The European Union’s ambassador to Russia Mr. Vygaudas Ušackas attended the 100th anniversary performance of Carmen in NOVAT.
On April 20 Carmen opera featured a distinguished international team. Part of Carmen was performed by Lithuanian singer Justina Gringyte, Ukrainian Dmitro Popov performed the part of Jose. Stars of NOVAT also participated in the performance — Veronika Djioeva as Micaela and Pavel Yankovsky as Escamillo. Mikhail Simonyan, a well-known musician and Novosibirsk native, stood at the conductor’s stand; he is known worldwide as a brilliant violin player and conductor making his meteoric international career.
Mr. Vygaudas Ušackas: «Audience of Novosibirsk is given a unique opportunity to enjoy the production featuring stars of European opera. Today’s performance with participation of Justina Gringyte and Dmitro Popov proves that we are open to cooperation and ready to work on Russia-EU relations. We believe in power of international ties in the field of enlightenment, education and science.»
Mikhail Simonyan, conductor: «It is a great honour for me to come to Novosibirsk, I am grateful to the orchestra, the choir and the soloists of the Theatre. It is a pleasure for me to work with Justina Gringyte and Dmitro Popov, I am heartily glad about the EU ambassador’s visit to NOVAT. We can state with full confidence that musical sphere helps building up the international relations.»