Greetings on the opening of the Second Rachmaninoff International Competition for Pianists, Composers and Conductors

The message reads, in part:

"It is gratifying that your project has taken on a successful trajectory, enjoys wide recognition and helps its talented participants in their professional evolution. The competition, dedicated to outstanding musician, patriot and a genuinely self-less person Sergei Rachmaninoff, helps preserve the memory of our great compatriot, promote his abundant creative legacy, and obviously, further advance international cultural cooperation and strengthen person-to-person contacts.

I firmly believe that its exciting and packed programme, performances by young contestants and grand masters will meet the expectation of connoisseurs and art enthusiasts and will leave good and unforgettable memories. "