This bright creative forum has gathered amateur and professional musicians in the Pedagogical Institute, PSU. On the 3d of February VI International Musical Competition Festival “Silver Lyre” had its ceremonial opening.

 “This festival has become a good tradition at Penza State University. The competition gives a great opportunity for musicians to demonstrate their creative abilities, to show their talents. By conducting such events we not only pay tribute to music, we also emphasize the value of this art in the life of every person. Today, when our country is in the difficult economic and geopolitical situation, all people begin to think which landmarks to point for the youth. I think that the main landmark is the spirit and good mood. I am sure that optimism is created by culture, in particular, by music. It is impossible to imagine our life without the music”, said Aleksandr Gulyakov, Rector of PSU, in his opening speech. He also wished the participants to win and to enjoy themselves.

The interest to the competition festival “Silver Lyre” is growing. This year more than 100 applications to participate have been received. The organizers took into account the participants’ wished and also conducted the distant stage of the contest.

Over three days the participants will be evaluated in six categories and two directions – musical and instrumental performance.

 “It is great honour for me to take part in “Silver Lyre”, said Ilo Young, the main conductor and art director of Songpa National Philarmonic Orchestra (Seoul, South Korea), chairman of the judges in the category “Instrumental performance”.

The guest from Seoul remembered from the stage as he, being a young boy, learned to play the violin. “You are going to demonstrate everything you’ve learned”, said the chairman of the judges to the participants. He also thanked the organizers for the opportunity given to the musicians to achieve their ambitions.

All the auditions of the competitions will be held in the open format.

On the next day the participants will have a number of workshops. E.Krasovskaya, Professor of the Department of Musical Performance Art in Education, Institute of Arts, Moscow State Pedagogical University, Candidate of Pedagogical Sciences (PhD), is going to conduct the workshop “Working on an artistic image in the pianoforte pedagogics”.

I.Sviridova, Candidate of Art Criticism, Associate Professor of the Department of Conducting academic chorus, Sobinov Saratov State Conservatoire, is going to share her experiences in shaping the skills of ensemble singing.

The participants are also looking forward to Ilo Young’s workshop “Performer’s interpretation of the chorus music”.

Professor M.Agina, head of department of solo singing, the Gnessin State Musical College, honoured artist of the Russian Federation, Candidate of pedagogical sciences (PhD), is going to conduct the workshop “Developing vocal: theory and practice”.

The competition will be closed on the 5th of February with a gala-concert.