As part of marking the centenary of P.I.Tchaikovsky National Music Academy of Ukraine, the National Bank of Ukraine has put into circulation the commemorative coins devoted to one of Ukraine’s leading music institutions.

The Launching Ceremony of the commemorative coins "100 years of P.I. Tchaikovsky National Music Academy of Ukraine" of five and two hryvnia face value took place during the solemn meeting of the Academic Council and the staff of P.I.Tchaikovsky National Music Academy of Ukraine, which was held on 4 November 2013.

Ms Vira Rychakivska, Deputy Governor of the National Bank of Ukraine, has said that the commemorative coins "100 years of P.I.Tchaikovsky National Music Academy of Ukraine" are an anniversary gift for Ukraine’s renowned centre of music education.

"P.I.Tchaikovsky National Music Academy of Ukraine has given Ukraine and the world a galaxy of prominent musicians, while enriching the traditions of the national music school and shaping public's musical tastes. The academic staff educate the Ukrainian musical elite who deservedly represent Ukraine on the international cultural arena. The coins presented today are a token of our appreciation and thanks to the academy for its culture-shaping and spiritual efforts," noted Ms Vira Rychakivska.

She has said that the coins "100 Years of P.I.Tchaikovsky National Music Academy of Ukraine" of 5 hryvnia face value are made of silver, whereas those of 2 hryvnia face value are made of German silver (The mintage quantities are 3, 000 and 20, 000 pieces respectively).

Mr Roman Chaikovskyi, Head of Design Division of the Banknote Printing and Minting Works of the National Bank of Ukraine, a designer and engraver, has said that it was the creative work of the Academy graduates and masters that inspired him to create the draft designs of the coins. The obverse side of the coins features P.I.Tchaikovsky’s portrait against the background of the conventionalized composition representing a grand piano, treble clef and staff. The reverse side of the coins features the building of the Opera Studio of the National Music Academy of Ukraine with the legend 100 РОКІВ (100 years) and a laurel branch thereunder. "I sought to reproduce vivid, bright and laconic images associated with the masters of musical culture," said Mr Roman Chaikovskyi.

Coins are minted at the Mint of National Bank of Ukraine

Source of information: National Bank of Ukraine www.bank.gov.ua