Since his appointment as Chief Conductor of the Symphony Orchestra of New Russia in 2002, Bashmet has systematically expanded his symphonic repertoire, as well as his commitments as guest conductor with symphony orchestras in Europe, Japan and the Far East and North America.

His conducting activities include appearances with orchestras including Tokyo Philharmonic, Kansai Philharmonic, Auckland Symphony Orchestra, St Paul Chamber Orchestra, Camerata Salzburg, Tapiola Sinfonietta, UBS Festival Chamber Orcehstra, Orquesta Ciudad de Granada, Orchestra Maggio Musicale Fiorentino, Dresden Philharmonic, Orchestra Giuseppe Verdi Milan and the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra.