A day to commemorate Svyatoslav Richter

Ten years ago the world famous Russian pianist Svyatoslav Richter, who founded the prestigious December Nights Festival, died.

It has been a very long decade since classical music fans all around the world last had the chance to listen to Richter's performances live.

The Soviet pianist with an internationally renowned reputation, never liked to be pictured or filmed.

Those who were lucky enough to listen to the music performed by Richter called it “divine”.

His friends and relatives called him a man of a golden and brave heart.

Richter was also very modest, there is nothing even left of him in the archive of the first Tchaikovsky Competition among pianists or may be he just did not like to take part in contests.

What is definitely known is that Richter was very fond of festivals. He liked to receive guests most of all and 26 years ago he organized one of the most prestigious festivals in Russia – December Nights.

But you can listen to great classical music in Moscow not only in December but every August the first, when former students of the great musician Richter get together at his old flat to remember their master.

This year is no exception and it seemed that Svyatoslav Richter's heritage will never be forgotten.