On March 10, violinist Vadim Repin will open the 10th Trans-Siberian Art Festival with a concert in Krasnoyarsk, according to a Siberian regional publication.
The festival center remains Novosibirsk, yet this year expands to Krasnoyarsk, Barnaul, Omsk, and adds performances in St. Petersburg, Samara, and Moscow. Despite tensions between Europe and Russia, a number of European soloists are anticipated to join the program, including Konstantin Lifshitz from Switzerland and Andres Mustonen from Estonia. The festival organizer remarked that over the years a broad network of friends has formed, with many understanding the value of shared cultural ties. Musicians are traveling with open minds, not only for performances but also to enjoy the companionship of trusted colleagues.
Repin highlighted the role of culture during challenging times, emphasizing that the work of musicians and artists acts as a cultural bridge. He expressed hope that his fellow artists will connect through dialogue and collaboration rather than retreat, offering a steady beacon for listeners amid uncertainty.
Earlier reports noted that Repin spoke about his Iranian film Parallax, which earned a grand prize at another festival celebrating cinematic and artistic spirit. This broader dialogue between music and film underscores how artists can cross disciplines to strengthen cultural exchange, even when international relations face strain.