In 1969, the International Federation of the Blind declared October 15, International Day of the White Cane, to recognize the contributions of people who are blind or have low vision.
The White Cane International Charitable Festival has brought together young talents from different parts of Russia and neighbor countries.
Over the years, famous theater and film artists, cultural figures and world stars – Iosif Kobzon, Goran Bregovich, Aleksey Leonov, Galina Vishnevskaya, Jose Carreras, have been honored guests of the White Cane Day.
The festival became a landmark event in the XI Paralympic Games’ cultural program in Sochi, and its winners took part in the closing ceremony of the Paralympics. Throughout the years, the festival has been held at the most prestigious venues in the Russian capital.
President Vladimir Putin noted the importance of holding the White Cane festival: “This wonderful project, designed to support young performers with disabilities on the creative path, brings together more and more supporters every year. Adequately fulfilling his noble mission, he helps talented children to fulfill their dreams.”
Guests and participants of the festival at the Russian Song Theater will be Russian pop stars: Alsou, Nadezhda Babkina, Dmitry Guberniev, Zara, Mark Tishman, Tamara Gverdtsiteli, Denis Maidanov, Anita Tsoy, Alexander Oleshko, Svetlana Surganova, Gleb Matveychuk, Alexandra Savelyeva, Ruslan Alekhno, “Domisolka,” Rodion Gazmanov and others.
Among the participants in this bright show, many who, despite their young age, have had to face others’ indifference more than once. However, thanks to the world of creativity, the support of relatives, and the active assistance of the Fund for Assistance to Blind and Visually Impaired Children “At the Call of the Heart,” they were able to find their path in life.
“It is very important to help the talent to develop. And let the first timid steps of our children on the big stage become the start to a professional creative life, bring success, joy, and happiness,” notes Diana Gurtskaya, festival organizer, Honored Artist of Russia.
The gala concert starts on October 14 at 19:00 (Moscow, Olympiyskiy Prospekt, 11, Moscow State Academic Theater).
