Tatarstan President presented Valery Gergiev with a symbolic cauldron

May 4, a concert of Mariinsky theater symphonic orchestra conducted by Valery Gergiev was held at the Big State Concert Hall named after Saidashev in Kazan. The symphonic orchestra and choruses of Kazan state conservatoire and the secondary school at the conservatoire performed within the framework of the VII Easter Festival.

Tatarstan President Mintimer Shaimiev and his wife Sakina, Tatarstan Deputy Prime Minister –Minister of Culture Zilya Valeyeva, heads of ministries and departments, representatives of confessions attended the concert.

At the concert Mintimer Shaimiev handed over a basket of flowers to Valery Gergiev and congratulated him on his jubilee – on May 2 the maestro celebrated his 55th anniversary.

“What an orchestra! What a chorus! Great performers! It must be seen and heard. It cannot be reproduced, it must be experienced,” the head of the republic said addressing the audience. “Today we communicate with the outstanding conductor of our epoch.” Tatarstan President thanked Valery Gergiev on behalf of all who gathered in the hall.

“This year the Mariinsky Theater celebrates its 225th anniversary. It is a great theater admired by previous and today’s generations. I have no doubt that you laid a solid foundation for the future,” Mintimer Shaimiev stated.

“We are very grateful to the theater that has been headed by Valery Gergiev for 20 years already. When you direct an orchestra, we listen to you with delight,” Tatarstan President said.

Mintimer Shaimiev also expressed gratitude for close collaboration between Mariinsky Theater and Musa Jalil Theater of opera and ballet. “It’s a great support. You bring up not just Saint Petersburg, but also Kazan, Tatarstan. It is inestimable,” the head of the republic addressed the conductor and handed over a Gratifying Letter of Tatarstan President to the theater’s staff. He presented Valery Gergiev with a souvenir cauldron made of precious metals with golden sputtering. Symbols of the city’s Millennium and heraldic symbols of Kazan are depicted on the cauldron.

The maestro thanked Tatarstan President for “the astonishing beauty of Kazan”. “Tatarstan is the best example not only for Russia, but for the whole world, how different cultural traditions must coexist in a beautiful way. Thank you for this. Your example must “sound” for the whole world,” the conductor said addressing Mintimer Shaimiev. “It is a pleasure to perform in Kazan. We know that Russia is developing due to regions, not only Moscow and Saint Petersburg. You are among leaders”.