The President’s message reads, in part:
“I am glad to welcome you to the 19thArts Square International Winter Festival, which this year is dedicated to the birthday of its founder and inspirational figure, Yuri Temirkanov.
It is in many ways thanks to the powerful, generous talent and inexhaustible energy of the Maestro that this unique project has gained high international recognition to become one of the most notable and truly festive events that take place in the Northern Capital on the eve of the New Year and Christmas.
Bringing together on its venues the best creative talent, the festival offers a vibrant, wide-ranging cultural and educational programme, giving the public an excellent chance to be exposed to the Russian and world spiritual and artistic heritage and magnificent examples of the performing, composing and drama schools.
I am sure that the 19thArts Square International Winter Festival, with its inimitable atmosphere, interesting meetings and impressions, will long be remembered by the residents and guests of St Petersburg.”
The Arts Square festival was founded in 1999 by Yuri Temirkanov, the artistic director and main conductor of the St Petersburg Philharmonic Symphony Orchestra.