belarus & world The Minsk Times Thursday, July 18, 2013  Spiritual fraternity truly more precious than wealth By Mikhail Veremeev Alexander Tikhanovich explains, “To judge performances by young artistes In his speech, Mr. Lukashenko fairly, jury members need to return noted, “TheSlavianski Bazaar is a spir- to their childhood. Love of children itual catalyst for integration across the is vital and being among children, post-Soviet space and, in a wider sense, we are obliged to be filled with love across the Eurasian space.” and to share this feeling generously The ‘festival of festivals’ presents with contestants. Of course, the jury a broad panorama of global cultural is extremely well-wishing to all but achievements, with its famous Sum- ensures that only those who demon- mer Amphitheatre celebrating its 25th strate perfect vocal capabilities and an jubilee this year. It gathers Eurovision appropriate ‘repertoire’ are awarded.” laureates, as well as winners of such The Head of the Festival’s Di- festivals as New Wave and San Remo. rectorate, Alexander Sidorenko, an- It seems true that music surmounts all nounced just before the opening of obstacles, being the language of friend- the Festival that ticket revenue had ship, needing no translation. No bor- reached Br20bn: comprising the ma- ders or political obstacles exist where Among festival guests: Anzhelika Agurbash jor share of the Festival’s revenue. people revere art. Italian singer Al Bano “We were selling tickets for almost We say that ‘a tree is strong through Presiana Demitrova a month beforehand,” he explained. Alexandra Laktionova content with second prize its roots and people through their Michal Kaczmarek tries for Grand Prix Audiences are traditionally most in- friends’ and this is certainly upheld terested in the opening and closing by the spirit of the Slavianski Bazaar, concerts, as well as stars’ solo per- which encourages international friend- formances. ship. This year, entrants from Aus- Mr. Svetlov stressed that — as tralia, Cuba and Venezuela are taking ever — the forum enjoys substantial part for the first time, taking part in the state support: this year, Br8.387bn. In Concert of Friendship, which is the addition, the Festival receives financ- central event, uniting the ing from the Union State budget. It’s artistic achievements of almost impossible to recognise how various nations. Mean- much the population of Vitebsk swells while, the musical con- during the Festival. This year, around tests held over several 5,000 people were officially accredit- days allow the world’s ed but many more traditionally come top singers to entertain to Vitebsk for the week of excitement, in a warm atmosphere music and street promenading. If you of celebration. There’s drop into a local café, you may find no doubt that the Festival yourself next to a celebrity, while it’s promotes a love of music pleasant to stroll through the town, and sets a wonderful exam- admiring recent developments. ple to the younger generation, now known worldwide, having record- Boris Svetlov, noted, the singer’s star The Slavianski Bazaar in Vitebsk showing the benefits of mu- ed around twenty albums with the Me- ‘lit’ in Vitebsk long ago: in audiences’ is Belarus’ calling card, known all tual respect and trust. lodiya (Melody) recording studio: all hearts. “Our love is reciprocal,” Ms. over the globe; participation brings are classics of Russian and Soviet pop. Piekha admits, adding, “I’m always ea- prestige for young performers. Since Reciprocal love The ‘Peace and Mutual Under- ger to come here, where an incredibly it first launched, the Festival has Life is ever changing standing Through Art’ award is con- kind atmosphere and inspiring aura hoisted the flags of 69 states and has and our modern world is ferred on figures of culture and art, rule. I’m happy to have the chance to been the starting point for dozens of dynamically developing. as well as upon artistic teams and sing for such wonderful people.” pop stars. Among previous winners The Vitebsk Festival has long organisations, who have contributed are Inna Afanasieva, Irina Dorofeeva, occupied a place at the forefront of cul- much loved and respected across all considerably to strengthening inter- Golden key Pyotr Yelfimov, Yevgeny Gor, Diana tural events, not only reflecting current generations in Belarus. True talent nev- national cultural co-operation and the The Grand Prix of the Vitebsk- Gurtskaya, Taisia Povaliy, Andrey trends but setting them. With this in er ages, remaining a diamond in global promotion of global cultural achieve- 2013 International Children’s Musi- Khlestov and Natalia Podolskaya. mind, the Head of State ordered a new history, never losing its shine. ments, following ideals of humanity. cal Contest went to Presiana Dim- Since 2002, winners have received concept this year, with the Festival be- Ms. Piekha is rightly viewed as Past recipients include Andrey Petrov, itrova of Bulgaria. First prize went a bronze statuette cast especially in coming more focused. a Soviet pop legend so the decision Alla Pugacheva, Sofia Rotaru, Alex- to Lenka from Georgia while second Minsk: a singing woman (against the Its major slogan of ‘Peace and Mu- to recognise her with the ‘Peace and andra Pakhmutova, Valery Leontiev, prize was shared between Alexandra background of the Summer Amphi- tual Understanding Through Art’ re- Mutual Understanding Through Art’ Vladimir Mulyavin and Pesnyary band, Laktionova from Belarus and Arsen theatre), with a golden lyre in her mains sacrosanct and, symbolically, the award has been enthusiastically re- Igor Luchenok, and Lev Leshchenko. Shavlyuk from Ukraine. Third prize hands and crowned by cornflowers. Belarusian President’s special award ceived by all. Born in 1937 to an émigré Since 2009, the names of award hold- was won by Russia’s Dayana Kirillova Besides song and dance, guests bears the same name. This year, People’ family in the north of France, she came ers have been engraved on the Avenue and Ukranian Galina Dubok enjoy film premieres, folk craft fairs Artiste of the USSR Edita Piekha re- to Leningrad on a Komsomol trip in of Stars. Often, public opinion differs and a rich theatrical programme. ceived the honour, gaining a star bear- 1955 (after studies). She there entered Interestingly, Ms. Piekha per- from that of the professional jury; ac- This season, over 100,000 people ing her name near the Summer Am- the State University’s Department of formed in the earliest of days of the cordingly, jury members usually re- from 30 countries have attended the phitheatre, on the Avenue of Stars. Ms. Philosophy, studying psychology, and unique concert, during the Polish Song frain from commenting before final town’s concerts, performances and Piekha often attends the Festival and is only later began her pop career. She is Festival. As Belarus’ Culture Minister, results are announced. Head juror film screenings.