Designation of People’s Artist of Russia Denis Matsuev as a UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador

 Photoalbum

 VIDEO: Address by Irina Bokova, UNESCO DG

 Address by Irina Bokova (English)

 VIDEO: Address by Goodwill Ambassador Mr Denis Matsuev

 VIDEO: Address by Permanent Delegate of Russia to UNESCO Ms Eleonora Mitrofanova

 Address by Ms Eleonora Mitrofanova (French\English)

 Address by Ms Eleonora Mitrofanova (Russian)

 VIDEO: lighting of symbolic Candle od New Names Foundation

 VIDEO: NNF scolar Sasha Malofeev (piano)

 VIDEO: NNF scolars Liza Seselkina (violin) & Sasha Malofeev (piano)

 VIDEO: NNF scolar Rostik Mudritsky (bayan)

 VIDEO: three NNF scolars

 VIDEO: Goodwill Ambassador Denis Matsuev and Tatarstan Orchestra play Rachmaninov Piano Concerto №2

 VIDEO: Goodwill Ambassador Denis MAtsuev and Tatarstan Orchestra play Rachmaninov Piano Concert №2 (part 2)

 VIDEO: D.Matsuev plays Grieg. In the Hall of the Mountain King

 VIDEO: Tatarstan Simphony Orchestra plays Tamerlan's Camp by A.Tchaikovsky

 VIDEO to present D.Matsuev (English)

 VIDEO to present Cultural Heritage of Tatarstan

 Diplome

 Matsuev.ru

April 2, 2014 Director-General of UNESCO Irina Bokova designated prominent Russian pianist Denis Matsuev as a UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador.

This decision was made in light of the artist’s achievements and recognition of his “active personal contribution to the development of musical education, efforts to support talented youth through the “New Names” Foundation, as well as his commitment to ideals and principles of UNESCO” – as it is stated in the Diploma of the Goodwill Ambassador.

D.Matsuev met with the Director-General of UNESCO on the day of his designation.

During the meeting Russian artist and philanthropist apprised I.Bokova of the “New Names” International Charitable Foundation which he chairs, its scholars – one-of-a-kind young talents who owing to the Foundation will get a chance to conquer musical world in the future.

The distinguished Russian public figure gave an account of a number of festivals and educational programs, which he directs and promotes.

Starting from 2004 he has been holding “Stars on Baikal” Festival with unfailing success in his home town Irkutsk. Charity auction “Note Do” is organized within the framework of the Festival, the proceeds of which go to the targeted purchase of musical instruments for children – musicians from Siberia. Denis Matsuev participates in charity concerts all over Russia, commemorating various memorable events, the proceeds of which go to funds for victims of natural disasters and acts of terrorism. He performs for veterans of World War II. The artist is the founder of a charity project for children with disabilities. The pianist provides personal targeted assistance in terms of qualitative renewal of musical instruments to music schools, concert halls and philharmonic organizations, as well as performance ensembles in different regions of Russia.

D.Matsuev is the artistic director of the Crescendo Music Festival, he is one of the directors of the Arts Festival of Annecy (France), the main goal of which is the convergence of musical cultures of Russia and France. Finally, he is the artistic director of the First International Festival and Competition for Young Pianists Astana Piano Passion in Kazakhstan and the Youth Music Festival and Competition “DEBUT” in Kyiv.

During the meeting, with Denis’ parents and the Permanent Representative of the Russian Federation to UNESCO Eleonora Mitrofanova in attendance, the parties discussed future plans of the artist in his capacity of the UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador in terms of charitable and educational activities and several of his projects endorsed by the UNESCO Director-General.

The highlight of the designation ceremony was the gala-concert with the participation of young scholars from the “New Names” Foundation and the State Symphony Orchestra of Tatarstan directed by the Honoured Artist of Russia A.Sladkovsky.

The concert was organized with the support of the President of the Republic of Tatarstan R.Minnikhanov, Russian Foundation for Social and Cultural Initiatives, active personal contribution of the first President of Tatarstan M.Shaimiev, the Minister of culture of the Republic A.Sibagatullin and the Permanent Delegation of Russia to UNESCO.

During the official part of the ceremony the Director-General of UNESCO I.Bokova and the Permanent Representative of Russia to UNESCO E.Mitrofanova delivered speeches.

After presenting the Diploma of the Goodwill Ambassador to D.Matsuev I.Bokova and E.Mitrofanova lit symbolic fire of the “New Names” Foundation in a special cup. This is a tradition that joined many world-famous musicians and major international statesmen and public figures in 25 years of the existence of the Foundation.

The concert included performances by the scholars of the Foundation, Overture-Fantasy “Romeo and Juliet” written by P.Tchaikovsky and performed by the Kazan Orchestra and Rachmaninov’s Second Piano Concert with the solo by D.Matsuev.

With cheers from the audience the Russian pianist sprung musical surprises that he promised at the beginning of the concert: he played as an encore magical and energetic “In the Hall of the Mountain King” written by E.Grieg and effervescent jazz improvisation of G.Gershvin’s “Caravan”.

At the end of the evening the Tatarstan Orchestra presented its signature composition – a frantic “Tamerlan’s Camp” by A.Tchaikovsky with expressive visuals of the historical and natural heritage, cultural values ​​and traditions, major international events and unique coexistence of nations and religions in the Republic.

Colossal and at the same time touching musical evening was highly praised by the audience. It made a tremendous and profound impression, become a symbol of undeniable top position of the Russian school of performance, evidence of sublime creativity and lustrous talent of the pianist as well as of his care for the young musicians.

UNESCO has demonstrated yet again the symbol of the deep Russian culture, which is inextricably linked to human values ​​and occupies a central place among world cultures.

Information from the Permanent Delegation of the Russian Federation to UNESCO.