International Interuniversity Youth Project for Culture and Humanities

OPERA&PoDIUM

Every year, students from SPbSUITD and the Rimsky-Korsakov Conservatory try their hand at working on a real-world project to prove their professionalism.

Concept

of the project

The First Step onto the Big Stage

We bring together talented opera singers and creative designers into interdisciplinary teams to stage full-scale opera performances.

Classic Masterpieces Through the Eyes of the Youth

Timeless plots of classical opera take on a new life, fueled by the energy of young performers and designers.

Investing in the Future of Russian Culture

The international project "OPERA & PODIUM" is a launching pad for young talents. We develop an innovative format of collaboration between creative universities, preserving traditions while integrating modern technologies into performing arts.

History

of the project

Each creative season of the "Opera & Podium" project features a specific theme. This approach not only provides unique inspiration for directors, designers, and performers, but also sets a special atmosphere for the audience — the spectators and guests of our musical evenings and concerts.

2026, Season IV

Coming Soon

2025, Season III

Heroic pages of Russian history

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2024, Season II

Fairy tail in Russian Opera

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2023, season I

Debut season of the project

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Leaders

of the project

Meet the experts who help the participants blend the grandeur of opera and the aesthetics of the runway into a single theatrical performance.

Meet the Mentors

Yury Laptev

Artistic Director of the Project, People's Artist of Russia, Professor, Head of the Department of Musical Theatre Directing at the N.A. Rimsky-Korsakov St. Petersburg State Conservatory, PhD in Philosophy.

Miras Nurzhanov

Musical Director of the Project, Conductor, Laureate of International Competitions.

V. A. Khaprov

Head of the Department of Theater and Concert Management and International Relations at the N.A. Rimsky-Korsakov St. Petersburg State Conservatory.

A. Yu. Pastukhov

Head of International Integration and Educational Programs at the St. Petersburg State University of Industrial Technologies and Design.

G. I. Kiseleva

Inspirational Visionary of the Project and Lifelong Mentor for Soloists — Professor of the Department of Solo Singing at the N.A. Rimsky-Korsakov St. Petersburg State Conservatory, Honored Artist of Russia.

P. A. Demidov

The indispensable host of all the Project’s gala concerts and Lifelong Mentor for Young Directors — Lecturer at the Department of Musical Theatre Directing at the N.A. Rimsky-Korsakov St. Petersburg State Conservatory.

L. A. Karpova

Executive Director of the Project, Head of the Office for International Projects and Educational Programs at the St. Petersburg State University of Industrial Technologies and Design.

K. V. Kaisheva

Team Coach, St. Petersburg State University of Industrial Technologies and Design.

Continuing

education

We offer tailored professional development programs, as well as customized individual and group internships, lectures, and informational courses.

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Creative Industries Management: for educators, 258 hours

Creative Industries Management: for students, 24 hours

News

of the project

Stay tuned for the main events of the "Opera & Podium" project. Read about past premieres, brilliant performances, behind-the-scenes rehearsals, and key announcements for upcoming seasons.

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November 18, 2025

November 18 The Rotunda of the Mariinsky Palace was filled to capacity for an evening

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November 6, 2025

November 6 At the Youth House of the Vasileostrovsky District, the musical evening of the

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May 16, 2025

May 16 The Gala Concert of the third season of “Opera & Podium” was held

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December 17, 2024

December 17 The Youth House of the Vasileostrovsky District hosted a highly successful New Year’s

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