Mintimer Shaimiev congratulated RT Composers Association with 70th anniversary

70th anniversary of the Republic of Tatarstan Composers Association was celebrated with a series of events that took place in Kazan from 21st of November. The series culminated on the 4th of December by "Tatarstan musical culture master-pieces" symphonic concert in Salikh Saidashev State Concert Hall. The anniversary concert was attended by Tatarstan President Mintimer Shaimiev and his wife Sakina hanum.

"Music is eternal, and RT Composers Association - 70 years old, congratulations!" - warmly welcomed Mintimer Shaimiev all those gathered in State Concert Hall. The head of the republic stressed that the Association was formed 70 years ago by such great personalities as Nazib Zhiganov, Mansur Muzafarov, Georgy Vinogradov, Dzhaudat Faizi, Aleksandr Klyucharev, Farid Yarullin: "They brought us together, and thanks to own creation raised us to the level with leading associations and artists in our country and abroad. Our musicians left us rich artistic heritage".

President of Tatarstan noted that some of the often staged works as "Altynchech", "Shurale" were created in the early years of the Association and are still in demand.

In the welcoming speech he paid tribute to works, created in the years of the Great Patriotic War - noting as well that even recent works of Tatar composers were awarded state prizes of the Russian Federation. One of such artistic breakthroughs was "Poet's love" opera based on the biography of Gabdulla Tuqai.

"It means we can create things that are well-taken by the multi-ethnic peoples of our country. I'm thankful to you! Please accept my deeply felt gratitude on the day of this anniversary. I wish further artistic success. Keep these traditions and go even further!" - finished his speech Mintimer Shaimiev to a round of joyous ovation.

President of Tatarstan solemnly passed Letter of Thanks to the chairman of the RT Composers Association Mr. Rashid Kalimullin.

The program of the anniversery concert began by the work of Nazib Zhiganov, first chairman of the RT Composers Association. The evening was staged by RT State symphonic orchestra musicians, with a guest conductor from Moscow Mr.Vyacheslav Valeev. Solo was performed by Russian Federation and Republic of Tatarstan distinguished artist Ms.Zilya Sungatullina, Republic of Tatarstan distinguished artists Mr.Rustem Abyazov and Ms.Rezeda Galimova, as well as International competitions laureatesVladimir Vasilyev, Rustem Asayev, Artur Islamov, Filyus Kagirov.

The anniversary concert program included most famous works of Salikh Saidashev, Nazib Zhiganov, Farid Yarullin, Mansur Muzafarov, Aleksandr Klyucharev, Renat Yakhin, Renat Yenikeev, Rashid Kalimullin, Leonid Lubovsky, Shamil Timerbulatov, Rezeda Akhiyarova, Luiza Batyr-Bulgari.

Note: Tatarstan Composers Association was formed in 1939. Organizational committee included N.Zhiganov (chairman), A.Klyucharev, M.Muzafarov. Republic of Tatarstan Composers Association is a non-lucrative public associationof professional composers and music scholars. Main objectives of the association are development and enrichment of musical traditions in the Republic of Tatarstan; establishing conditions for creation of highly professional works of art; furthering development of various musical genres; active participation in spiritual and public life; conducting concerts, festivals, competitions, conferences; participation in various festivals and competitions in the Republic, Russian Federation and internationally. Since 1993 Kazan hosts "Europe-Asia" festival. In 1999 RT Composers Association became the member of International Modern Music Association. Rashid Kalimullin, becoming the third chairman of the Association in 1989, is an honored arts worker of the Russian Federation, distinguished artist of the Republic of Tatarstan, laureate of International competitions and a winner of D.Shostakovich award of the Russian Composers Association.