Yaroslav Zaboyarkin, Principal Conductor of the New Chamber St. Petersburg Philharmonic Orchestra, sees the orchestra’s India debut at NCPA Mumbai this September as more than a concert—it is an opportunity to build a cultural and emotional bridge between Russia and India through music.
The Mumbai programme gains particular significance as it commemorates the 120th birth anniversary of Dmitri Shostakovich, whose life and work are deeply intertwined with St. Petersburg. Born and educated in the city, Shostakovich composed some of his most important works there, including his Seventh Symphony, which became an enduring symbol of the city’s resilience during the Siege of Leningrad. For Zaboyarkin, Shostakovich is therefore not simply a celebrated composer but an integral part of the cultural memory and identity of St. Petersburg.
He believes the city’s orchestral tradition is distinguished by its emphasis on depth, precision and emotional restraint. Musicians inherit a legacy shaped by conductors such as Evgeny Mravinsky, Arvid Jansons, Mariss Jansons and Yuri Temirkanov, who championed an approach in which every musical detail carries meaning. Rather than relying on spectacle, the tradition places the focus firmly on the quality and emotional depth of sound. This philosophy, Zaboyarkin says, remains central to the New Chamber St. Petersburg Philharmonic Orchestra and continues to influence younger generations of musicians.
His own journey from violinist to conductor has involved learning to earn the trust of experienced colleagues and finding his individual voice on the podium. A significant milestone came in 2019, when Yuri Temirkanov invited him to conduct the St. Petersburg Philharmonic as part of its Debut of a Young Conductor series.
Zaboyarkin also sees young musicians as crucial to ensuring that Russia’s classical heritage remains relevant. While respecting the traditions they inherit, they are increasingly willing to experiment, collaborate across genres and borders, and explore new ways of engaging audiences. In doing so, they become cultural ambassadors, demonstrating that classical music is not remote or elitist, but deeply human and universal.
For Indian audiences, he hopes the Mumbai performances will create a sense of personal connection with music born in St. Petersburg. He views cultural exchange as a two-way process: while the orchestra introduces Indian listeners to its musical heritage, it also looks forward to encountering Indian music and musicians.
Ultimately, Zaboyarkin sees music as a universal language capable of transcending geography and history. The India visit, he hopes, will deepen India-Russia cultural dialogue, foster mutual understanding and spiritual enrichment, and mark the beginning of a continuing musical conversation between the two countries.
Read the full story that first appeared in Robb Report India here:
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