Nis Novi Sad : Fifth “Bolshoi” Festival Kicks off in Mećavnik with Gazprom Neft Support

The Festival opened with the concert of Kolibri children choir, followed by the 'Bolshoi' symphony orchestra performance under the baton of maestro Srboljub Dinić, while the opening ceremony tonight reached its climax in the concert performed by the renowned violinist Roman Simović, the leader of the London Symphony Orchestra.

The Festival opening ceremony was presided by Emir Kusturicа, its founder and Aleksandr Dybal, a member of 'Gazprom Neft' Executive Board.

Dybal used the occasion to remind the attendees that it was six years ago when he put his idea up to Emir Kusturica to create an unprecedented festival. The idea came to a fruition in the form of the Bolshoi musical festival aimed at promoting young gifted musicians, with the constant facilitation since inception by 'Gazprom Neft'.

Kusturicа described the Bolshoi festival as yet another of his dreams come true. 'We need no red carpet ceremonies with all its ensuing snazzy glitz. Ours are meadows, chairs, gaze into the mountaintops and skies above them and immanent belief that art and love is one thing. The young who are the focus of the festival at the dawn of their careers should be infused with this love', was Kusturicа's pivotal message at the opening.

The second festival day showcases a premiere performance of a piano quintet by Roman Simović, featuring pieces by Dvorak, Schubert and Rahmaninoff. The last festival day features concerts by the 'Bolshoi' symphony orchestra, mezzo soprano Milijana Nikolić, violinist Tatiana Samouil, as well as cellist Justus Grimm.

The 'Bolshoi' seeks to facilitate the creative development of the young musically gifted people from Serbia, the Republic of Srpska and Russia. The festival's pervasive theme is the continued intertwinement of musical traditions.