In the early afternoon the Theatre was visited by Prime Minister Vladimir Putin, Mayor of Moscow Sergei Sabyanin and Russia's Cultural Minister Alexander Avdeyev. In the course of the brief tour conducted by the company's artistic director Evgeny Mironov they were shown the main and the small stages, discussed the plans for the future, studied the model of the “theatre quarter“ (the new development project). Evgeny Mironov acting as rightful and cordial „proprietor” invited the guests to participate in the old theatre tradition — hammering a coin into the foundation of the stage. For luck and future financial wellbeing. Since the renovated stage is 126 years old the coin was dated 1885. Theatre of Nations can boast the most modern stage equipment and unique acoustic characteristics, the latter having been tested by the Premier who played a tune on the piano accompanied by the actors. After the tour the honorary guests were invited to a tea party with young actors and directors at the restaurant “Korsh Theatre” where a lively discussion was held about the state of affairs in contemporary theatre, basic guidelines of Theatre of Nations' creative policy and prospects for increasing the financing of the company. The young artists spoke about their creative plans. And in the evening there was the gala concert. Gathered on the red carpet were people who had been in various ways helping the Theatre — eminent political figures, businessmen, cultural workers, artists and just friends. The concert that followed had been staged by young director Vasili Barkhatov and featured a wide variety of genres and styles. One of the numbers was the world premiere of MUSICA VIVA Moscow Chamber Orchestra conducted by People's Artist of Russia Alexander Rudin. The audience was quite ecstatic at the performance of the children band from the Pyongyang Musical School (North Korea). Drama school students in hard hats, assisted by “Tower Quartet“ music band and Chulpan Hamatova as charlady performed a series of comical numbers filling the show sparkling humor. Quite droll was the number performed by prima ballerina of Mariyinsky Theatre Uliana Lopatkina and lead of Mikhailovsky Ballet Marat Shemiunov. People's Artist of Russia Anastasia Vertinskaya recited the verses of her father Alexander Vertinsky. From the screen the history of Theatre of Nations was recounted by outstanding arts and culture dignitaries Helen Mirren, Lev Dodin, Oleg Tabakov, Declan Donnellan, Nacho Duato, Robert Lepage, Valery Gergiev, Yuri Lyubimov, John Malkovich, Oleg Tabakov, Jeremy Irons, Maya Plisetskaya, Bogdan Stupka, Eimuntas Nyakroshus, Thomas Ostermeier and Robert Wilson. Theatre of Nations' artistic director Evgeny Mironov heartily thanked all those who had extended support to the theatre: “When I came here with Mikhail Shvidkoy all I saw was a foundation pit. I thought I'd close my eyes and imagine the packed house, the chandeliers, and the applauding audience. Sometimes miracles happen. Now we have the home of our own and I congratulate you all on this”. The concert culminated in the hilarious show of „Wedding-Funeral Band” led by famous musician Goran Bregovich. The music set the audience aflame to the effect that many climbed on stage and threw themselves into the dance. Now it is time for intensive rehearsals and new premieres.