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Two composers receive Belarusian president’s award in Vitebsk
VITEBSK, 16 July (BelTA) – Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko presented two Through Art to Peace and Understanding special awards during the opening ceremony of the International Arts Festival Slavianski Bazaar in Vitebsk on 16 July, BelTA has learned.
For the first time in the history of the Slavianski Bazaar festival, the award was presented to two prominent cultural figures. One of the winners was Aleksandr Zatsepin, Hero of Labor of the Russian Federation, People’s Artist of Russia, who celebrated his 100th birthday this year. He earned nationwide recognition for the music he wrote for a number of iconic Soviet films, including Leonid Gaidai’s comedies. The second winner was Belarusian composer and People’s Artist of Belarus Leonid Zakhlevny, who wrote the anthem of the International Arts Festival Slavianski Bazaar in Vitebsk.
Ahead of the festival’s opening gala concert in Vitebsk, two new commemorative plaques were unveiled at the Walk of Fame dedicated to winners of the Belarus president’s special award Through Art to Peace and Understanding at the Summer Amphitheater in Vitebsk.
“For me, as a composer, receiving such a high award from the hands of our president on this festive day is a great responsibility I will continue to write with inspiration, sincerity and from the bottom of my heart for the benefit of our beloved Belarus,” Leonid Zakhlevny said.
Aleksandr Zatsepin, for his part, recalled that he had first become acquainted with Belarus in early childhood. “My mother used to sing me the Belarusian folk song Why shouldn’t I sing, why shouldn’t I rejoice if my house is in order? I often remember that song. That is how my life turned out,” the composer said. “I would also like to express my sincere gratitude to our dear president. I always enjoy watching and listening to his speeches on television. Aleksandr Grigoryevich, thank you very much. I am truly grateful that you have not forgotten me.”
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