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Revisiting Slavianski Bazaar 2017: The most memorable moments

MINSK, 6 July (BelTA) – With just 10 days to go until the 35th International Festival of Arts Slavianski Bazaar in Vitebsk, BelTA invites you to look back at its history. Every day, we will be diving into our archives to bring you the festival’s most vibrant highlights year by year. Today, we replay the unforgettable moments of 2017.

The main program of the 26th Slavianski Bazaar took place from 13 to 17 July, while pre- and post-festival events were scheduled for 10–12 and 18–19 July.

Before the festival officially began, the Summer Amphitheater became the stage for several solo and star-studded concerts. Honored Artist of Russia Zara took the stage alongside the Presidential Orchestra of Belarus under the baton of Viktor Babarikin, while the next day belonged to Honored Artist of Russia Grigory Leps. The opening ceremony saw the raising of the festival flag and the flags of 36 countries from around the world.

A star dedicated to Tamara Gverdtsiteli, a People’s Artist of Georgia and Russia, lit up the Laureates’ Square. The singer received the Belarusian president’s special award, “Through art to peace and mutual understanding.”

Slavianski Bazaar 2017 was a memorable one, marked by a series of milestone anniversary programs. As part of the Union State Days, the Syabry group took the stage. Legendary composer Aleksandr Zatsepin also drew a packed house at the amphitheater with his concert “There Is only a moment...”, accompanied by the National Academic Concert Orchestra of Belarus, conducted by Mikhail Finberg. The pop group Ruki Vverh! celebrated their 20th anniversary at the festival as well, while Belarusian and international pop stars gathered for a tribute concert dedicated to Aleksandr Tikhanovich, titled as “On the artist’s birthday.”

The finals of the 26th Vitebsk International Pop Song Performers Contest spanned three days. In 2007, the Grand Prix was not awarded because the top two contestants finished with identical scores. Following a tie-breaking vote by the jury, the First Prize went to a performer from Ukraine, while the Second Prize was awarded to a Belarusian singer. The latter was also honored with the Vladimir Mulyavin Special Award for the best interpretation of a national theme and outstanding performance skills. The Third Prize went to Serbia, and the Belarusian president’s special prize, Slavic Hope, was claimed by a representative from Croatia.

The 15th International Children’s Music Contest traditionally took place at the Vitebsk Concert Hall, where Belarusian singer Maria Magilnaya claimed the Grand Prix. Both Maria Magilnaya and Russia’s Ekaterina Kretova were honored with special awards from the Parliamentary Assembly of the Union of Belarus and Russia.

The International Voice in Vitebsk gala concert brought together performers from around a dozen countries on a single stage. Making their festival debut, the cast of the satirical show Once Upon a Time in Russia took the stage. Additionally, the Summer Amphitheater hosted the Vitae Ukraina (Ukraine Welcomes You) concert. As part of the Festival Without Borders project, the theater stage welcomed artists from Israel, while the Vitebsk Oblast Philharmonic hosted a concert by Italian musicians.

The 3rd On Seven Winds Street Art Festival opened with a showcase parade of its participants. The event featured interactive projects by street theaters, musicians, and puppet theaters.

Slavianski Bazaar 2017 also featured the launch of the Format project by the Belarusian Union of Artists. The Theater Meetings program offered Vitebsk audiences a diverse lineup of shows: three plays were performed at the Vitebsk Concert Hall, while theatergoers could enjoy seven productions catering to all tastes at the Yakub Kolas National Academic Drama Theater.

The closing ceremony of the 26th International Festival of Arts Slavianski Bazaar in Vitebsk took place at the Summer Amphitheater on 17 July. The highlight of the day was a grand gala featuring headliners, renowned performers, and music groups from the participating nations. The event also included the award ceremony for the winners of the Vitebsk International Pop Song Performers Contest and the recipients of special prizes.

The main events of the 35th International Festival of Arts Slavianski Bazaar in Vitebsk will run from 16 to 19 July, with the first concerts kicking off as early as 14 July.