The message reads, in part:
“You are doing noble and much needed work by helping children with disabilities to fulfil their potential, discover confidence and make a coveted dream come true. This important and selfless effort deserves the deepest respect.
I am certain that this year’s milestone festival will be remembered for its large and eventful programme and the warm and friendly atmosphere, and that it will give positive emotions to its guests, while the participants will have a unique opportunity to show off their skills and see the artwork by true Russian masters. Naturally, the children can also see priceless monuments of history and culture that can be found in St Petersburg.”
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The main goal of the festival is to fulfil the creative potential of children with disabilities, which helps them better adapt socially. What makes the event stand out conceptually is the joint participation of children with and without disabilities.
The festival has been held in St Petersburg since 2008. The tenth, milestone event will be held from May 27 to 31, 2017, bringing together over 400 gifted musicians and artists with disabilities from Russia and abroad.
In what is likely to be one of the brighter events of the summer, the festival has an eventful musical programme featuring professional performers who have taken part in Russian and international competitions. A roundtable discussion bringing together parents of disabled children will be held as part of the festival.