Mintimer Shaimiev, heading Tatarstan delegation, arrived in Paris to attend appointment ceremony of famous pianist and public figure, Denis Matsuev, as the UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador

3 April 2014, Thursday

State Counselor of the Republic of Tatarstan, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the National Foundation for  revival of monuments of history and culture Mintimer Shaimiev,  heading  Tatarstan delegation,  arrived in the capital of the French Republic to participate in the appointment ceremony of the famous pianist and public figure, Denis Matsuev as   the UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador. To participate in a concert,  State Symphony Orchestra of the Republic of Tatarstan   came to  Paris likewise.

The delegation of Tatarstan: aide  to the President on  Social Affairs , Executive Director of the National Fund for  revival of RT historical and cultural monuments Tatiana Larionova , RT minister of culture Airat Sibagatullin, RT  Plenipotentiary Representative  in France Iskander Yusupov, head of department on  culture and development of the languages ​​of the Republic of Tatarstan, of RT  Cabinet,  executive secretary of the commission for UNESCO  Gulshat Nigmatullina.

April 2 afternoon Mintimer Shaimiev met with Kishore Rao - Director of the World Heritage Centre. Mintimer Shaimiev invited him to the  concert  of  Denis Matsuev and the State Symphony Orchestra of Tatarstan. Kishar Rao noted that in 2012 , when the session the World Heritage Committee had been  held in St. Petersburg , he went on a lovely concert of the RT State Song and Dance Ensemble.

"The process of revival of historical monuments in the country taught us  much, so we are in our  own country,  at  the Architecture Academy organized a training in the field of historic preservation. Since Russia has no such expertise, it will be a unique team, "- said Mintimer Shaimiev. " In this regard, we invite  experienced professionals with a worldwide reputation  to which you belong  to give lectures . For us it would be very valuable if you took the time to come to Kazan and share  out  your  experiences with our students , " - he said.

Director of the World Heritage Centre thanked M. Shaimiev for long-term cooperation. "I know ,  you are  a great friend of the UNESCO, always support our organization,  interesting initiatives, events, concerts ," - he stressed. Accepting the offer M.Shaimiev, he promised to find time for this very necessary work with students.

This evening,  State Counselor  Mintimer Shaimiev and Tatarstan delegation took part in a ceremony assignment of  a renowned pianist, public figure, People's Artist of Russia, Denis Matsuev  as Goodwill Ambassador of the  UNESCO. The ceremony was held in the hall of the UNESCO headquarters on the Avenue de Syufren.

After that,  a concert with Denis Matsuev and the  RT State Symphony Orchestra   took place. The concert was organized with the support of the President of the Republic of Tatarstan Rustam Minnikhanov and Foundation for Social and Cultural Initiatives of  Russia.

Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Russia to France Alexander Orlov, the ambassadors of the CIS countries and member countries of the  UNESCO  visited the concert.

The official ceremony began with the screening of the film about the creative, social and charitable activities by  Denis Matsuev , who is president of the Interregional Charitable Foundation "New Names".  The Fund helps gifted children realize their musical talent .

UNESCO Director-General  Irina Bokova in her speech called Denis Matsuev  a man who devoted himself to music and support for  young musicians. " Thanks to him, we now have the opportunity to present to the world community  new names and new talents " - she said. Irina Bokova also thanked the leadership of Tatarstan, the First President of Tatarstan  M. Shaimiev for the opportunity to hear the world-famous Tatrstan  Symphony Orchestra under Alexander  Sladkovsky .

She invited on stage People's Artist of Russia, Denis Matsuev and handed him a diploma of  Goodwill Ambassador.

Denis Matsuev   thanked  Irina Bokova  for this high honor and noted that the language of music is international and he is happy to be here, happy to receive this esteemed award and happy to perform   his   favorite concert today . "I am pleased to know that today  on  this scenewould be  one of our best collective - Tatarstan State Orchestra and maestro Alexander Sladkovsky " - he said.

Denis Matsuev told the audience about the activities of the "New Names ". "This year, our family  turns 25 years, during which time our family went through more than 15 million unique children. I perform  today not alone, three little" twinkles "   came with me. It is very telling to present here the next generation of outstanding Russian performing school , "- he  stressed.

Welcome words  were pronounced also by  the Permanent Representative of Russia to UNESCO  Eleonora Mitrofanova.

Further,  Denis Matsuev with Irina Bokova and Eleonora Mitrofanovam by   tradition  of the fund  "New Names"   lit a candle- a symbolic fireplace of the foundation. 

The concert began with performances by  laureates  of  Interregional Charitable Foundation "New Names"  12 -year-old Alexander Malofeev (piano ), 11 -year-old Elizaveta Seselkina (violin) and 9 -year-old Yaroslav Mudritsky ( accordion ).

Then came  the  State Symphony Orchestra of Tatarstan, which direction of  artistic director and chief conductor of the orchestra, Honorary Doctor of the University UNESCO Chair of Management TISBI , Honored Artist of Russia Alexander Sladkovsky   performed "Overture-Fantasia to the opera" Romeo and Juliet " by Pyotr Tchaikovsky.

Accompanied by the State Symphony Orchestra of Tatarstan Denis Matsuev performed " Concerto for piano and orchestra № 2 " by Sergei Rachmaninoff . His performance  had a standing ovation in the crowded boardroom of the  UNESCO, the  musician was three times called  "Encore ."

Also  "Encore " was made to  the RT  State Symphony Orchestra.  Tatarstan musicians concluded their participation by  a musical composition of  Alexander Tchaikovsky  "Stan Tamerlane."

After the concert , a meeting of  M.Shaimiev and Tatars living in France, organized by the Plenipotentiary Representative of the Republic of Tatartsan  in France  Iskander Yusupov   was held. One of the leaders of the Tatar Diaspora in France, Representative Assembly " Tatars Europe" Alfiya Azizova on behalf of all  the compatriots  thanked  M.Shaimiev  for a wonderful concert and expressed the wish to see  more  performances in Paris  by  other famous collectives  from  Tatarstan. Representatives of the Tatar Diaspora asked RT State Counselor their questions. Mintimer Shaimiev noted that continuity in support of compatriots living abroad continues - Rustam Minnikhanov shows    the great attention to their requests and wishes.

Press Service President of the Republic of Tatarstan 

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