The New York Times.

From music to drama

The Cherry Orchard Festival, theater and staged plays deemed appropriate by the Soviet state. After the demise of the Soviet Union, the theater turned into a dramatic institution worthy of export. It began touring abroad, investing in subtitles.

Tour producer Elena Geraseva said they chose «Eugene Onegin» for the U.S. tour because it combines all that is great in Russian culture. «With immortal text by Russia’s most beloved writer, Alexander Pushkin, stage directing by the artistic director of the theater, Rimas Tuminas, and a stellar cast, it is one of the best productions in Russia,» Geraseva said.

Featuring music by Tchaikovsky and Shostakovich, along with Russian and French folk songs, this production of «Onegin» is a daring display of theater.

The Cherry Orchard Festival wraps up with piano recitals (June 14 in Cambridge, June 17 in Maryland) by Russian pianist Denis Matsuev, who recently performed in the closing ceremony of the Sochi Olympics. The Cherry Orchard Festival Foundation, a registered nonprofit organization, aims to bring the best contemporary artists to new audiences. Marquee names and top-notch performances bring more people, and the organizers hope to attract more private sponsors who share the desire to build stronger international ties through art.