Its programs enable Russia’s leading symphony musicians to provide an up close and personal music introduction for children in Russia’s orphanages.

You’d be hard pressed to find an organization that more effectively stimulates musical appreciation in Russia than the Russian Arts Foundation. A US-based non-profit established in 1992, the Russian Arts Foundation counts among its supporters such musical luminaries as Wynton Marsalis, Dave Brubeck, Leonard Slatkin and Jessye Norman.

But this organization isn’t about names or flash. The Russian Arts Foundation delivers results, supporting the Russian National Orchestra (the first ever fully independent orchestra in Russia), commissioning original compositions and performances, stimulating the growth of the Russian publishing industry, and yes, bringing musicians and artists into Russian orphanages.

After years of cultural neglect, Russian artistry needs our help. I’m proud to have contributed a bit of that through the Russian Arts Foundation.