President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Good afternoon, friends,
I am delighted to welcome you here, in the Kremlin: you are the winners of the prizes for young culture professionals and for works and projects for children and young people.
The presentation of these prizes traditionally coincides with Culture Worker’s Day. I congratulate everyone working in this sphere, which is of utmost importance for our society, for our citizens, and for our state, and I wish you success, inspiration, and new significant achievements. These will undoubtedly come. Proof of this is your dedication to your craft and your constant pursuit of excellence, as well as the heights you have reached in art and education.
For the group of young vocalists – Alina Chertash, Polina Shabunina, and Igor Morozov – such a height has been achieved through their performance of leading roles in Sergei Prokofiev’s opera Semyon Kotko.
Friends, you have brilliantly mastered the intricate musical language of this piece and have contributed significantly to the success of the production itself. There is no doubt that a great creative future awaits you.
Among the awardees is the theatre director of the Krasnoyarsk Young Spectator’s Theatre chief Abulkatinov. He skilfully and subtly combines the traditions of Russian theatrical art with contemporary artistic possibilities, conducts extensive educational work, and helps aspiring colleagues find their creative path.
Another recipient of the prize for young culture professionals is Vladislav Miller. His performances are imbued with candour and intensity. Each new role played by this actor becomes a genuine event in the country’s theatrical life.
An example of the continuity of traditions and mastery is the Popov Grand Children’s Choir. For more than half a century, the choir has played an important role in nurturing young talents, the future stars of Russian culture.
This is largely due to the efforts of Merited Artist of Russia Anatoly Kislyakov. Under his leadership, this renowned ensemble has preserved its traditions and continues to thrive. Anatoly Kislyakov’s work has been honoured with the prize for works and projects for young people.
The prize in this category has also been awarded to Children’s Radio. Among Russian media, it holds a special place. The radio channel does not merely entertain – though that in itself is already good, even excellent – it also educates its young audience, fostering in them an interest in history, books, and creativity. Above all, it is simply loved and eagerly listened to by our youngest and most important citizens – boys and girls.
The prize for contribution to the upbringing of school students has also been awarded to the Museum of the History of Military Uniforms. It is one of the most beloved museum venues for children and adults alike, offering everything for children and parents: from a museum for toddlers to a children’s summer camp, a young historian’s club, interactive classrooms, and a chess school.
Friends,
All your creative work is built on genuine talent, immense diligence, and civic responsibility. It affirms the best qualities of our great national culture: compassion, pursuit of justice, boundless love for the homeland, and the aspiration for our children to be better than we are.
Your success, friends, is undoubtedly a contribution to Russia’s future. I congratulate you and wish you new accomplishments and all the very best.
Thank you for your attention.
<…>
Vladimir Putin: Friends,
Once again, I congratulate you on receiving your awards today.
One of the participants in the ceremony said that work in itself is a source of inspiration. I would like to respond by saying that your work and the results you achieve are undoubtedly a source of inspiration for the entire country, as is the work of your colleagues. Art strengthens and advances the country, creating the conditions for its security and economic development. Culture lies at the heart of our shared national identity, and it is this that forms the foundation for Russia’s future.
Thank you very much. Congratulations.