The “Classics on Palace Square” concert, a festive event featuring opera artists from various countries, took place on the evening of May 30th near the Hermitage walls. The concert boasted a diverse program, ranging from classical opera pieces to more modern compositions.

Opera stars from around the globe participated in the event. The lineup included celebrated vocalists, accompanied by the Academic Symphony Orchestra of the Philharmonic, conducted by Artem Abashev.

The evening was divided into two parts, with the first dedicated to classical works. Giuseppe Verdi’s overture to the opera “King for a Day” opened the concert, showcasing a comedic melodrama with disguises and a struggle for power. This segment continued with other melodious Italian numbers, transporting the audience to a richly decorated theater hall.

Performers included Balkan tenor Rame Lahaj, South African-German tenor Sanniboy Dladla, and Kazakh tenor Alikhan Zeinolla. Mezzo-sopranos Victoria Karkacheva and Alina Chertash, soprano Nina Minasyan from Armenia, and “Mariinsky” baritone Vladislav Sulimsky also took the stage.

Sanniboy Dladla performed Tony’s aria from Donizetti’s opera “The Daughter of the Regiment,” demonstrating his mastery of high notes. The audience reacted with delight to this performance, known as “Tenor Everest” due to its nine high C’s.

The program also featured Nina Minasyan performing Elena’s bolero from Verdi’s “Sicilian Vespers,” and Alikhan Zeinolla singing Rossini’s “La danza.” Olga Pudova performed Bellini’s famous cavatina “Casta Diva.”

Soloists Petr Vostokov (trumpet) and Aidar Gainullin (accordion), the St. Petersburg Concert Choir, the Leonid Yakobson Ballet Theatre, dancers from “Vera” (Tyumen), the “Duet” (Perm), and artists from the Federation of Sports Dancing in Wheelchairs also participated in the concert.

Show director Ekaterina Galanova aimed to create a theatrical performance made up of small components conveying special color and emotion, potentially including national elements.

The second part of the concert transitioned to more modern pieces, including Neapolitan and Albanian folk songs, Kurt Weill, Astor Piazzolla, and golden hits from pop and rock.

Before the performance, artists expressed their appreciation for the weather, noting it was ideal for singing. The concert was scheduled to last until 23:15.