"Met today with opera singer Iurii Samoilov, who represents Ukraine in this year renowned competition for opera singers «BBC Cardiff Singer of the World», which takes place in Wales.

Iurii has graduated with honours from the National Music Academy named after Chaikovsky, performed at world stages such as Teatro Real Madrid, Royal Albert Hall, Frankfurt Alte Oper, Rossini Opera Festival.

I wish Iurii every success at tonight’s performance and to win the competition!"