A concert by Merited Artist of Russia Boris Berezovsky opened the 30th edition of the Ivan Sollertinsky International Music Festival at the Vitebsk Regional Philharmonic, BelTA has learned.

The Russian musician is one of the world's most famous pianists, a "Steinway Artist". The pianist has a very busy schedule, but Ivan Sollertinsky's son Dmitry somehow managed to arrange the performance of the renowned musician in Vitebsk. The pianist performed music by Mily Balakirev, Nikolai Medtner, Alexander Scriabin and Dmitry Shostakovich.

According to Boris Berezovsky, Ivan Sollertinsky is a legend who made history, a person of unique talent who enjoyed great respect. "A festival is always something to enjoy. It brings together musicians and there is always something to discuss with them. It is always exciting to perform in new places," the pianist said.

Ivan Sollertinsky's son Dmitry noted that it is always a pleasure to come to the Vitebsk festival. "This year it marks its 30th anniversary. This is a milestone that allows measuring the success of the event. It shows that the festival is quite a success. I appreciate the efforts of the organizers who keep the festival going and offer an interesting program every single year," the art critic said.

The Ivan Sollertinsky International Music Festival kicked off on 3 December. On the first day of the festival the audience was invited to an exhibition of posters by students of the Design Faculty of Vitebsk State Technological University. The students presented the way they see classical music by means of visual arts. Diana Yurchenko's Contemporary Choreography Studio presented a performance during the exhibition. The festival will amaze the audience with its diverse program. The forum will offer not only classical and contemporary music, but also a musical theater performance. The festival will wrap up on 12 December.

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