The fifth international festival-competition "Art Parade" has started in Vitebsk
About a thousand creative children from 16 countries became participants of this year's "Art-Parade." As in previous years, it is held in two formats: online and offline. Once, during the coronavirus pandemic, this was a forced measure, but then it was decided that modern technologies allow for expanding the geography of the competition and giving children from distant countries the opportunity to showcase their talents. Thus, this time, applications were received, in particular, from Cuba, China, Israel, Egypt, and Italy. About 300 participants will perform in the online format. However, the majority were still able to come and represent their countries on the stage of the renovated "Vitebsk" concert hall. These are young talents from various cities of Belarus, Russia, Latvia, Germany, Kazakhstan, Armenia, Ecuador, Georgia, and other states.
Among the contestants are both regular participants and newcomers. The Vitebsk dance studio "Palitra" has been performing for the fourth time and has prepared six numbers. The exemplary vocal ensemble "Raznotsvetnaya planeta" (also from Vitebsk) is participating in "Art-Parade" for the first time. Anya Kazaryan from Fanipol, Minsk region, is trying to conquer the competition stage for the second time. This year, she came with a support group, which was immediately noticeable by their branded T-shirts with the inscriptions: "Anya's Mom," "Anya's Dad," "Anya's Grandma." As it turned out, they are all related to creativity. The grandmother teaches piano at a music school, the father plays the violin, the mother sews costumes, and Anya sings.
The performances of her and other contestants will be evaluated by an international jury, which includes People's Artist of the Russian Federation Nadezhda Krygina, singer, laureate of international vocal competitions Yana Klyavinya, vocalist, teacher, participant of popular Russian TV projects Eteri Beriashvili, Italian musician, composer Michele Poma, laureate of the XXVIII International Festival of Variety Song Performers "Vitebsk" Ivan Zdonyuk, and others.
– The feeling I experience in Vitebsk is joy. Joy from meeting open, creative people. They are the center of attraction for me. When I am invited to this festival, I don't ask about the conditions, I just buy tickets and come, – says Eteri Beriashvili, who is participating in the "Art Parade" for the second time.
The festival program also includes master classes by the popular singer. After all, "Art Parade" is not only a competition, but also an educational and informative project. Master classes this year will be given by highly professional teachers in vocal and choreography. And in their free time from rehearsals and performances, the tour company "Ilva" has organized exciting excursions for the children.
During the opening ceremony of "Art Parade – 2024", a gift for participants and spectators from the five-year-old birthday festival was the entertainment musical "The Diamond of Knowledge". And today, creative competitions are taking place all day long. The competition program includes groups and solo performers in two nominations: "Vocal" and "Choreography", and in each, the Grand Prix winner will be determined.
Who will receive the main prize will be announced tomorrow evening at the gala concert, which will feature performances by both young performers and members of the jury, and guests of the festival, which has warmed the hearts of participants and spectators in these frosty days. It is a young festival, but it promises to become a long-liver.