Penza, 7 May 2014. PenzaNews. The symphonic orchestra of the Mariinsky Theatre, led by the famous conductor Valeriy Gergiev, arrived to Penza on Wednesday, May 7. The honorary guests were met by Yuri Krivov, chairman of Penza region government, Ivan Belozertsev, chairman of the Legislative Assembly of the Penza region, Evgeniy Shilov, head of culture and archive of the region, Vladimir Kashirsky, head of the Governor Symphonic Choir, and by the journalists.

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Valeriy Gergiev noted that thanks to the 25-day tour around the country – not the first one among those conducted as part of the Moscow Easter Festival – helps him flesh out his impressions of Russia.

“We’ve been to many cities. The fact that we went to Penza for the first time is very good,” the conductor said, noting that his visit to the city could have happened many years later if it was not for this road tour.

According to Valeriy Gergiev, the concert program of the ensemble is adored by millions throughout the country.
“One of the ways to replenish one’s powers is to deal with brilliant music. The musical pieces we perform inspire and energize us. I think a Stravinsky symphony has never been played in Penza. There will be a concert of popular music by Haydn and a piano concert by Chopin. In addition to that, it is a huge project for the young musicians of the Mariinsky Theatre. Many of them take part in the Easter festival for the first time, and now they have a chance to make a name for themselves,” the musician added.

He emphacized that the artists’ arrival is in no way connected with the foundation of a new concert hall in Penza.

“I did not know about that, unfortunately. I hope that much more good will be done in your city for the people, for those who love music. We will come here often especially if you’ll make your own large children’s chorus,” Valeriy Gergiev concluded.