Young German talent straight from the heart

Despite her youth, German cellist Marie-Elisabeth Hecker has already won over audiences around the globe with her passionate performances. Now legendary conductor Valery Gergiev has brought her to the Moscow stage as part of this year’s Easter Festival.

He says the 21-year-old has some inner understanding of music that comes from her heart.

Maestro Gergiev hopes the young musician will become a frequent guest in Russian concert halls, while she says she’s happy to perform with the legendary conductor on the stage which recalls her idol - world-famous Russian cellist Mstislav Rostropovich.

Meanwhile this weekend Vladimir Putin has signed a decree to award Valery Gergiev, who's just turned 55, with a state honour.

The conductor, who is the director of the Mariinsky theatre, has been recognised for his outstanding contribution to the development of Russian and world music and theatre.

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