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Fight against Islamic state

Kremlin praises initiative of Russian symphony orchestra performing in Palmyra

The Mariinsky Theater’s symphony orchestra under Valery Gergiyev will give a concert titled ‘Prayer for Palmyra: Music Revives Ancient Walls’ at the world-famous amphitheater later on Thursday

© Valery Sharifulin/TASS

MOSCOW, May 5. /TASS/. The Kremlin highly appreciates the decision of the Russian renowned Mariinsky Theater’s orchestra performing in Syria’s Palmyra, recaptured from the Islamic State (IS) militants, presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Thursday.

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Mariinsky Theater orchestra under Gergiyev to perform in Palmyra

"Culture figures express their solidarity with those fighting against terrorists," Peskov said. "This deserves the highest assessment."

The Mariinsky Theater’s symphony orchestra under Valery Gergiyev will give a concert titled ‘Prayer for Palmyra: Music Revives Ancient Walls’ at the world-famous amphitheater later on Thursday.

Palmyra, a historical site featuring on UNESCO’s cultural heritage list, was liberated by the Syrian army at the end of March. Russian military specialists participated in planning the operation and Russian combat aircraft made about 500 sorties during the operation to regain control of the city.

Ancient Palmyra was greatly damaged by the IS militants, who had kept the city under control for nearly a year. Russian specialists at the Hermitage Museum and the Likhachev Research Institute of Cultural and Natural Heritage have expressed readiness to restore Palmyra to its original look.

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Valery Gergiyev: Sometimes people think they are holding a magic wand

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