Yuri Bashmet, the world-renowned Russian Violist and conductor is in the Seychelles for his second classical tour.

In June 2010, when he gave his first two-hour concert at the International Conference Center, Yuri Bashmet said he was touched by the “long applause and standing ovation” he received from the audience. Although the Seychelles audience was his first ever stage test, the Mozart, Brahms, Paganini, Bruch, and Tchaikovsky pieces he performed on his viola made his concert one to be remembered, creating his “niche of fans.” Performing his last pieces that night, Yuri Bashmet said he “was happy and would be back in the Seychelles.”

Upholding his promises, Yuri Bashmet and his 34-member chamber orchestra arrived this morning at the Pointe Larue international airport where he was greeted by the minister responsible for community development, Mr. Vincent Meriton; Minister Bernard Shamlaye responsible for culture; Mr. Alain St.Ange, the Chief Executive of the Seychelles Tourism Board; and by the Russian Ambassador to Seychelles, Mr. Mikhail Kalinin.

Prior to his arrival in the Seychelles, Yuri Bashmet was in London for a grand concert. Described as someone who had given the “viola a new prominence in musical life,” Yuri Bashmet will be giving three concerts in Seychelles.

The first is scheduled on December 22 at the Le Meridien Barbarons hotel on the west coast of Mahé. On Friday, December 23, Yuri Bashmet and his orchestra will move to the town center where they will perform at the International Conference Center before giving a last concert on December 24 in the gardens of the sublime and majestic building of State House, which is not only one of Seychelles’ national monuments, but also the offices of Mr. James Michel, the President of the Republic of Seychelles. The last concert will be especially significant, because it will be his first ever open-air concert in the wake of activities to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the State House building this year.

Last year, Yuri Bashmet’s concert brought forth a great momentum. The upcoming three concerts will further contribute towards positioning Seychelles as a “cultural tourism” niche market.