No losers at International Children’s Music Contest in Vitebsk.The jury of the 7th International Vitebsk–2009 Children’s Music Contest has named Romanian Maria, aged 9, the Grand Prix winner, presenting her with a $5,000 award. Andranik Aleksanyan of Ukraine was awarded $3,000 (first place), with $2,000 to Belarusian Maria Novik (second place). Kamile of Lithuania and Anel Karshygaeva of Kazakhstan divided third place and $1,000. Belarus’ Lolita and Russia’s Robik received a special prize from the Belarus–Russia Union State’s Parliament.
The Chairman of the jury and People’s Artiste of Belarus, composer Leonid Zakhlevny, stressed during the award ceremony that all the young participants are winners.
According to Svetlana Statsenko, Artistic Leader of the Vladimir Mulyavin National Musical Art Centre, her pupil Masha Novik performed very well. She was bright and original on the first day of the event and cheerful and humorous on the second day. Additionally, she did well to pass the national selection round to take part in the Slavonic Bazaar in Vitebsk Art Festival.
“In my opinion, the children’s competition is far more interesting than the adult one — perhaps because children demonstrate more originality on stage. Adults tend to follow trends. Of course, they all have to perform a Slavonic hit, but even a famous piece can acquire a new sound and contemporary arrangement,” notes Ms. Statsenko.
As far as her own approach towards preparing 6–7 year old entrants, she asserts that she aims to preserve their childhood charm. The famous Belarusian teacher believes that drama and lyricism come with age. “I like it when everything in the show corresponds to the child’s age: the song, the audio track, the costume and movements. I like it when a mini performance is born on the stage,” smiles Ms. Statsenko.
Olga Vronskaya, a singer and Lolita’s teacher, has also been surprised by the high level of young performers at the event. Their vocal training is increasing and they sometimes demonstrate almost adult vocal skills. The teacher believes that her pupil did well on the first day and made no mistakes on the second although she lacked a little energy. Undoubtedly, everyone wants to win the contest — but victory isn’t always the most vital outcome. Once, Olga also took part in the children’s competition at the Slavonic Bazaar in Vitebsk and admits that she wouldn’t want to repeat the experience. As an experienced and professional singer, she well understands that contests are not everything in an artist’s life; they only give the opportunity to prove something to yourself. The most important aspect is that the artist should have a song which appeals to the audience. Ms. Vronskaya tells us that they plan, jointly with Lolita, to continue studying vocals and will try to win Junior Eurovision next year; Lolita sings wonderfully.
This year, 19 young talents from 16 countries took part in the International Vitebsk–2009 Children’s Music Contest.
[i]By Irina Svirko[/i]
