The Gala Concert of the third season of “Opera & Podium” was held with great success in the Concert Hall of the University of Industrial Technologies and Design. Young performers took the stage to a full house. Renowned cultural figures from various countries, teachers, opera enthusiasts, as well as friends and family of the performers, warmly welcomed every scene presented. The theme of heroic defenders of Russia was central to this creative season. Choosing the repertoire and bringing it to life on stage was a complex and responsible challenge for the young directors, designers, and performers. They were supported by the immense creative and pedagogical contribution of the Artistic Director of the project, People’s Artist of Russia Yuri Laptev, Musical Director and Conductor Miras Nurzhanov, and other mentors and teachers who worked alongside the students on the selected musical scenes and compositions. Historical tableaux of Russia across different centuries came alive before the audience—from Prince Igor to Peter the Great, from the tragic events of the 1812 Patriotic War to the heroic pages of the Great Patriotic War. As tradition, a team of Chinese students—performers and designers—participated, presenting a musical composition from the opera The Dawns Here Are Quiet by contemporary Chinese composer Tang Jiangping. The composer attended the Gala Concert in person and witnessed how his music, brought to life by the brilliant young opera performers, allowed the audience to see and feel the horrors endured by the young women and their commander during wartime. The high professional level of the student teams, creative directing choices, exquisite costumes, sets, makeup, and performances made the concert spectacular, moving, and unforgettable.