Secrets, new formats, and nuances of the preparation of the Slavianski Bazaar in Vitebsk
Мы узнали о секретах и новых формах фестиваля, нюансах подготовки и большом слаженном коллективе, стоящем за торжеством и масштабностью «славянки».
Нереально, но факт
В этом году знаменитый фестиваль пройдет в 31-й раз, даже в прошлом году, когда из-за пандемии в мире массово отменяли концерты и крупные мероприятия, «Славянский базар» не остановился на пути одаривания людей музыкой и добротой, это своеобразный рекорд. Было тяжело, организаторам приходилось менять программу в последний месяц перед открытием... Но слаженность команды преодолела даже закрытые для транспортных коммуникаций границы: во время «базара» в позапрошлом году по маршруту Витебск — Москва курсировал поезд с артистами. Конечно, все мероприятия прошли с соблюдением санитарных норм, врачи брали ПЦР-тесты сразу в гримерках и гостиницах. Прошлый год еще раз подтвердил выбранный фестивалем девиз «Через искусство — к миру и взаимопониманию!».
«В этом году, благодаря безвизовому режиму, к нам приедут гости из ближнего и дальнего зарубежья, для которых «Славянский базар» стал символом единства и вдохновения, с которым они взрослели», — отметил директор Международного фестиваля искусств Глеб Лапицкий.
Зажигаем звезды
Особый акцент этого года — юбилейная тематика. Она красной лентой проходит через форум с концепцией 30+1. Изюминкой праздничной программы станет XX Международный детский музыкальный конкурс «Витебск-2022», который стал профессиональным трамплином для многих звезд эстрады. В этом году на витебской сцене будет выступать и мальчик из Мексики. Впервые в 2022 году наиболее талантливому и яркому конкурсанту будет вручена премия Игоря Лученка, а призовой фонд Гран-при составляет пять тысяч долларов.
In a month and a half, the northern capital of Belarus will be filled with the sounds of magical music, the spirit of creativity, and ringing laughter, as on July 13, the XXXI International Festival of Arts "Slavianski Bazaar in Vitebsk" will open its doors.
We learned about the secrets and new formats of the festival, the nuances of preparation, and the large, cohesive team behind the triumph and scale of "Slavianski Bazaar".
Unreal, but True
This year, the famous festival will be held for the 31st time. Even last year, when concerts and large-scale events were widely canceled worldwide due to the pandemic, "Slavianski Bazaar" did not stop its mission of bestowing music and kindness upon people, which is a record of sorts. It was difficult; organizers had to change the program in the last month before the opening... But the team's cohesion overcame even borders closed to transport communications: during the "bazaar" two years ago, a train with artists ran on the Vitebsk-Moscow route. Of course, all events were held in compliance with sanitary norms, with doctors taking PCR tests right in the dressing rooms and hotels. Last year once again confirmed the festival's chosen motto: "Through Art – to Peace and Mutual Understanding!"
"This year, thanks to the visa-free regime, guests from near and far abroad will come to us, for whom 'Slavianski Bazaar' has become a symbol of unity and inspiration with which they grew up," noted Gleb Lapitsky, Director of the International Festival of Arts.
Lighting Up Stars
A special emphasis this year is on the anniversary theme. It runs like a red thread through the forum with the concept of 30+1. The highlight of the festive program will be the XX International Children's Music Competition "Vitebsk-2022," which has become a professional springboard for many pop stars. This year, a boy from Mexico will also perform on the Vitebsk stage. For the first time in 2022, the most talented and brightest contestant will be awarded the Igor Luchenok prize, and the Grand Prix prize fund is five thousand dollars.
At the XXXI International Festival of Pop Song Performers "Vitebsk-2022", artists will present their musical works in two parts: a song in one of the Slavic languages accompanied by an orchestra and a world hit with the support of the "Todes" show ballet. Interestingly, between the competition performances, Honored Artists such as Larisa Dolina, Anatoly Yarmolenko, Igor Nikolaev, and others will greet the residents and guests of Vitebsk. By the way, the show ballet is preparing a performance without a contestant, and the performer and dancers have only one opportunity to rehearse on the stage of the Summer Amphitheatre before their performance. The draw process deserves special attention: every year, the organizers come up with an entire theatrical sketch for the participants.
"Last year, the draw was held at the Ilya Repin Estate in Zdravnevo through the imagery of clay pots, and this year, we might connect it with the Ferris wheel, which recently became a city landmark," shared Marina Romanovskaya, Deputy General Director for Special Projects, Honored Figure of Culture of the Republic of Belarus.
New Format
Despite the fact that popular artists regularly appear in the July concert programs, this year the organizers are creating a new youth platform, open-AIR, near the "Vitebsk" concert hall. For visitors of the electronic music concert featuring famous DJs "Rhythms of Summer," there will be complete freedom of movement for dancing – this platform will not have seating.
The overture to the festival, already loved by the audience, will invite them to the extravaganza "This Magical Circus." Unusual decorations will be created for this, and the stage will turn into a colorful arena. What it will look like remains a secret, but behind the beautiful picture lies the creative and physical work of a large team.
A new project with the Russian Institute of Theatre Arts, "Theatre Laboratory," will be introduced, where our acting students will gain experience from teachers from Russia and foreign theatre troupes.
A Ticket with a Cornflower
The busy season at the ticket offices of the Vitebsk Culture Center began back in early May, and queues are still forming. Tickets for events went on sale in February, but, as always, the organizers did not reveal the names of the artists at first. Today, tickets are being actively bought for the grand opening, "Shanson-TV," the pop song performers' contest, "Golden Hit," Sergey Bezrukov's creative evening, and others. The Baltic states and neighboring countries are booking tickets for entire groups. By the way, legal entities are offered a 10 percent discount on concerts in the amphitheater when purchasing 100 or more tickets. The organizers have prepared a pleasant gift for the youth for the 31st festival: a ticket for the first thousand for open-air events costs only 31 rubles. It will be higher later.
"Due to the visa-free regime, people have become very active; those who missed several festivals want to come in July. The excitement is very high, with over 30 percent of the total number of tickets already sold. Tickets can be purchased online at tіcketpro.by and kvіtkі.by," noted Alla Dvoretskaya, head of the Vitebsk Culture Center ticket office.
The Soul of the City on the Dvina
It would be wrong to think that the "Slavianski Bazaar in Vitebsk" is just about concerts at various venues. It is a time when the city comes alive, filled with millions of voices and colors. "The festival is the soul of the city. The atmosphere here is unlike any other. We invest material and creative resources in the city's infrastructure with the help of authorities and sponsors, and we cooperate with the diplomatic missions of all countries," said Gleb Lapitsky.
"Slavianski Bazaar" is the "On Seven Winds" street art festival, the City of Masters, courtyards, and various venues, four days of the Union State... And also a celebration of inspiration, creativity, and unity.