The First Sochi Classical Music Festival: “Opera in the Mountains”

Opera in the Mountains: A Symphony of Emotion.

The core idea of the event was to bring classical art into bold new settings — amplifying its drama and visual presence. A custom production of Carmen, created exclusively for the festival, blended classic staging with cutting-edge technology — immersing the audience in the opera’s emotional world.

The fusion of theatrical design and the mountain’s natural energy deepened the opera’s impact — making it vivid and tangible for every viewer.

An Immersive Production.

The stage — set 1,050 meters above sea level — became both a physical and emotional summit where art met nature. A scenic alpine backdrop enveloped the audience, and when paired with music, created a truly one-of-a-kind atmosphere.

This wasn’t just a show — it was an experience that began even before the performers took the stage.

Emotion in Close-Up.

Using advanced technology, the performance was live-streamed in real time — allowing viewers to see close-up details typically missed from traditional seating.

Videographers became part of the show — capturing and displaying every expression and nuance, making the opera even more intimate and emotionally rich.

Sunset and Music: Opera at Altitude.

Director Ilya Ustyantsev incorporated immersive theatre elements — creating the feeling of presence not just from the seats, but from within the audience itself.

Gypsies, soldiers, and other characters moved throughout the space, blurring the line between audience and performance. This made every moment unforgettable — and deeply personal.

This project became a milestone for our agency, iMARUSSIA! — showcasing our ability to deliver not just corporate events but cultural experiences of the highest caliber that leave a lasting impression.