On the 50th Anniversary of Evgenii Malygin: Three Decades of Dedication to St. Petersburg Culture

On August 2, 2025, Evgenii Malygin, General Manager of the St. Petersburg Opera, celebrates his 50th birthday. For over 30 years, his professional life has been inextricably linked to the theatre, where he rose from Senior Administrator to the steadfast leader shaping the strategy of one of Russia’s premier musical institutions.

Since assuming leadership in 2013, E. Malygin has implemented landmark projects that strengthened the theatre’s standing. His managerial talent forged a highly professional, cohesive team that executes major initiatives to preserve cultural heritage sites under the theatre’s stewardship: the von Derviz Mansion (33–35 Galernaya Street) and the Communications Workers’ Palace of Culture (58 Bolshaya Morskaya Street).

In repertoire development, E. Malygin and Yuri Alexandrov, Founder, Artistic Director, and People’s Artist of Russia, prioritize unique productions such as Bizet’s Ivan the Terrible (world premiere), Marschner’s The Vampire, and Dargomyzhsky’s Esmeralda. Audience expansion initiatives include children’s performances, chamber concerts in the Red Drawing Room, and tours of the historic von Derviz Mansion.

The theatre leads in technological innovation and digital integration. Online broadcasts, virtual tours, and vertical format videos (the "Opera in the Mansion" project, laureate of the "Culture Online – 2023" award) have enhanced artistic accessibility.

Under E. Malygin’s direction, the theatre’s international activities span 18 countries. Notably, the 2024 tours to Hungary and Serbia marked the first performances by a Russian state theatre in the EU after sanctions were introduced. The theatre actively collaborates with Russian Cultural Centres abroad and participated in opening Russia’s cultural program at Expo-2020 Dubai.

E. Malygin has been honored with state and departmental awards, including the Rossotrudnichestvo Commemorative Badge "For Friendship and Cooperation" (2025), the Russian Minister of Culture’s Letter of Gratitude (2024), and the St. Petersburg Governor’s Letter of Appreciation (2020).

The St. Peterburg Opera wholeheartedly congratulates Evgenii Malygin on his jubilee! His dedication, strategic vision, and ability to harmonize tradition with innovation provide a steadfast foundation for future achievements in service of Russian culture.