The Prime Minister dubbed investments such as these a contribution towards Russian cultural development.

Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev has expressed his approval of investments made to establish new cultural institutions. Medvedev was speaking at a concert to mark the opening of the Philharmonia-2 complex.

“This entire complex has been created within the space of two years. More than RUB 1 billion of public funds were allocated for reconstruction, new equipment, and refurbishment. I consider investments such as these to be entirely justified – this is a contribution towards our cultural development”, he said.

“The creativity of our musicians is lauded throughout the world because we have a school of music”, the Prime Minister added. “What is equally important is that our musicians be appreciated as they should in their own country, and that this is expressed not only through applause, but also through opportunities to do what they love using the latest technologies in appropriate settings, so that the traditions of the Russian symphony school can continue and develop.”

Medvedev named the opening of the new concert complex a gift to the Philharmonic, which in a few days will celebrate its 95th anniversary. “The Philharmonic has not had any additional premises since 1940, but the size of its audience has increased dramatically”, the Prime Minister said. Now, many performance groups will have a new place to rehearse and perform with “almost perfect acoustics.”

Kalinka, classical, and jazz

The Prime Minister took a tour of the concert complex and during his visit heard performances of classical works, variations on Kalinka, and jazz.

Accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister Olga Golodets, Minister of Culture Vladimir Medinsky, and Director of the Philharmonic Alexei Shalashov, Prime Minister Medvedev viewed the virtual hall, where a performance by pianist Denis Matsuev, who is giving a concert in Philharmonia-2, was being streamed. “The hall is marvellous”, he commented. The Prime Minister went on to view thesmall concert hall, where some musicians were rehearsing, and later viewed the large rehearsal hall, where the orchestra and choir were honing their skills.

In the next hall, variations on the Russian folk song Kalinka were performed for the Russian Prime Minister, who met their renditions with applause. The jazz musicians also delighted the Prime Minister with their latest work.

The Director of the Philharmonic told the Prime Minister that tickets were being snapped up, with more and more people wanting to attend performances. Ticket prices start at RUB 300, so almost anyone can afford to go to a concert. Medvedev looked over the Philharmonic’s concert schedule for January and February.

Philharmonia-2, opened following refurbishment in December 2014, is unique in that its rehearsal halls spread across an area of more than a thousand square metres and can accommodate around 400 people at any one time. All seven rehearsal rooms are fully sound-proofed and the musicians can rehearse without disturbing one another. The complex houses four concert halls: the great hall, the small hall, the virtual hall, and a hall for young children.