West Australian Symphony Orchestra conductor laureate Vladimir Verbitsky becomes Australian citizen
Senator Chris Evans (left) presents Vladimir Verbitsky with his citizenship certificate.
One of Russia's most highly regarded conductors became an Australian citizen after a performance with the West Australian Symphony Orchestra (WASO) at the Perth Concert Hall on June 6.
Senator Chris Evans conferred citizenship on the esteemed Russian-born Vladimir Verbitsky, whose links with Western Australia stretch back more than two decades. The WASO conductor laureate has worked with the orchestra for the past 22 years, developing a special relationship with musicians and music lovers in Western Australia.
'Becoming an Australian citizen shows commitment and loyalty to this country and a desire to share a common future. It is with great pleasure that I will welcome Mr Verbitsky as he takes this exciting step,' Senator Evans said at the ceremony.
'Mr Verbitsky has become an Australian at a special time in our nation's history, with 2009 marking the 60th anniversary of Australian citizenship.
In the past six decades, more than four million people from over 200 countries have chosen to become Australian citizens,' Senator Evans said.
'Australia has been enriched by the cultures and traditions of these new citizens and I am certain that Mr Verbitsky will continue to make a significant contribution to our rich cultural diversity.
' Mr Verbitsky is one of Russia's most highly regarded conductors, with an impressive career spanning more than three decades. He fell in love with Australia, its people, climate and environment, while touring here in 1986.
'It's very exciting for me to become an Australian citizen and to celebrate my commitment to this country. I truly love Australia and celebrating this exciting step on stage with my colleagues at the WASO will make it all the more special,' Mr Verbitsky said.
The WASO concert fittingly featured a Russian repertoire, including Shostakovich's gripping Violin Concerto No.1 and Mussorgsky's dramatic A Night on Bald Mountain.
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Last update: 12 June 2009 at 11:13 AEST