"Slavianski Bazaar" builds intrigue for the "Vitebsk-2009" pop song performers' contest

July 11, Vitebsk / Diana Kurilo - BELTA /. The main intrigue of the festival "Slavianski Bazaar in Vitebsk" is unfolding today - the international pop song performers contest "Vitebsk-2009" is starting, reports BELTA correspondent. The first concert with the participation of 16 contestants will take place on the stage of the Summer Amphitheater closer to midnight. They will perform a song by a composer from their country in their native language to a "minus one" backing track. Domenico Martucci della Torre, a real Italian count and the oldest participant in the competition, will be the first to take the stage. He is 32 years old. Andrey Kolosov, 23, a soloist of the pop and symphony orchestra of the Gomel Philharmonic and the representative of Belarus, will perform under number 10. His countryman, 26-year-old Dmitry Danilenko from Gomel, who is entrusted to perform for Russia, will probably have to worry even more before his performance. It is noteworthy that another native of Belarus, born in Vitebsk, will represent Latvia at the prestigious competition. This is Kristina Zakharova, she is 20 years old, and she will perform under number 2. And after her, Ukrainian performer Petr Dmitrichenko will take the stage. This year, Laima Vaikule heads the competition jury. According to the competent judging panel, which includes real stars - Mikhail Finberg, Roza Rymbaeva, Konstantin Moskovich, Felix Slovacek, Chris Turner - the young musicians showed good vocal abilities at the presentation concert, and it is quite difficult to single out a clear leader among them. However, the Vitebsk audience has already identified their favorites, showering them with a storm of applause and shouts of "bravo" during their first non-competitive performance. The winner of the Grand Prix, along with a prize of $10,000, will be announced at the end of the second competition day. For one of the 16 nominees, the number 13 may become lucky, as the award ceremony for the winners will take place on Monday, July 13. -0-