Interview with the director of the Astrakhan State Philharmonic Valentina Chernyakova.
Tell us where you were born and about the most vivid memories of your childhood.
I was born in the city of Shebekino, Belgorod region, in my mother’s homeland, and soon moved to my father’s hometown of Astrakhan. As a child, I loved going to the embankment with my parents on holidays and being fascinated by the colored lights of ships and boats and fireworks. I didn’t go to kindergarten, so I mostly spent my free time in the yard playing with the guys. In the summer, I went to the village of Tuzukley in the Astrakhan region to visit my grandmother’s relatives and had a great time there.
What kind of education did you receive?
I graduated from secondary school No. 48 and after 11th grade entered the College of Culture for the directing course of Yuri Guriev. After graduating with a red diploma, I went to work in the Department of Culture of the Astrakhan city administration. While working in management, I graduated with honors from the Volgograd Institute of Culture with a degree in «manager in the socio-cultural sphere» and still periodically improve my qualifications. I taught for a long time at the College of Culture Management.
How did you become the head of the Philharmonic and what plans does your organization have for the future?
In 2009, the leadership of the Astrakhan region was looking for a young and energetic person to become director of the Philharmonic. My candidacy was submitted for consideration and approved. Since 2010, I have been the director of the Philharmonic. We plan to attract a young audience and instill a love for music from childhood.
How do you manage to combine work with social activities?
I manage to successfully combine my work at the Philharmonic with my social activities. I realize that I have enough energy to engage in politics and draw the attention of the authorities to cultural issues.
Your organization hosts not only concerts, but also other events. Tell us a little about the most interesting ones.
In addition to classical concerts, we have introduced many new directions. The Philharmonic not only performs classical concerts, but also actively interacts with public and youth organizations.
What can you wish for the younger generation aimed at working in culture, or just thinking about it.
I wish the younger generation inner harmony and fortitude that will help them distinguish good from bad and encourage them to use their talents for the benefit of society.