October

Europa Park Hosts Russian Festival—2012Children’s musical groups from St. Petersburgand Magnitogorsk performed with greatsuccess at the Russian Festival, a specialevent that took place at Germany’s largestamusement park, Europa Park on 4-5 August.Over two days more than 25,000 visitors hadthe opportunity to enjoy performances by thechildrens’ groups. Visitors, festival organizersand park managers praised their creativity.The performances, along with excursions andan entertainment program for the participatingperformers, were part of the “Open World”international charity program that is organizedby Austrian non-profit organization Energyfor Life, with support from Gazprom Exportand Gazprom Germania. Such projects arean example of energy companies supportingsocial responsibility efforts.“Energy for Life” and the Power of ArtThe International Summer Academy of Arts“Energy for Life” program was held in Austriafrom 29 June to 10 July 2012 as part of the“Open World” international children’s socialproject. Over 130 children, including those withdisabilities, from Austria, Russia, Germany,Latvia, Poland, Georgia and other countriesparticipated in the event.This year, the program launched Europe’s firstinternational children’s chamber orchestra.The orchestra included children aged 8 to 16from eight European countries, with leadingmusic teachers from Russia, Germany, France,Japan and Slovakia providing lessons andmaster classes.Yuri Bashmet agreed to be the orchestra’s artisticdirector, holding several classes and conductingduring the final concert at Town Hall Square. Agala concert, which was put together in less thana week, featured performances from membersof the dance and gymnastics master classes aswell as presentations from the participants of theTV journalism and media classes.The concert was held under the patronage of thegovernor of the state of Lower Austria, Mr. ErwinPröll as well as the Minister of Social Affairs ofthe Republic of Austria, Rudolf Hundstorfer.The Academy of Arts was held under the“Open World” project, which was carried outby the “Energy for Life” foundation with thesupport from major energy companies in Russiaand Austria - Gazprom Export, OMV, GWH,EconGas and Gasconnect Austria.You can watch the video presentation here:gazpromexport.com/presscenter/charity/66032