The message reads, in part:
“It is gratifying that a brilliant creative concept conceived by maestro Valery Gergiev took shape as a wonderful initiative of annual Easter Festivals. For many years, this festival has been a landmark social and cultural event in Russia. Covering huge distances, it introduces people in Russian regions to the masterpieces of Russian and foreign classical music, performing arts and choir singing. Of course, I cannot omit to mention the forum’s charitable mission and its major contribution to preserving the wonderful traditions of enlightenment and promoting timeless moral and patriotic values.
I strongly believe that the creative and inspired atmosphere of this grandiose celebration and its wonderful concert programme alongside the masterly skills of the renowned Mariinsky Theatre Symphony Orchestra and world-famous musicians and singers taking part in this festival will leave the most positive and unforgettable impression on the spectators.”