Cultural life of Kaliningrad

by Ms Svetlana Sikoza

Kultural life of Kalin-Cingrad is becoming more and more intensive and diverse. Only here you can visit the Art Festival "The Baltic seasons" or the International Contest of the Organists. The fairs of arts and crafts, photoexhibitions, literature meetings with the representatives of the different cultures take place in the city.

The 7^th International Book Festival "With a Book - towards the XXI Century" was held in Kaliningrad. Every year the Festival is getting more and more interesting and attracts more citizens. Implementation of such projects is of great importance and interest in Kaliningrad. It's not a secret that currently reading is often substituted by television, media and the Internet. The year of 2007 was announced the year of the Book and the Russian language.

The citizens express much interest in cinema. Significant renovation of the Kaliningrad movie theatres contributed to this. Several new modern cinemas have been opened up lately.

Those who love classical music are always welcome to enjoy the fascinating sound of organ in the Kaliningrad Philharmonic Society. The most famous and talented organists from all over the world perform the pieces on stage.

Nowadays, in the ancient Cathedral, which is the heart of the cultural life of Kaliningrad, the second organ is being installed. Excellent acoustics of the Concert Hall of the Cathedral has been highly appreciated by musicians.

Renovation of the unique part of Kaliningrad - the "Unost park" is the gift of the famous citizen Lyud-mila Putina to her native city. The park comprises a playground and amusement rides installed in order to teach children the driving rules. The Centre of Russian language and literature situated in the park is to be open up very soon.

After the large - scale renovation implemented before the 750^th Anniversary of the city, the Central square (Pobeda square) became brighter and more comfortable. The citizens can enjoy the beauty of the new fountains and listen to the classical symphonies and suites broadcasted in the square. In the evenings and at night the square is lit by 26 original lamps.

Kaliningrad maintains neighbourhood relations with many European countries and five newly opened parks, built in partnership with such countries as Lithuania, Poland, Germany, Holland, Sweden, serve as an evidence of this friendship. Having harmoniously merged with the city's landscape, the parks attract the citizens and tourists.