocus incident, reflecting a broader pattern where artists and organizers weighed the risks to audiences and staff while honoring the memory of those affected. The decision underscored a shared sense of responsibility within the cultural sector to prioritize safety, while still seeking ways to bring people together through music, dance, and tribute. This period of reflection highlighted the delicate balance between continuing public performances and recognizing the gravity of national tragedies, with many communities looking for tangible gestures of solidarity and resilience that could help heal those who have suffered losses.