Artists Day was celebrated in Russia for the first time on January 17. At a ceremonial event held at the Pushkin Krasnoyarsk Drama Theatre, the professionals received a range of awards. Among the honourees were Yury Kudryavtsev and Matvey Nikishaev, principal dancers of the Hvorostovsky Krasnoyarsk Opera and Ballet Theatre.

The Minister of Culture of the Krasnoyarsk Region Arkady Zinov presented the ballet stars with Letters of Commendation from the Region’s Governor Mikhail Kotyukov, citing “high professional excellence and a significant contribution to the development of culture in the Krasnoyarsk Region.”

Audience favourites Yury Kudryavtsev and Matvey Nikishaev are renowned for their versatility as dancers and actors, excelling in both classical and contemporary ballet. They are currently working on the title role in the ballet Pushkin, set to the music by Konstantin Borisov and choreographed by Nikita Dmitrievsky. The premiere is scheduled for March 14.