EVENING CHRONICLE (Newcastle, UK) - 22.01.2005

BRIDGE BOWS TO SUPER ORCHESTRA

Musicians from one of the world's top orchestras celebrated their first visit to Tyneside by having The Gateshead Millennium Bridge tilted in their honour.
Russia's St Petersburg Philharmonic completed a three concert-run at The Sage Gateshead last night for what is hoped will be the start of a lasting relationship with the new concert venue.
The 117 musicians were treated to a special tilt of the world famous bridge.
Yuri Temirkanov, principal conductor of the orchestra, was also presented with a friendship cup, known as a quaiche, by Gateshead's Mayor, Coun Pat Ronan, to commemorate the visit.
Gateshead Council Leader Coun Mick Henry, who attended the tilting with Sage director Anthony Sargent, said: "We are honoured an orchestra of this standing would come to perform here. It is a great endorsement of the Sage. I have been emotionally touched by their performances."