Makhachkala, July 3, 2015. On July 2, being on his working visit to Moscow, Dagestani Head Ramazan Abdulatipov attended the gala concert of the XV International Tchaikovsky Competition in Moscow Conservatory's Grand Hall.

At the beginning of the gala concert, Russian President Vladimir Putin called Tchaikovsky Competition the pride of Russia, one of the most  authoritative and recognizable contests in the world. The President congratulated all the winners and wished them further success.

"I would like to congratulate all the winners and wish you further success, which you will undoubtedly achieve. Your skill and talent will open up the doors of the leading concert halls and theatres. The revival of the competition’s tradition, namely tours by the laureates, is certain to help in this. I would like to express my gratitude to our best orchestras and outstanding conductors. Your professionalism and performing perfection not only support the contestants, but also create the unique emotional atmosphere for the competition.

This was a very responsible time for all of you alike – the organizers, the contestants and the jury. You have done everything possible to turn this competition into a world event of performing arts that meets the highest requirements of music lovers."- Vladimir Putin said, addressing the audience.

The International Tchaikovsky Competition is the largest event in the world of classical music. The main purpose of the musical competition held every four years - the identification of new talent. The first competition was held in 1958 in two specialties - "Piano" and "violin", but in 1962, the specialty "cello" was added. The category of "solo singing" (with individual awards in the categories of male and female vocals) was included to the third contest in 1966.

At the end of the gala concert, Ramazan Abdulatipov shared his impressions with reporters.

"I have listened with great pleasure the Tchaikovsky Competition laureates, performing their virtuosic programs. It is a pleasure to be here today in this beautiful, majestic, one of the world's most famous concert halls, where the best soloists and ensembles the world performed and the international festivals and competitions were held since 1901 ", - Dagestani Head concluded.

This year the competition was timed to coincide with the 175th anniversary of the great Russian composer. Altogether, 623 competitors from 45 countries applied to take part in the competition.