Whether you're a cultural aficionado or a self-confessed philistine, Moscow has something for everyone this weekend, be it dabbling in haute culture or kicking back to rock.
The quadrennial International Tchaikovsky Festival, which this year marks the 175th anniversary of Tchaikovsky's birth, is a major platform for up-and-coming musicians aiming to become tomorrow's superstars in the world of classical music. It consists of five disciplines — piano, violin, vocal, cello and violin making. The competition consists of three rounds and will feature works by Russian and foreign composers, played by performers of the highest standard.
Moscow's film buffs also have a treat lined up for them: the 37th Moscow International Film Festival starts this weekend. Featuring films from all over the world, the festival will see 12 films compete in the main competition. There will also be separate categories for documentary films and short films, as well as special programs including Turkish and Bulgarian film, and women in cinema.
Finally, there is something for the animal-lover in us all. On Sunday a festival will take place at the VDNKh exhibition center in support of homeless animals. Titled "Khochu Domoi" ("I Want to Go Home"), the festival offers attendees the chance to not only listen to some great live music, including Andrei Makarevich, frontman of Russia's oldest still-running rock band Mashina Vremeni, but also to adopt a dog — for free.
The International Tchaikovsky Competition takes place at the Moscow Conservatory and runs until July 3rd. Tickets are available from mosconsv.ru.
Tickets for the Moscow International Film Festival, which runs from June 19-26, are available from one day before each film's screening at moscowfilmfestival.ru.
Tickets for "Khochu Domoi" are available at vdnh.ru or kassa.rambler.ru.
