The international professional music Award BRAVO gathered participants from 11 countries

On April 14, 2026, the VIII International Professional Music Award BRAVO (BRAVO) brought together outstanding classical music performers from Russia, Brazil, the United Arab Emirates, China, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Belarus, Egypt, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Lebanon on the historical stage of the Bolshoi Theater.

By tradition, Russian President Vladimir Putin sent greetings to the participants and guests of the BRAVO Award: "Your bright, impressive project rightfully enjoys the interested attention of art connoisseurs and lovers, generously gives them the joy of meeting recognized world stars and young, talented artists. By bringing together participants from Russia and many foreign countries, the BRAVO Award serves to develop international humanitarian cooperation and strengthen personal and human contacts."

Tatiana Golikova, Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation, read out a telegram from the head of state from the stage of the Bolshoi Theater, adding: "Music speaks to us in the language of respect, trust, and mutual understanding. <...> We are grateful to the countries that sent their representatives to the award, who once again emphasize the multipolarity of the cultural space and at the same time the importance of preserving the national traditions of each country."

The winners of the VIII International Professional Music Award BRAVO (BRAVO) are:

• "World Star" – Aida Garifullina (soprano, Russia)
• "The best classical male vocal" – Ildar Abdrazakov (bass-baritone, Russia)
• Special nomination "For contribution to world musical culture" – People's Artist of the USSR and the Russian Federation Vladimir Vasiliev
• "Best Classical Female Vocal Performance" – Dilara Idrisova (soprano, Russia)
• "Discovery of the Year" – Vladimir Vishnevsky (piano, Russia)
• Ballet of the Year – Swan Lake, Tatar Opera and Ballet Theater, awarded to Andrey Anikhanov and Vladimir Vasiliev, musical director and conductor of the Tatar Academic State Opera and Ballet Theater named after M. Jalil
• Opera of the Year – Aleko, Sevastopol Opera and Ballet Theatre, awarded to the director of the opera, People's Artist of the Russian Federation Ildar Abdrazakov
• Classic Album of the Year – Eric Mirzoyan (duduk, Russia)
• Orchestra of the Year – The Moscow State Symphony Orchestra conducted by Ivan Rudin
• Conductor of the Year – Nicholas Mann (UAE)
• Concert/Theater Venue of the Year – Bolshoi Theater of Russia
• Special nomination "For the support of classical art" – Gazprombank
• "Classical composition in a modern performance" – Denis Matsuev (piano, Russia)
• Special nomination "Composer of the Year" – Valery Voronov (Belarus)
• Classical performer from the partner country, China - Ming Rui (piano)
• Classical performer from the partner country, Saudi Arabia - Marwan Fagi (tenor)
• Classical performer from the partner country, South Africa - Naomi Tagg (electric violin)
• The classical performer from the partner country, Belarus, is the Bolshoi Theatre of Belarus, the artistic director of the Bolshoi Theatre of Belarus, the conductor of the opera, the People's Artist of the Republic of Bashkortostan Artem Makarov was awarded
• Classical performer from the partner country, Egypt - Mohamed Saleh (oboe)
• Classical performer from the partner country, Kazakhstan - Alikhan Beisekov (tenor)
• Classical performer from the partner country, Kyrgyzstan - Elnura Muktarbek (soprano)
• A classic performer from the partner country, Lebanon - Roni Barrack (darbuka, drums)

The BRAVO Award is one of the largest events in the world of classical music. The ceremony featured works by the greatest composers, national music of the participating countries, as well as compositions in the style of Radio Monte Carlo, an invariable partner of the award.

"The BRAVO Award is a creative platform where you can freely talk about important social initiatives, good deeds, and charity. We try to support those who find themselves in a difficult situation. And taking this opportunity, I would like to encourage other media resources that have the ability to convey information to a large number of people to join our initiative. Use your financial and media capabilities to support such actions. And then we will definitely achieve excellent results in preserving peace and universal well—being," said Sergey Bunin, Head of the BRAVO Award Organizing Committee, Chairman of the Board of Directors, President of the Russian Media Group.

In addition to the laureates, this year the Bolshoi Theater's prima ballerina, People's Artist of the Russian Federation Svetlana Zakharova, Brazilian ballet couple Amanda Gomez and Wagner Carvalho, Russian ballet dancer Artemy Belyakov, Belarusian mezzo-soprano Daria Gorozhanko, Russian opera singer took to the stage with performances illustrating the best examples of classical music. Mezzo-soprano Agunda Kulayeva, People's Artist of the Russian Federation Dmitry Malikov, as well as violinist from Donetsk Maria Polozova, who performs under the patronage of Yuri Kiselyov, a member of the Board of Directors of the Russian Media Group. The ceremony was hosted by Elena Sever and Vyacheslav Makarov.