Royal Gentlemen Gala Dinner and Congress Awards Bring a Special Musical Evening to Ca’ Sagredo During La Biennale di Venezia
VENICE, ITALY, 11 SEPTEMBER 2026
Award-winning soprano Alina Zamalieva, international Couture Crossover project Wheelman Duo and acclaimed vocalist Rezeda Kalimullina will perform at the Royal Gentlemen Gala Dinner and Congress Awards, taking place at the historic Ca’ Sagredo during the 83rd Venice International Film Festival. Presented by Thomas Misse and Marek Harmony of the Royal Gentlemen Club together with Anna Stukkert, founder of the Congress Awards, La Dolce Vita will bring an international celebration of music, culture and leadership to the Grand Canal.
The musical programme will open with Alina Zamalieva, an internationally recognised soprano and recipient of more than 15 prestigious awards. She was honoured at the Covent Garden Opera Competition with the London City Philharmonic and received First Prize at the VI International Music Festival in Vienna. A graduate of the Zhiganov State Conservatory in Kazan, Zamalieva became the youngest soloist of the Tukai State Philharmonic and later studied at the Belcanto Academy with the legendary Mirella Freni. Her performances have taken her to leading venues across Europe, Asia and Russia, including the Vienna Hofburg, Bern Minster and Teatro Lirico Sperimentale di Spoleto. She also reached the quarterfinals of The Voice of Germany.
Yuri and Ksenia Wheelman will continue the evening with the distinctive sound and visual world of Wheelman Duo. Their artistic partnership began at the Bolshoi Theatre and evolved into Couture Crossover, a signature concept combining exceptional voices, iconic film music, contemporary sound, movement and visual storytelling. Following appearances at prestigious events from Monte-Carlo to Cannes, the duo is developing Echo of the Ocean, an audiovisual project connecting music, imagery, artificial intelligence and environmental responsibility. As Art Ambassadors of Blue Alliance Monaco, Yuri and Ksenia support ocean protection and a future in which artistic and technological progress develops in harmony with nature.
Rezeda Kalimullina will complete the musical journey with her expressive blend of soul, jazz and pop. With 25 years of stage experience and recognition at international music competitions, she combines a powerful vocal presence with a direct emotional connection to the audience. Her artistic development has included mentorship from multiple Grammy-nominated American vocalist, pianist and composer Karen Edwards, whose career has included performances with Stevie Wonder, Prince and Tony Bennett.
The evening will welcome an international circle of guests from public life, business and philanthropy. Expected attendees include Eric Adams, the 110th Mayor of New York City from 2022 to 2025, and Laurent Anselmi, Monaco’s former Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation from 2019 to 2022 and current President of the Monaco Sea Academy. The business community will be represented by Massimiliano Giobergia, General Manager of Cosmetic Tailors, part of BEAUTICON VALLEY, a network of more than 50 companies operating in over 130 countries with approximately 600 employees and consolidated turnover exceeding EUR 400 million. Other international guests include media and entertainment entrepreneur Al Kash and Alisa Roever, founder of Angels Helpers Foundation.
