Russian Ballet Programs In US Should Continue Despite Past Visa Issues - Philanthropist

Chand Sahkeel Published October 01, 2018 | 05:26 PM

Russian ballet and opera programs in Washington, DC should continue despite the problem of participants obtaining visas in the past, US philanthropist Susan Carmel told Sputnik.

WASHINGTON (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 01st October, 2018) Russian ballet and opera programs in Washington, DC should continue despite the problem of participants obtaining visas in the past, US philanthropist Susan Carmel told Sputnik.

"I hope, the United States will continue the projects with the Bolshoi and Mariinsky theaters," Carmel, a member of the board of Trustees of the Mariinsky Foundation of America and founder and sponsor of the Washington National Opera and the Bolshoi Theater exchange program, said.

Carmel acknowledged that Russian artists had difficulty obtaining visas in the past, including last year.

"That is something I hope will change because these performances are so critically important for cultural diplomacy," Carmel said.

The Mariinsky and Bolshoi theaters have performed at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, DC many years with tickets for their performances being continually sold out.

Carmel underscored the importance of cultural diplomacy and also denied rumors that the Institute of Russian Culture and History she founded at the American University in Washington, DC faces objections because of its "leaning toward Russia."

"It is not true. We have received a very positive response," Carmel said.

Carmel acknowledged that objections are a part of the political landscape in Washington.

"However, we have not been aware of any problems regarding the Institute's programs at all," Carmel said.

Carmel emphasized importance of Russian studies for many American students, who go on into various careers and deal with issues concerning Russia.

The Institute regularly receives "wonderful responses" from its students who acknowledge how the Russian studies program has helped them build their careers, Carmel said.