CULTURE The Minsk Times Thursday, September 8, 2011 9 BELTA Gala concert of festival of music and poetry, in Molodechno, unites best performers on new, eye-catching stage Festival’s songs are its treasure Molodechno festival loads its second decade of existence, entering whole new level

By Pavel Velikhov that I take part in the Molodechno people from all over Belarus, each change, they promenade through Pobedy contest but, in all honesty, I didn’t sincerely interested in our national with lo- Park, by the Summer Amphitheatre. It’s a true holiday for art lovers, believe I was strong enough,” she culture,” he adds. During round ta- cal resi- Families and friends come to take boasting its own history and im- admits with modesty. ble discussions, Mr. Finberg spoke dents not only fresh air but photos — by age. Few might have expected that People’s Artiste of Belarus of the revival of our national song feeling the beautiful mini-fountains and by it would undergo such dramatic Mikhail Finberg, the artistic leader heritage. He hopes to see a response pride the recently built fountain designed change in its 11th year but a won- of the National Academic Concert from singers and songwriters but and by Vladimir Zhbanov. Called ‘Fern derful new stage and an expanded Orchestra, chaired the event. He’s admits, “It doesn’t depend on me happiness Flower’, it is enchantingly alluring genre palette have caused a true stir convinced that such contests sup- as there are many components. for their na- (rather than vulgarly erotic). Th e among performers. port the country’s successful cul- We need to update the recording of tive city as city is becoming more European Yekaterina Khudinets was ture of singing. Speaking of why no national material in a professional and the festival spirit suits it per- awarded fi rst prize among the 21 one was awarded a Grand Prix this studio, using experienced musi- fectly — as a suntan suits a face. singers, to her great surprise. She year, he notes, “For a single reason: cians.” Th e Republican Contest of is fond of jazz, singing exclusively we want to enhance the level of Mr. Finberg has performed Young Pop Song Performers has in English and, two years ago, took Belarusian song performers in the on various stages but, speaking become the major attraction of the a Grand Prix at the International future. To do this, we need new aes- of the Molodechno site, notes, festival. Culture Minister Pavel La- Jazz Festival in Lithuanian Pan- thetic categories. Th e national song “I was captured by the Summer tushko admits, “It’s extremely im- evezys. In Molodechno, Yekaterina has changed, as has the approach to Amphitheatre’s concert stage. It’s a portant to realise that we should performed Ballad of Four Hostages its assessment. We’re searching for true European stage, which is ready shift to Belarusian songs not only — a true experiment. “Th is year, artistes who can combine wonder- to host any modern forum. It’s con- for festivals but in our everyday I graduated from the Arts Col- ful vocals with a new interpretation venient to work and stay here and life. Judging by the number of city lege, entering the Culture and Arts of musical material.” it perfectly suits the surrounding residents and guests promenading, University’s Pop Vocal Singing De- “I loved this year’s contestants. landscape.” it’s clear that such events are in de- partment. My teachers suggested Th ey were modest and worthy Molodechno has witnessed great Yekaterina Khudinets mand.” Ordinary articles amaze with Master class from famous cinema maestro deep philosophical meaning By Irina Dobrodeyeva script draft ing. Th ey also visited ex- hibitions and museums, while tak- By Dmitry Neversky Teachers and students from ing part in round table discussions Grodno’s Yanka Kupala State Uni- and discussing culture and art, mu- Unique international open versity have enjoyed a unique op- sic and cinema, as well as promising air ceramic workshop held in portunity to learn about the art of creative plans and ideas. Bobruisk cinematography via master class- Th e group learnt about the Art-Zhyzhal fi rst took place in es with prominent Polish director work of a camera crew, director 2003, initiated by Valery Koltygin — a Krzysztof Zanussi. and his assistants, producers and ceramist well known in the city. He Th ey spent a whole week at Mr. actors, taking a tour of the TOR was later awarded the ‘For Spiritual Zanussi’s house in , studying Film Production Studio, headed by Revival’ prize. his works and grasping the secrets of Mr. Zanussi. “Of course, we were taking a risk, as the venture could have failed,” recollects Valery. However, the con- Each work at open air workshop is a small masterpiece Belarusian beauties enjoy cerns were unnecessary. Even the fi rst “Its geography is ever expanding, with shop, the articles created under workshop gathered a dozen ceramists ceramists bringing their national cul- the Ceramics in Architectural Space from fi ve countries. Initially, masters ture to us. With this in mind, we’ve al- theme went on show: Old World (by success at pageant finals from neighbouring Russia, , ways supported Art-Zhyzhal, despite Asya Vakhmistrova, of St. Peters- By Yelena Stasyukovskaya with choreographers, photogra- , Latvia and primari- any diffi culties.” burg), Time for Life (by Magdalena phers and stage directors. ly attended but, in the course of time, “It’s my fi rst time at Art-Zhyzhal Zborowska, of Poland), Two in a ‘ 2010’ — Lyudmila Miss Supranational has been they were joined by colleagues from but I feel as if I’ve been coming for a Boat (by Sandra Naumova, of Bul- Yakimovich — becomes held for three years in Poland now, further afi eld: Germany, the UK, Bul- long time,” smiles Kemal Tizgol, from garia) and other pieces. Famous fi rst runner-up at Miss with Plock amphitheatre hosting garia, Moldova and . Th is Turkey’s Antalya. “We’ve gained clos- Bobruisk ceramist Anatoly Kontsub Supranational the fi nals of Miss Supranational, year, the open air workshop gathered er acquaintance and I’m so impressed showcased several of his works — all Lyudmila recently supple- Miss Polski and Miss Polski Nasto- ten states, with Turkey and Kaza- with what I’ve seen and heard. I’ll take attractive in their preciseness and mented her ‘Miss Belarus 2010’ latek over a period of two days. In khstan coming for the fi rst time. all my impressions home. I’m thank- artistry. Seemingly ordinary objects title, becoming the fi rst runner- 2009, Belarus’ Marina Lepesha was Th e Georgy Poplavsky Art Muse- ful to the organisers of this ceramic were imbued with deep philosophi- up at Miss Supranational 2011, in also the ‘Miss Supranational’ fi rst um hosted a traditional exhibition of festival and hope to meet everyone cal meaning. Polish Plock. Monika Lewczuk runner-up. works created during the forum. “Our again next year.” Th e Circle of Fire exhibition is cur- from Poland was crowned ‘Miss Grodno student Lyudmila workshop is unique in Belarusian fi ne Art-Zhyzhal participants were rently in Bobruisk, but shall soon tour Supranational 2011’. Girls from 70 Yakimovich won ‘Miss Belarus arts, gathering over 200 participants awarded with diplomas and souve- Mogilev, Vitebsk and other Belaru- countries took part, with the fi nals 2010’ aft er entering such a contest to date,” noted Bobruisk Mayor Dmit- nirs, alongside praise for their ex- sian cities. Hundreds of art lovers will preceded by a 20-day marathon for the fi rst time; she also took the ry Bonokhov, in his opening speech. pressive creativity. Aft er the work- be able to enjoy the unique show. across Poland; contestants worked ‘Miss Photo’ title.