Transcript of the speech:

"Ladies and Gentlemen,

"Tonight we open the 14th International Tchaikovsky Competition. This is a world-famous music competition, where young performers can demonstrate their talent as well as their technical skill. This year, for the first time, the competition will be held in two cities simultaneously. The Conservatory of Music will be the main venue here, in Moscow. We've been refurbishing this beautiful hall over the past year, and will continue its renovation into 2016. In St Petersburg, the competition will take place in the new concert hall of the Mariinsky Theatre, and at the St Petersburg Philharmonic.

"It would not be an overstatement to say that the Tchaikovsky Competition is this country's most prestigious music contest, part of our national heritage. It reflects how our society relates to the arts in general, and to music in particular. And it reflects our nation's pride in the remarkable contribution it has made to the world treasury of art.

"The Tchaikovsky Competition's international reputation stems largely from the unshakable status of Russian musical culture. This is why talented young performers from around the world are happy to come here to participate. For young performers – pianists, vocalists, cellists, violinists – this competition can be a springboard, propelling them into their music careers.

"While acknowledging the competition's celebrated history, we should above all remain focused on what is happening now, and into the future. A lot has changed since the competition was founded in 1958.

"This year, for the first time ever, the performances will be broadcast live. This will create a special challenge for the contestants. Hundreds of thousands of people will be watching their developing mastery, their talent and skill in bringing world classics to the public.

"In order to convey the high standards of the Tchaikovsky Competition, we must mention its high-profile jury. The panel comprises some of the most famous world-class performers, musicians and critics. Many of them began their own careers by performing on this very stage as contestants. For these musicians, I think it would be a special pleasure to reveal new names to the world, to discover new talents, to ignite new stars in the musical firmament.

"This year, winners will be awarded not only medals, certificates and monetary prizes. For the first time in the competition's history, they will also be offered contracts for a three-year concert tour in Russia and abroad. We should thank the organisers for this incredible undertaking. The opportunity will surely be a brilliant start to the career of any talented young performer.

"The winners will also have the opportunity to perform with the Mariinsky Orchestra and the London Symphony Orchestra, as well as at the famous Carnegie Hall, which Pyotr Tchaikovsky himself opened 120 years ago.

"I sincerely hope that our contestants will manage to cope with their excitement, and show all that they are capable of. This will be an exciting, if at times fierce, competition between talented people. Let us wish the best of luck to the contestants!

Thank you very much for your attention."