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The Pop Contest at
Vitebsk-2005 is said to be the best vocal competition in the world. Journalists
from Ukraine and Russia came to shake my hand with the words, “Well done!
Belarus has managed to keep up the standards of the contest.” Presumably, they
are referring to the fact that Belarus has brought the unique cultural forum of
the Slavonic Bazaar to a pinnacle among international music festivals. It is
celebrating its 14th anniversary — each year growing more popular. Over 14
years, 259 contestants from 34 countries have taken part; this year, Italy
joined the contest with its representative — singer, Enrico Giacco. Next year,
the contest is to be held at one of Europe’s leading stadiums — the Summer
Amphitheatre; it should draw even more artists from around the world.
Undoubtedly, the 39th
FIDOF assembly — held simultaneously at Vitebsk_2005 — will help to promote
the festival around the globe. FIDOF co-ordinates festivals held in 73 countries.
The TV stations broadcasting the Slavonic Bazaar insist on limiting the final
contest to 15 participants. This year, 21 contestants fought for the Grand-Prix
over two weeks and two showed —two rounds. For two days, the jury showed
preference to four leaders — Polina Smolova and Gyunesh (Belarus), Marjan
Stojanoski (Macedonia) and Shay (Israel). The decision was extremely difficult
as all the entrants were of such a high standard. Both Polina and Gyunesh gave
outstanding vocal performances and delighted Belarusian audiences. For three
years in a row now, the Vitebsk Grand-Prix has been won by Belarusian entrants;
Maxim Sapatkov in 2003 and Piotr Yelfimov last year.
Based on publication in "The Minsk Times"
July 2005