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More than 1 mln visit Russian festival in Japan

The finishing touch at the festival was a concert by the Academic Symphony Orchestra of the Moscow Philharmonic conducted by Yuri Simonov

TOKYO, December 10 (Itar-Tass) — More than one million people have visited concerts, exhibitions, films and other events at the traditional Festival of Russian Culture in Japan, that was held in the majority of prefectures of the country, says the statement by a Co-chairman of the Festival, head of the State Duma of the Russian Federation Sergei Naryshkin sent to the Japanese audience on the occasion of the closing up of this annual marathon of arts.

The finishing touch at the festival was a concert by the Academic Symphony Orchestra of the Moscow Philharmonic conducted by Yuri Simonov, that took place in one of the most prestigious concert halls of Tokyo. Masterpieces by Chaikovsky and Glinka were performed, with International violinists’ competition laureate Nikita Borisoglebsky starring.

“We have managed to do so, the statement says, that this festival represents the whole of Russia – from the West to the East. Chamber music concerts were given, performances by folk groups and choirs, circus performances, meetings with ballet masters took place, exhibitions of paintings from the State Tretyakov Gallery and the Hermitage were organized” to mention but a few.

‘The seventh Festival of Russian Culture in Japan is over, but the programme for the next one – the eighth - is ready, said Russian President’s special representative for international cultural cooperation Mikhail Shvydkoi.

This is an unprecedented phenomenon in our relations with foreign countries. Despite all the difficulties and internal political changes in Japan, where general elections are to be held in the nearest future, the festival does not depend on anything at all. Our relations with Japan in the sphere of culture are free from political considerations, they only bring joy to both peoples, he said.

Some 45 cultural events have already been scheduled for the year 2013, Shvydkoi stated, among them the tours of ballet companies, artistic groups from the Russian regions, the exhibitions of contemporary art. And the next festival is due early in June 2013, he said.

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