I had great pleasure, that happens rarely, working with National Tatarstan Symphony orchestra. You are working and see how the eyes of musicians are burning, wherein they understand what they do. Today the professionalism of orchestras reached very high level. But to make from the orchestra a sound, art group is pretty difficult. But Kazan did it. Of course, it’s a merit of director Alexander Sladkovsky. He is responsible for the orchestra, he is its keeper. It’s a very rare case. I bow to him and to the orchestra.

Usually I work with baroque orchestra. Sometimes when I work with modern orchestras, there can be some problems because their style is different. But your orchestra is so malleable. The orchestra sounds as baroque orchestra from the very beginning. It’s wonderful! All musicians wanted to play this music. I felt it. It’s something absolutely new for them. It’s such wonderful experience. I’m always amazed that except France and Germany, Russian audience also likes this music. I’m happy when I’m see how people smile when they start liking the music.

I’m rejoicing at the quality and success of my friend, maestro Alexander Sladkovsky. I like that CONCORDIA is a festival of contemporary music. The music pieces, which sound here have a modern language. This music talks about life and death, love and hate, friendship and betrayal.

The impressions of the festival, of working with the the Tatarstan National Symphony Orchestra are very pleasant. Everything came together, the current level of the orchestra is very high!!!