Molodechno – Belarus’ Capital of Culture 2016

In 2016 the honorary title of cultural capital of Belarus was awarded to Molodechno, one of the oldest towns of the country with over 600-year history.

The ancient Polotsk was Belarus’ first Capital of Culture in 2010. It was followed by Gomel, Nesvizh, Mogilev, Gomel, Grodno and Brest. In 2016 which was declared the Year of Culture in Belarus, the title was awarded to Molodechno. By the way, the town applied for the title three times.

At a ceremony in February, Belarus Culture Minister Boris Svetlov formally presented the town in its new status, recalling that the competition in this art marathon is unusually high. Molodechno presented worthy arguments. The town is famous for its rich artistic heritage, outstanding personalities among whom are scientists Benedikt and Vladislav Dybovskys, historian and anthropologist Andrei Snitka, writer Yadvigin Sh. (Anton Levytsky), singer and composer Yury Antonov.

Back in the 18th century the lands around Molodechno were owned by the author of the famous polonaise "Farewell To The Homeland" Michal Kleofas Oginski. His country house in the village of Zalesie (today’s Smorgon District), dubbed Northern Athens, was a center of artistic life, which hosted many outstanding poets, composers, artists and musicians…

In the 19th century prominent figures of art were among the graduates of the Molodechno seminary. These were tenor and soloist of the Prague State Opera House Mikhail Zabeida-Sumitsky and poet Mikhas Charot. The place was also the native land of Belarusian poet, playwright and publicist Yanka Kupala.

Today Molodechno remains one of the biggest art centers not only in Minsk Oblast but also across the country. Every year the main venues of the city: the Palace of Culture and the Summer Amphitheater, Drama and Puppet Theaters host nearly 500 events of the international, nationwide and regional level. Among them is the international festival of modern youth art ART-HAUS, the international sand animation festival SandArt, the regional brass music festival May Waltz, the regional festival of young singers One Land…

Molodechno State Music College named after Michal Kleofas Oginski initiates many cultural events. In December 2013, it hosted the premiere of the national opera Michal Kleofas Oginski. Unknown Portrait staged in anticipation of the 2014-2015 UNESCO celebrations of the 250th anniversary of the eminent diplomat and composer.

We cannot but mention the National Festival of Belarusian Songs and Poetry, which is the cultural calling card of the Belarusian town. The music forum is inspired and coordinated by artistic director of the National Academic Concert Orchestra, People’s Artist of Belarus Mikhail Finberg. Every edition of the festival brings out new names, gathers the best performers from Belarus and abroad, and enchants the audience with works by Belarusian composers and musicians. The 16th National Festival of Songs and Poetry will be held as part of the Year of Culture in Belarus and will mark the 75th birthday of People’s Artist of the USSR and Belarus Vladimir Mulyavin, the founder of the legendary band Pesnyary.      

Go on a virtual tour of Molodechno and its cultural attractions with the gallery of Belarus.by