In the interview with Yaroslav Timofeev the famous Soviet and Russian composer Efrem Podgaits touches upon the most significant themes of his œuvre, artistic life and persons, that affected him. At the beginning of the conversation Podgaits spotlights such figures as the unique linguist and translator Vladimir Oryol, whose translations of Jacques Prévert’s poems formed the basis of “How to Draw a Bird” cantate (1980); and the outstanding conductor and founder of the children’s choir “Vesna” [“Spring”] Alexander Pono­ma­rev. Furthermore, the composer discusses chil­dren and children’s music, one of the key themes for his artistic legacy, and his long-lasting profound relationship with the children’s choir “Vesna.” Pod­gaits’ compositional process and his pedagogical work with young composers in Ippolitov-Ivanov State Music and Pedagogical Institute are also reflected in the text.