Greetings on the opening of Arts Square International Winter Festival

The message reads, in part:

"Your beautiful and impressive project is rightly considered to be a true gem of the cultural life in the northern capital and the entire country. It is gratifying that while cherishing the traditions of many years and the unique creative heritage of outstanding musician and conductor Yury Temirkanov, the festival's founder, the forum is progressing, being enriched with new exciting ideas and involving new participants - both acknowledged masters of art and gifted young people thus lighting up new "stars" in the music sky.

I firmly believe that the Arts Square will again delight its visitors with a rich and substantive programme and will introduce them to performances by renowned artists and world-famous symphony orchestras. And of course, works by Dmitri Shostakovich, whose name the St Petersburg State Philharmonia has been bearing for half a century, will have a special place at the current festival.

I wish you bright and unforgettable impressions and all the very best."