2023 is dedicated to the 150th anniversary of the great opera singer Fyodor Chaliapin. The appearance of Fyodor Ivanovich on the opera stage meant a revolution in the musical performance arts: he skillfully combined singing and dramatic art and cherished the opportunity to pass on his art to future generations.
On February 16, 2023, the Rossotrudnichestvo Representative Office in Rome (“Russian House”) hosted a round table “The Life Path and Creative Heritage of Fyodor Chaliapin in Russia and Italy”. The organizer is the Russian House in Rome with the support of the Eurasian Peoples' Assembly. Director of the Russian House Daria Pushkova delivered a welcoming speech.
The discussion was attended by prominent cultural figures, including: Mikhail Bryzgalov - General Director of the Russian National Museum of Music; Dmitry Shtodin - Consul General of the Russian Federation in Milan; as well as Roberta Paganelli, a researcher in musical and theatrical art. The Eurasian Peoples’ Assembly was represented by Elmira Shcherbakova, Deputy Head of the General Secretariat, Chairman of the Council for International Cultural Cooperation of the Eurasian Peoples’ Assembly.
All participants of the round table talked about the genuine talent of Fyodor Chaliapin, his role in shaping the art of Russia and Italy at the turn of the century. Many pages in the life of the singer and his family are linked with Italy, as Chaliapin was married first to the Italian ballerina Iola Tornaga, and in Milan Chaliapin made his debut as a guest star from Russia, immediately winning the musical Milan.
The round table ended with a video about the exhibition "Bravo, Chaliapin!" at the Russian National Museum of Music.