M. Dunaevsky: "Slavianski Bazaar in Vitebsk" is a unique phenomenon in Slavic culture

July 20, Minsk /BELTA/. "Slavianski Bazaar in Vitebsk" is a unique phenomenon in Slavic culture. This opinion was expressed on the air of the "Belarus 1" TV channel by famous composer, People's Artist of Russia, and chairman of the jury of the 21st international competition, Maksim Dunaevsky, BELTA reports. "Currently, this is perhaps the most serious competition in the entire post-Soviet space, and perhaps even in all Slavic countries. Today, festivals that once discovered many Slavic stars have "fallen asleep". Neither "Sanremo" nor French competitions are heard anymore – they have become very "local", "for themselves" and give nothing to the world," the composer said. "I don't consider Eurovision a competition at all – it's a show, although some performers "shot up" on it at one time. Now this is not happening – they all "shoot up" for one year, after which they are safely forgotten. Therefore, I think that "Slavianski Bazaar" is the only truly serious competition, very strong in its composition." According to Maksim Dunaevsky, there is no such festival not only in Slavic countries but also in all of Europe. He is surprised how "Slavianski Bazaar", which has existed for so many years, manages to gain momentum every year. "I have calculated that a good cause – be it a theater, a festival, or some competition – needs about 10-15 years, and then something needs to be invented, otherwise it starts to "die" from routine, but "Slavianski Bazaar", which is 21 years old, continues to develop," the composer said. He believes that this is primarily due to Belarus itself, which "considers "Slavianski Bazaar" its true child and nurtures it." The festival's management also does a lot, which is why it develops and becomes more interesting every year. Maksim Dunaevsky noted that this year there were many moments that impressed him and will remain in his memory for a long time. These include the concert of the Igor Moiseyev Ensemble, Maria Naumova's performance, Mikhail Finberg's Orchestra concert, the magnificent opening, theatrical events... "It is very important that the festival is not only musical, it absorbs other arts – that's where the festival's development lies," said the jury chairman, adding that it would be good to bring symphony orchestras and operas here, but he is sure that this is yet to come. Maksim Dunaevsky also drew attention to the fact that this year the jury worked so unanimously that his opinion was supported by journalists, viewers, and even the contestants themselves. "It seems to me that it doesn't take much for this – you need to be honest, principled, and professional. Of course, judges can consult, but still, one's own opinion should prevail. An objective assessment grows from the sum of subjective personal opinions. I think that as a result of such good, but principled work, a good result was achieved," the jury chairman believes. As for his personal opinion on the distribution of places, Maksim Dunaevsky noted that the first two places could undoubtedly have been in a different order – there was a very small difference between them. "Regarding the other prizes, I could have had my preferences. For example, I would have liked to see the Cuban singer among the prize-winners. She seemed very interesting to me, I think she has a great future. It seems to me that several other performers were a little short-changed, but overall – the picture is quite objective. It does not cause me protest, just as it did not cause protest among the viewers, which is probably the most important thing," the composer said. Earlier, the People's Artist of Russia noted that, if it were up to him, he would make some changes to the competition regulations and alter the judging system to some extent. In his opinion, the simplest way is to "discard" the highest and lowest scores and calculate the average of the remaining ones. "This is the ideal method, because in this way, if you give your performer a "10", this score will not pass. Similarly, if you want to "drown" someone and give them a "four" – it will also not pass. Thus, a more objective result is obtained," the composer explained. In conclusion, Maksim Dunaevsky wished the festival to live and develop. "Do not let it wither away someday, because it is a unique phenomenon in Slavic culture," he summarized.-0-