New York (APOGEE FOUNDATION) - The Apogee Foundation has awarded prizes to more than 20 of Russia's most gifted young musicians at the Crescendo Festival in St. Petersburg. The Crescendo Festival is the nation's premier event demonstrating that the celebrated "Russian School of Performance" continues to thrive and produce world class musical talent among the country's younger generation.
Recognizing and supporting the stars of tomorrow today has been the core of Apogee's mission and activities around the world for nearly a decade. This series of awards at the Crescendo Festival are the first fruits of a strategic partnership between the Foundation and its sister institution Noviye Imena, a Russia based organization promoting young musical talent. This unique, international partnership is designed to identify and promote the rising stars of Russia's music world throughout the nation. The awards were presented by Apogee President Kenneth Schneider on stage in St. Petersburg's Philharmonic Hall before a full audience on 13 April 2006.
At the conclusion of the concert cycle, an Apogee jury additionally selected violin prodigy Dmitry Smirnov as the outstanding performer, entitling him to receive a special edition of Apogee's Rising Star Award as well as an Apogee Merit Scholarship in support of his continued training at the Rimsky-Korsakov Conservatory Music School, the leading institution of its kind in the St Petersburg region. Each of these awards carry with them ongoing financial, educational and career support from The Apogee Foundation.
The following day, Mr. Schneider together with the Foundation's Regional Representative for the Russian Federation, Boris Suvorov, met with the administration and faculty of Smirnov's training institution, the Rimsky-Korsakov School. After touring the facilities, observing performances and consulting with the School's directors, the Foundation agreed to immediately begin implementation of its full program of Excellence Awards for the school's top students and instructors.
Noviye Imena President Ivetta Voronova said: "We are delighted to partner with The Apogee Foundation in identifying and fostering Russia's most promising musical talent. Our organizations share a common vision and record of success in developing artistic excellence, which can be amplified by our partnership."
Valentina Fedoseyeva, Director of the Rimsky-Korsakov Conservatory Music School said: "The Apogee Foundation's programs are a marvelous way of recognizing and assisting talented artists throughout their careers and enabling them to achieve their fullest potential. We welcome this collaboration and look forward to developing some of the world's finest artistic talent together."
Apogee President Kenneth Schneider said: "Our Foundation is privileged to have these opportunities to recognize and support such gifted individuals who represent such rich traditions of excellence. We are particularly honored to do so in collaboration with institutions of the caliber of Noviye Imena and the Rimsky-Korsakov School. Investing in these awesome talents and legacies is certain to create a better future not only for their nation but for the entire world."
For more information in English on Apogee's award programs, please see the Foundation's website: https://www.ApogeeFoundation.org/awards/index.php For information in Russian, please see: https://www.ApogeeFoundation.org/r_awards/r_index.php
