The finale of a prestigious music competition in Belgium will be adorned with a performance by a Russian pianist

BRUSSELS. Russian pianist Dmitry Shishkin reached the final of the Queen Elizabeth competition.

The Belgian Queen Elizabeth (Elisabeth Gabriele Valérie Marie) was a vivid example of an enlightened monarch, whose presence on the throne is a great blessing to the nation. German by birth, she was one of the most selfless defenders and patriots of Belgium, the homeland of her husband - King Albert. During the First World War, the monarch lady assisted as a nurse in operations at a military hospital. After she made considerable efforts to help cancer patients, visually impaired, suffering from tuberculosis. Thousands of people owe their lives to this amazing woman, thanks to the efforts of which during the Second World War in Belgium there were many shelters for prisoners of war, Jews, prisoners. She is one of the 26 thousand righteous people of the world recognized by the Israeli Yad Vashem Institute.

Polyglot, a connoisseur of painting, Egyptologist, sculptor, Elizabeth was also a passionate lover of music. The competition of academic musicians - Queen Elisabeth International Music Competition, which arose under her patronage in 1951, celebrates its 65th anniversary this year. His first winner was the wonderful violinist Leonid Kogan. The list of finalists of the current competition, announced on May 15, contains the name of the Russian contestant. Pianist Dmitry Shishkin is a graduate of the Gnesins school, a scholarship holder of the Vladimir Spivakov charity foundation. The child prodigy, whose first solo performance took place at age 3, is the winner of numerous music competitions.

Elena Tanakova © Gallerix.ru