On Valentine’s Day, 14 February, with the support of RUSAL, a concert of the world-famous Moscow Virtuosi chamber orchestra led by outstanding Russian conductor Vladimir Spivakov was held in the city’s Palace of Culture.

People stood on the porch of the main cultural institution and asked: «Don’t you have an extra ticket? There were many people who wanted to get into the Palace hall: the audience filled the balcony as well. The head of Achinsk, Ilya Akhmetov, and other city leaders and General Director of the Krasnoyarsk Regional Philharmonic Society, Evgeny Stodushny, arrived.

– In 2019 we became the cultural capital of the Krasnoyarsk Region and will remain so», said Mayor Ilay Akhmetov before the concert. – RUSAL and the Krasnoyarsk Regional Philharmonic Society are helping us to do this. Thanks to them, today we are hosting the Moscow Virtuosi Orchestra and Vladimir Spivakov. In Krasnoyarsk Krai only two cities – Krasnoyarsk and Achinsk – have been honoured with this honour.

– «This team is a cultural brand of our country», continued General Director of the Krasnoyarsk Regional Philharmonic Society Evgeny Stodushny. – The more musical projects have partners such as RUSAL, the more often great names will be heard on your stage. Today the Virtuosi of Moscow will present a unique programme called Piazzolla Gala, dedicated to one of the most passionate and sensual dances – the tango. You will see not just an orchestra, but a real ensemble of soloists: almost every musician will perform a solo in one of the works. In small towns like Achinsk, it is almost impossible to organise concerts of such a group – the standard of the highest performing culture. This is because the city of Achinsk has a very active administration, and RUSAL’s enterprise operating here has responded to our initiative. That is why we managed to bring an expensive standard of world culture beyond the borders of Krasnoyarsk to Achinsk.

A few minutes before the concert, Alexei Lundin, the first violin by Virtuosos of Moscow and Honoured Artist of Russia, also appeared in the foyer. He spoke briefly about the leader of the orchestra, Vladimir Spivakov, who created it 40 years ago. Vladimir Teodorovich is a conductor and violinist, UNESCO World Artist, holder of numerous orders and awards, including the full holder of the Order «For Services to the Fatherland», holder of State Prizes of the USSR and the Russian Federation, including «for outstanding services in the field of humanitarian activities». He is the founder of the Vladimir Spivakov International Charitable Foundation.

– Are you nervous before the concerts? – journalists asked Spivakov.

– If you’re not worried, then why go on stage? - He answered the question with a question.

And here it is – the long-awaited moment when the concert starts. It is noteworthy that the performance of an orchestra of such a high world level was held using new light, sound and visual equipment purchased under an agreement on socio-economic cooperation between RUSAL Achinsk and the city administration.

Works by Astor Piazzolla were performed: the suites «History of the Tango» and «Seasons in Buenos Aires», and others. And, of course, there was a great deal of applause: the audience gave a standing ovation, «bravo» screams did not stop, flowers were carried on stage. In the minutes of farewell, the maestro confessed: «For us, there are no small people or small towns. Traveling around Russia is priceless, and meetings are unique!»

Author: Tatiana Gostenkova