Friday, 25th November 2011, 8 pm
Concert Hall of the UdK Berlin, Hardenbergstraße/corner of Fasanenstraße, 10623 Berlin

Concert for the Nations 2011
Under the patronage of H. E. Wladimir M. Grinin, Ambassador of the Russian Federation.

Gustav Mahler: Symphony No. 9 in D-major

Symphony Orchestra of Berlin University of the Arts
Lutz Köhler, conductor

I would like to extend a very warm welcome on the occasion of the 10th “Concert for the Nations”. I am honoured and delighted to take on the patronage of this concert, for the most admirable thing about this project by Berlin University of the Arts – one of the biggest and leading artistic universities in the world – is that it is suited so precisely to present day demands. The project provides a true service inasmuch as it promotes harmony between peoples through music, thereby bringing cultures one step closer, and so helping to prompt intercultural dialogue. In this way it makes a real contribution to the unity of the international community, which is clearly necessary in face of globalization and fresh challenges to humanity. I would like to thank all the organizers and artists participating and wish the project a successful future, for the pleasure of all music lovers and the wellbeing of all people on Earth.

Vladimir M. Grinin
Special Commissioned Ambassador of the Russian Federation in the Federal Republic of Germany