The enhancement of the spiritual and cultural sphere is one of the priority areas of Belarus's development - senator

November 19, Vitebsk / Sergei Kotovets - BELTA /. The preservation and enhancement of the spiritual and cultural sphere as one of the priority areas of the country's development contributes to the harmonious progress of the entire society. This opinion was expressed to a BELTA correspondent by Elena Podolyak, director of the Vitebsk Regional Philharmonic, member of the Council of the Republic, and deputy of the regional Council of Deputies, commenting on the draft Program for Socio-Economic Development of Belarus for 2011-2015. The senator noted with satisfaction that the new program continues to pay special attention to the social component: improving people's quality of life, creating legal and economic conditions for unlocking the creative potential of citizens. Culture is one of the defining elements of rational societal development. That is why it is so important to maintain the continuity of the course chosen by the country and to continue improving the development model that allows citizens to work effectively, improve their educational and cultural level, which ultimately gives them the opportunity to look confidently into the future, Elena Podolyak is sure. The spiritual and cultural sphere determines the climate in society, ensures its unity, and allows Belarusians to feel like a nation, which is particularly relevant in the context of globalizing world, the senator emphasized. As for the work of the philharmonic society, the priority areas of its activities for the next five-year period will be active work with talented youth, as well as strengthening the positive cultural image of Belarus abroad. "Today, it is important not only to identify gifted children but also to support young artists and musicians, give them the opportunity to fully realize their talent, and create conditions for improving their skills," believes Elena Podolyak. To this end, the philharmonic society constantly organizes concerts on its stages with the participation of young talents from music educational institutions of the republic. In addition, this year, two scholarship holders of the special Fund of the President of the Republic of Belarus for the Support of Talented Youth became professional artists of the philharmonic society. Every year, artists of the Vitebsk Philharmonic give about a thousand concerts and musical programs, including in rural areas, where 29 philharmonic venues are open. In recent years, cooperation between the philharmonic society and foreign philharmonic institutions has intensified, with contacts with Russian regions developing most actively. Vitebsk artists are well-known and are constantly invited to perform in Smolensk, Pskov, Novgorod, and other regions; a trip of a Vitebsk ensemble to St. Petersburg is currently being prepared. -0-