The concept was originally envisioned by renowned Russian religious philosopher Dr. Sergey Dvoryanov, who will also author the opera’s libretto.
Armani Burj Khalifa
A landmark Indo-Russian artistic collaboration was officially unveiled at a grand ceremony held at the prestigious Armani Hotel, Burj Khalifa. The event marked the announcement of a historic musical undertaking: the creation of Mahabharata, the world’s first opera based on the iconic Indian epic. This visionary project will be composed by acclaimed Russian maestro Igor Evard, with the full support of Indian music composer and cultural leader Dr. Jaan Nissar Lone.
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The concept was originally envisioned by renowned Russian religious philosopher Dr. Sergey Dvoryanov, who will also author the opera’s libretto. The realization of this grand cultural project is being made possible through the support and collaboration of Dr. Jaan Nissar Lone, Global President of the BRICS Cultural Media Forum (BCMF) and founder of the ARMS Record Label.
Blending classical Western operatic traditions with the rich tapestry of Indian musical heritage, Mahabharata – The Opera is set to become a unique artistic milestone that fosters cultural dialogue between East and West. The project, still in its early stages, has already attracted the attention of leading figures in the world of opera. A key moment was a creative discussion held between Dr. Dvoryanov, Igor Evard, and Alexey Frandetti, Artistic Director of the State Academic Bolshoi Opera and Ballet Theater of Uzbekistan named after Alisher Navoi.
The initiative was made possible under the cultural diplomacy efforts of the BRICS Cultural Media Forum, led by its Global President Dr. Lone and Vice President Dr. Dvoryanov. Their leadership, along with the presence of global dignitaries from the arts and diplomatic sectors at the launch, emphasized the project’s global significance.
*Igor Evard: A Luminary of Russian Music*
Igor Evard is one of Russia’s most celebrated composers, as well as a screenwriter, director, and cultural thinker. Over three decades, he has made significant contributions to contemporary classical music, cinematic scoring, and cross-cultural compositions. A Knight of the M. Balakirev Order, winner of multiple international music awards, and an Honorary Citizen of Russia, Evard is also the founder of the international competition Composer XXI and editor-in-chief of Playing from the Start. Da Capo al Fine—Russia’s leading music journal.
Now, with Mahabharata, Evard ventures into the world of Indian mythology, reimagining this timeless narrative through the language of opera and a global musical perspective.
*Dr. Jaan Nissar Lone: Championing Cultural Fusion Through Music*
Dr. Jaan Nissar Lone, the force behind India’s iconic ARMS Record Label, is known for his deeply emotional compositions and cross-border collaborations. A visionary in cultural diplomacy, Lone has used music as a bridge to connect civilizations. His support of Mahabharata – The Opera ensures the project remains rooted in Indian spiritual and musical traditions, while inviting a global audience into its narrative.
*BRICS Cultural Media Forum: Promoting Arts for Peace*
The BRICS Cultural Media Forum, a platform that unites global cultures through art, has embraced this project as part of its mission to promote arts for peace. Speaking at the event, the leadership of the Forum highlighted music’s extraordinary ability to dissolve boundaries and act as a unifying force in today’s fragmented world.
The opera will be staged as a multi-phase international project, with performances planned across the globe at peace forums and cultural summits. Combining Vedic philosophy, multilingual librettos, and a globally diverse cast of performers, Mahabharata – The Opera aims to become a universal hymn of harmony and humanity.
As the lights of the Burj Khalifa sparkled in tribute to this cultural milestone, it was evident that Mahabharata – The Opera is more than a musical production. It is a profound call for unity, truth, and peace—resonating from Moscow to Mumbai, and from the peaks of the Himalayas to the vibrant heart of Dubai.
