Sacks Yachts Magazine

ST PETERSBURG . Russia, July 1, 2013 /PRNewswire/ --

The St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) has a tradition not only of commercial discussion and business meetings - but also a parallel cultural programme of bright intensity. The first day of the Forum offered a sporting event to the forum's guests and participants - a Business Regatta alongside professional yachtsmen, a yacht reception, and an award ceremony for the winners.

This year Palace Square in St. Petersburg saw an outdoor concert of classical music performed by the opera group Il Divo, accompanied by a symphony orchestra - and special guests Div4s.

The remarkable event was the first benefit concert in support of children being treated at the G.I.Turner Institute for Children's Orthopaedics. The concert took place due to the support of the Hovard St. Petersburg investment corporation, and the State Museum-Reserve of Tsarskoye Selo. The organisers and performers believe this is the start of a new tradition of charity and socially-responsible events under the aegis of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum.

A true diva was seen supporting this benefit concert - operatic soprano Anna Netrebko, in her capacity as the Director of the Anna Netrebko & Erwin Schrott for Kids charity foundation. Her foundation donated a cheque to the G.I.Turner Institute for Children's Orthopaedics for the purchase of medical equipment. SPIEF 2013 is the most appropriate event at which to attract the attention of business leaders and politicians to pressing social issues - including discussion of the responsibilities of businesses.

The Cultural Programme also included events in St. Petersburg's leading theatres and concert-halls, including the Mariinsky Theatre, the Mikhailovsky Theatre, the St. Petersburg State Academic Cappella, the Shostakovich Academic Philharmonic, and the chamber music theatre St. Petersburg Opera.

Further details about the programme of the Forum, and about its participants can be found on the Forum's official website: http://www.forumspb.com.

SOURCE St Petersburg Economic Forum