Top conductor leads Moscow music festival

The fourth international festival, “Vladimir Spivakov invites.”, has opened in Moscow. The event is already a major date in the country's classical music calendar, giving audiences a unique chance to see the legendary conductor and musician V

The festival is held once every two years, offering music lovers a chance to enjoy a mix of musical genres.

This year the programme includes concerts ranging from spiritual baroque music to cabaret songs and jazz.

“The concert I'm going to present demands a high professional performance.  And I can rely on the musicians from the National Philharmonic Orchestra.  We've rehearsed only once, but the performance will be fine, I'm more than sure!” says top Russian pianist Denis Matsuev.

But the festival's programme will also feature some unfamiliar names, giving young musicians an opportunity to perform with the renowned conductor.

“A festival is always a kind of contradiction between ideas and opportunities to realize those ideas.  As an artistic director I want only leading musicians to perform at the festival, but producers want those who are easier to get,” said Vladimir Spivakov, Artistic Director.

The list of international guests, rarely seen by Russian audiences, include the German singer and actress Ute Lemper, who's sometimes referred to as the Marlene Dietrich of today.

Jazz stars, including singer Randy Crawford and pianist Joe Sample, will also perform.

There'll be a total of seven concerts during the two weeks of the festival.