This year the jury of young performer contest once again decided not to award the Grand Prize, although Darya Shulgina from Grodno received first prize for her singing (she was unable to attend the prize giving ceremony, as it was her graduation day).
It is vital that young talent has the chance to show its potential on local stages, before it can achieve international acclaim. Moreover, national culture is a foundation of Belarusian unity, as emphasised by Prime Minister Mikhail Myasnikovich, reading a greeting from the President at the festival.
The city’s Molodechno Arbat quarter is sure to be remembered, having been brought alive with crafts stands. Its new concert hall is also impressive, seating over 2,500 (and offering tickets online).
There can be no doubt that the event will be held again next year. Some have even compared Molodechno with San Remo, as Belarusian is considered to be among the most melodic languages, second only to Italian!
