Pesnyary in Paris: anniversary concert

Belarus’ legendary band Pesnyary received a warm welcome in Paris. The anniversary concert “Dedication to the Master” was a tribute to the 75th anniversary of People’s Artist of USSR and Belarus Vladimir Mulyavin. The band performed to a full house at one of the venues in Saint-Germain-des-Pres renowned for its Bohemian atmosphere and magnificent architecture.

One of the most popular bands of the USSR, which is still a cultural brand of Belarus, was back in Paris 40 years since their first and only performance in France. In 1976, Pesnyary captivated the audience during the MIDEM international festival in Cannes, a get-together of the world's music sales leaders.

This time, the two-hour concert in Paris included the most famous songs composed by Vladimir Mulyavin, and also popular Belarusian folk songs which were rearranged by the composer. Among them were the legendary “Kasiu Yas Kanyushynu”, “Kupalinka”, “Lyavonikha”, “Byvaite Zdorovy”, “Belovezhskaya Pushcha”, “Vologda”, “Half an hour before the spring”, “Knyazhna”. The concert concluded with the premiere of the song “Letutsennitsa” created in Mulyavin’s signature style – a combination of folk and rock. 

The concert of the famous Belarusian band was arranged as part of the first Belarusian Music Seasons in France. The event started in spring 2016 and featured theatrical premieres and concerts of leading singers and companies of Belarus. Among them were the State Chamber Orchestra, The Toloka dance, music and song company, young talented pianists Vladislav Khandogy and Kirill Atroschenko.

Photo: Oksana Manchu