The role of classical music as an instrument of national identity actualization in the Russian Federation; the case of concert programming in the Saint Petersburg State Philharmonic

The article focuses on discovering how the state-supported classical music organization, Saint Petersburg State Philharmonics, season programming is used as an instrument of national identity actualization in Russia. The research is a qualitative, single case study, based on social constructivist approach. It comprises documented data, including Russian cultural policy reports (2014–2023) and Saint Petersburg State Philharmonics season programs (2013–2023). The collected data is subjected to thematic analysis, through which themes, in connection to national identity formation are generated. The findings of the analysis on the cultural policy reports present five themes; Proud History and Patriotism, Russian Language and Literature, Upbringing, Enlightenment, and Religion and Spirituality. These themes are actualized in the Philharmonic’s season programming, thus functioning as evidence of the state’s expanding control over the organization. The findings indicate that national identity agenda and classical music’s role in it is strong. Consequently, the article proves that classical music is a functioning tool of national identity actualization in Russia.