• Start date:  04.06.2026
• End date:  04.06.2026
• RU:  Шедевры классики и синергия науки: «Сочинский диалог» провел концерт в рамках культурной программы на ПМЭФ-2026
• DE:  Meisterwerke der Klassik und Synergie der Wissenschaft: Das Forum „Sotschi-Dialog“ veranstaltete ein Konzert im Rahmen des Kulturprogramms des SPIEF 2026
• Status: Completed

A highlight of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum’s cultural programme was “A Challenge to the Senses: A Concert Marking the 270th Anniversary of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart,” an evening presented by the Russian-Austrian Civil Society Forum Sochi Dialogue. Organized jointly with the Vyzov Foundation for the Development of Scientific and Cultural Relations, the event took place in the historic halls of the St. Petersburg State Academic Capella.

The programme embodied one of the central ideas explored throughout the Forum’s discussions—the synergy between fundamental academic knowledge and the highest traditions of artistic expression.

The evening opened with welcoming remarks by Maria Matveeva, Director of the Sochi Dialogue. She emphasized the importance of preserving strong scientific and cultural ties and creating a shared intellectual space where new ideas and meaningful dialogue can flourish.

The first part of the programme featured a special lecture by Alexey Semikhatov, Doctor of Physical and Mathematical Sciences, distinguished scientist, and renowned science communicator. In his lecture, “The Universe as a Score and a Performance,” he invited the audience to view the laws of physics and the cosmos through the prism of musical harmony, offering a compelling introduction to the evening’s musical programme.

The concert featured outstanding performances by Natalia Pavlova and Andrei Serov, soloists of the Mariinsky Theatre, accompanied by the theatre’s string quartet. Guests enjoyed a rich programme of masterpieces from the international classical repertoire.

In celebration of the great composer’s anniversary, a special place was given to the music of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. The string quartet performed the first and fourth movements of Eine kleine Nachtmusik, while the soloists presented celebrated arias and the duet from Don Giovanni.

The programme continued with gems of the Italian and Slavic operatic traditions, including memorable arias from Giacomo Puccini’s Gianni Schicchi, Gaetano Donizetti’s L'elisir d'amore, and Antonín Dvořák’s Rusalka. A spirited performance of Johannes Brahms’s Hungarian Dance No. 5 provided a vibrant contrast, before the evening concluded with the dramatic arias of Marguerite and Mephistopheles from Charles Gounod’s Faust.

Bringing together academic inquiry and exceptional musical artistry, the evening offered guests a truly distinctive cultural experience as part of the Forum’s programme. We extend our sincere gratitude to everyone who joined us in celebrating the enduring dialogue between science and the arts.

 The photographs and videos from the event are now available. Follow the link to explore more highlights and relive the atmosphere of this memorable evening.