Dear Friends,

Within one of our city's most beloved squares, Arts Square, home to the St.Petersburg Philharmonia, the State Russian Museum and the Grand Hotel Europe, the Fifth International Winter Festival Arts Square will take place. This year the festival is devoted to the music of Russia and America. As a focal point of the festival, I have invited the Morgan State University Choir under the direction of Dr.Nathan Carter to perform two concerts. These two concerts will be historic, as this is the first ever African American choir to perform in Russia. In addition to the choir, leading Russian and American musicians will take part in this festival. As always,
I am introducing a new emerging talent, Stephan Jackiw a 17-year-old American violinist. Boris Eifman will stage his new ballet "Who's Who"" for festival guests. The State Russian Museum under the direction of Dr.Vladimir Gusev has prepared a unique exhibition of the works of the great Russian artist Boris Kustodiev. The Grand Hotel Europe will provide beautiful accommodations for all guests. Artists and festival visitors alike will be welcomed by Mr.Elmar Greif, General Manager of the Grand Hotel Europe.

Together, we will usher in the New Year of 2004 in the exclusive Yusupov Palace with a grand ball. The event, which usually lasts until the wee hours of the morning, will culminate in a spectacular fireworks show in the palace courtyard.

I will be happy to see you at the Fifth International Winter Festival Arts Square.

Yuri Temirkanov
Artistic Director St.Petersburg Philharmonia
Artistic Director of the Festival