The message reads, in part:
“It is a pleasure to know that for many years, the festival has retained its high status and is rightfully considered one of the most important and long-awaited events in the cultural life of St Petersburg and all of Russia. Its invariably rich and full programme brings together at concert halls renowned masters and young talent, familiarises the public with masterpieces of Russian and world art and gives it a rich palette of emotions.
I am sure that the festival owes its huge, grandiose success and creative longevity to its creator and permanent artistic director maestro Yury Temirkhanov, his huge creative potential, inexhaustible inspiration, as well as excellent organising skills and personal qualities.”