Our story with a unique orchestra – Chamber Orchestra “Vienna-Berlin” begins today. We start our grand international tour around Europe in a famous Musikverein. And I am pleased, that we managed to expand the geography of this tour to Russia. To my mind this is a very important and significant event in our cultural life. There are 4 concerts planned in Russia: 18th of May in the Great Hall of Conservatory in Moscow (within my original series), 19th of May in the Great Hall of Philharmonic Society in St. Petersburg, 21st of May – in Ekaterinburg, 22nd of May – in Kazan. And on 24th of May we will perform in Astana (Kazakhstan) the same program. ...

Bravo, Astana! Bravo the unique team, that organized with great enthusiasm the Competition this year. I’d like to thank Imangali Tasmagambetov for this idea and for his constant support for Astana Piano Passion. This Competition turns out to be a musical fairy tale for unique Kazakh hospitality, kindness and heartfulness. There are no more places in the world with such a wonderful atmosphere, healthy approach to competition and a good attitude. These facts affect people all over the world: unbelievable quantity of viewing on official web-site justifies it.  ...

One of the most waited and favourite events for me is coming. Astana Piano Passion Festival-Competition, which became famous all around the world in these three years for its high level of participants, unique atmosphere, and wonderful Kazakh hospitality. The format we worked out with Imangali Tasmagambetov turned out to be absolutely successful. We decided to organize a contest for young musicians (younger than 18) in three groups (younger, middle and senior). And it was more festival, than a competition.  ...