The Festival of National Orchestras of Russia is taking place in Elista from October 23 to November 3, 2026, for the first time, coinciding with the Year of Unity of the Peoples of Russia. Supported by the Ministry of Culture of the Russian Federation and Rosconcert, it features the National Orchestra of Kalmykia alongside ensembles from other regions: the Metelitsa Russian folk instruments orchestra from St. Petersburg (October 23), the National State Orchestra of North Ossetia-Alania (October 30), and the National Orchestra of Folk Instruments of Bashkortostan from Ufa (November 3). A joint performance by all groups, a parade of conductors, and a parade of soloists are planned as the culmination.
Master classes for gifted children are included, and Kalmyk music is performed throughout. Artistic staff including Savr Kataev and Honored Artist Saglara Andzhaeva described the event as both hard creative work and a festive exchange of experience that promotes national art for local residents.