Nizhny Novgorod holds XIII International Festival of Arts

The XIII International Festival of Arts named after A.D. Sakharov "Russian Art and the World" opened at the Nizhny Novgorod State Philharmonic named after Mstislav Rostropovich on June 3.

As the head of the region Valery Shantsev noted at the opening ceremony, the Nizhny Novgorod is a powerful cultural center. The event is conducted under the auspices of the Nizhny Novgorod Governor.

"The International Arts Festival named after Sakharov in Nizhny Novgorod - is Russia's only festival adopted by the European Association of Festivals at UNESCO. The cultural level of each city is measured by the "quality" of the audience. Artists say that the Nizhny Novgorod audience is very demanding, but it takes real art in a deep and subtle fashion. Our festival is a true blend of creativity and inspiration," said Valery Shantsev.

This year, over 300 representatives from Russia, France, Hungary, the USA and Italy will take part in the festival. Spectators will be able to see performances of the Chamber Orchestra "Moscow Virtuosi" under the direction of Vladimir Spivakov, Chamber Ensemble "Moscow Soloists," directed by Yuri Bashmet, soloists of  Galina Vishnevskaya's Opera Singing Center, Choral Capella of Russia named after A.A. Yurlov, Borodin's quartet, jazz trio of Gregory Priva, Academic Symphony Orchestra of Nizhny Novgorod Philharmonic under the direction of Alexander Skulsky. Alexander Knyazev, Andrei Korobeynikov, Ignat Solzhenitsyn, Mikhail Rud, and theater and film actor Alexander Filippenko will also take part in the festival. The performance of the National Ballet under the direction of Janos Kiss (Gyor, Hungary) may become one of the highlights of the festival.

On the first day of the event, world-famous violinist and conductor Sergei Krylov and People's Artist of Russia Denis Matsuev gave their art to the audience.

"The Sakharov Festival is a visit card, a symbol of the Nizhny Novgorod region. It is very important that the festival continues to develop. Example, such masters as Yuri Bashmet, Vladimir Spivakov are inalienable participants of the festival - this says a lot," said Denis Matsuev.

"I always welcome the people who come to my performances, who welcome me with such enthusiasm. And once again, I would like to thank everyone for the warm welcome, and I hope that today's performance did not disappoint the audience," said Sergey Krylov, whose performance in Nizhny Novgorod was the seventh.

The XIII International Festival of Arts named after A. D.Saharov "Russian Art and the World" will last until June 16.