National Philharmonic Orchestra debut in Moscow

The National Philharmonic Orchestra of Russia led by world famous musician Vladimir Spivakov will give a debut performance in the Moscow International Music House today. It will take part in the concert devoted to the 75th birth anniversary of outstanding conductor Yevgeny Svetlanov.

According to the press service of the Music House, the orchestra was created in January 2003 at the initiative and with the assistance of the state and symbolises the new cultural policy of Russia, which has entered a period of political and economic stability.

The orchestra consists of the best musicians of Moscow and St. Petersburg, whose average age is 39. The founding fathers of the orchestra want it to combine the best traditions of Russian and international performance art. Its first concert includes the favourites of Yevgeny Svetlanov - Three Russian Songs by Rachmaninoff, the Songs and Dances of Death by Mussorgsky, and Tchaikovsky's 4th Symphony.

The orchestra's immediate plans include a concert in the Music House and the Moscow Conservatory Grand Hall. In late November it will give the opening concert at the Vladimir Spivakov Invites international festival, which will also feature US star soprano Jessye Norman and outstanding Polish composer and conductor Krystof Penderecki.