Saratov State Conservatory is the symbol of the city.
The citizens of Saratov were fond of singing folk songs to the accompaniment of the Saratovskaya concertina with three little bells. People were also interested in classical music. In 1875 the first musical school was opened. Later it turned into a Musical College and in 1912 into a Conservatory. It was the third Russian higher musical institution after the St. Petersburg and Moscow Conservatories.
The wide-spread interest in classical and modern music, jazz is reflected in large audiences of concerts in the L.V. Sobinov State Conservatory.
Nowadays about 300 concerts, various musical festivals and contests are held in the Halls of the institution.
In November 2012 the International Competition of young pianists'll take place here to the 100th Anniversary of Saratov State Conservatory.