Moscow’s Summer of Music: Top Festivals for Music Lovers in 2025
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This year, there are several big events that will offer incredible performances, beautiful venues, a unique combination of classical, jazz, folk, and contemporary music. If you are a music lover, check out some of this summer's music festivals in Russia in 2025.
Moscow’s Summer Music Festival “Zaryadye”
From June 2 to July 6, the third Moscow Summer Music Festival “Zaryadye” will take place in the amazing Zaryadye Concert Hall. This big event involves over 60 Russian and international ensembles, with repretoire from classical masterpieces to jazz, folk and contemporary music. Audiences can enjoy world premieres, anniversary programs, and cross-genre concerts.
Visitors have the opportunity to experience the full cycle of Tchaikovsky’s symphonies performed by the Mariinsky Theatre under Valery Gergiev. The festival also presents a special jazz concert with the Big Jazz Orchestra under the direction of Petr Vostokov, performing Saint-Saëns' "The Carnival of the Animals" with amazing video projections.
The festival opens with “Opera and Tango,” led by the world-famous bass-baritone Erwin Shrott and the Moscow State Symphony Orchestra. Among other performances, there is “Boris Godunov”, “The Tsar’s Bride,” and the legendary “Traviata” by the Nizhny Novgorod Opera and Ballet Theatre. The festival offers an exciting mixture of symphonic works, operas, and ballet music, and promises a summer full of wonderful music and joy.
“Summer. Music. Museum” in New Jerusalem, Istra
From July 9 to 13, the open-air classical music festival “Summer. Music. Museum” will return to the New Jerusalem Monastery in Istra – the city near Moscow. This year, the festival marks the 80th anniversary of Victory in the Second World War. The repertoire is dedicated to music by Prokofiev and Shostakovich, as well as works by Khachaturian, Rachmaninoff, and Bernstein, which tell the story of such a hard time in the history of Russia.
The end of the festival includes the compositions of Isaak and Maxim Dunayevsky. Many performances will touch upon the theme of peace and war and create a powerful atmosphere that combines history, art, and nature. The music concerts take place outdoors with a great view of the ancient monastery, which makes it a unique cultural event.
Chess and Jazz Festival in Moscow
On July 26–27, the Moscow Garden “Hermitage” will host the sixth edition of the “Chess & Jazz” festival – a fantastic combination of chess and music. Visitors can play chess with world-class grandmasters in the fresh air while enjoying jazz performances by popular artists.
The festival also features a unique lineup of musicians, including performances by L’One, Feduk, and the band BAZAR, known for their innovative indie sound. Chess and jazz lovers can enjoy a relaxed atmosphere while engaging in their favourite activities. The festival is a perfect summer day with music, amusement, and entertainment.
“Jazz Seasons” at Arkhangelskoye Estate
Later in August, on August 23–24, the “Jazz Seasons” festival will take place at the Arkhangelskoye Estate – one of Russia’s most scenic historic landmarks. This popular jazz festival attracts top Russian and international jazz artists, and offers a weekend of great music in a relaxing and beautiful setting.
The festival’s artistic director, jazz saxophonist Igor Butman, promises a celebration of jazz’s rich history and its connection to Russia’s cultural heritage. Past headliners include legendary bands and soloists like Randy Brecker, John Beasley, and the Moscow Jazz Orchestra. Visitors can enjoy performances in the open air among century-old buildings and breathtaking landscapes – an ideal way to end a summer of musical discovery.
Why go?
These festivals aren’t just concerts – they are immersive cultural experiences. For HSE students, they are a break from the routine, a way to connect with art, and a chance to meet like-minded music fans. If you're drawn to the grandeur of Tchaikovsky's symphonies, the story of Soviet composers, or the freedom of jazz, there is a soundscape for you this summer.
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