The draw for the participants of the XI International Children's Music Competition "Vitebsk-2013" took place today.

The draw for the participants of the XI International Children's Music Competition "Vitebsk-2013" was held today at the Mazurino Recreation Park near Vitebsk. Young artists were immersed in the fairy tale atmosphere of "Pinocchio. The Story of a Wooden Puppet" – the Italian version of the story about Pinocchio. Therefore, no one was particularly surprised to find themselves in the Magic Glade. And the competition numbers for the children were suggested by golden keys and cute pouches with gold coins.

The performance number of the child on the first competition day was indicated on the key. The number under which the young contestant will appear on stage on the second day was inside the pouch.

The Belarusian participant of the competition, 11-year-old Apollinaria from Minsk, a soloist of the children's vocal studio "Mix", will sing under number 18 on July 10. On July 11, her performance will be the 17th.

Another Belarusian, 11-year-old Alexandra Laktionova, a student of the V.G. Muliavin National Center for Musical Arts under the direction of Svetlana Statsenko, received numbers 20 and 2, respectively.

The first to appear on stage on July 10 before the audience will be the Moldovan contestant – Rafael. On July 11, Anastasia George Bosancic (Bosnia and Herzegovina) will be the first to come out from behind the scenes. The last number is 21, for both competition days, the draw brought Marco Cattaneo Vittone (Italy). However, the contestant from Macedonia – Magi – could not arrive in Vitebsk by the beginning of the draw. Therefore, the host had to "choose" for her. At the end of the ceremony, he announced the two remaining numbers – 14 and 6. The Macedonian will appear on stage under these numbers.

21 artists aged 8 to 11 from 18 countries will take part in the "Vitebsk-2013" competition, or the "little bazaar," as it is often called. Traditionally, Belarus, Russia, and Ukraine are represented by two participants each.

The children's competition performances will take place in the "Vitebsk" Concert Hall. As usual, on the first day, they will perform a pop song by a composer from their country in their native language. On the second day, they will perform a pop song of their choice. The jury of this year's children's competition will be headed by People's Artist of Belarus Alexander Tikhanovich.

The Grand Prix winner of the competition will receive 5 thousand dollars. The 1st prize winner will receive 3 thousand dollars, the 2nd prize winner – 2 thousand dollars, the 3rd prize winner – one thousand dollars. The winners will be announced on July 12 at the gala concert and award ceremony for the laureates of the XI International Children's Music Competition "Vitebsk-2013".

The draw for the young contestants is always accompanied by fun contests and games.

Tatyana Matveeva / photo: Igor Matveev,