Press releases

Belarus Events Calendar: May 2014

Spirit of Times and Luxury: Fashion and Style of 1820-1920

Unique items from the private collection of designer Igor Surmachevsky are on display at the splendid halls of Mir Castle. The exhibition features clothes, shoes, and accessories that were an integral part of the image of a woman in 1820-1920. For example, evening gowns, ball dresses, and even wedding gowns reflecting the European fashion trends that prevailed a century ago are currently on display at the Ivory Hall of Mir Castle…

When: 20 December 2013 – 30 May 2014
Where: Grodno Oblast, Mir Castle

27th international festival of classical and modern chamber music

The international forum in ancient Polotsk brought together musicians from Belarus, Russia, Ukraine, Spain, Poland and Germany. Classic music masterpieces will be performed under the dome of the Holy Wisdom Cathedral. The audience will be treated to a fascinating program:

2 May
An evening of romance songs, People’s Artist of Ukraine Igor Borko and Merited Artist of Ukraine Valeria Balakhovskaya (piano, organ).

When: 13 March-2 May
Where: the Saint Sophia Cathedral, Polotsk, Vitebsk Oblast
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Exhibition by Nikas Safronov in Minsk

The Russian painter Nikas Safronov is one of the few modern artists with global recognition. The majority of his works are in private collections and museums of Western Europe and America. The famous owners include Sophia Loren, Alain Delon, Jean-Paul Belmondo, Pierre Cardin, Montserrat Caballe, Madonna… The exhibition in Minsk will feature over 90 new works in various genres, including exclusive works in the unique style Dream Vision, which has earned an entry in the Guinness World Records…

When: 17 March – 4 May
Where: Mikhail Savitsky Art Gallery, Minsk
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Exhibition Ten Centuries of Belarusian Art

For the first time ever the country’s primary art museum will host an exhibition of the best examples of Belarusian art over the course of ten centuries — from the Byzantine Empire to the modern time. The exposition will feature unique works by Belarusian artists with international recognition, whose works have been returned to the motherland just recently. Visitors will be able to see pictures by Marc Chagall, Chaim Soutine, and the famous picture Tomasz Zan’s Portrait by Walenty Wankowicz, the book Baton of Power (1667) by Symeon of Polotsk…

When: 27 March – 10 July
Where: National Art Museum, Minsk
Details

Avant-gARTe exhibition in Minsk

The majestic modern Belarusian art exhibition Avant-gARTe opened in Minsk in anticipation of the 2014 IIHF WC. For the first time the unique project has brought together works by famous avant-gardists of the 1910-1990s and the best works by modern authors. Visitors are invited to appreciate works by Marc Chagall, Aleksanteri Ahola-Valo, Nadia Khodossievitch Leger, Fernand Leger, Lyudmila Rusova… The organizers have divided the large-scale project Avant-gARTe into three expositions instead of one venue:

• Avant-gARTe. From the Square to the Object (exhibition center BelExpo at 14 Pobeditelei Avenue);
• Hundred years of the  Belarusian Avant-Garde (Modern Art Museum at 47 Nezavisimosti Avenue);
• The Artist and the City. BelART.by (Yakub Kolas Square).

It is not the first time that the creative project The Artist and the City has been arranged in Minsk in the open air. In the past the venue has been used to exhibit works by world-famous painters of the 20th century Marc Chagall and Kazimir Malevich. This time the open air exhibition features 32 most interesting works by Belarusian graphic artists and painters.

When: 21 April–10 June
Where: Minsk
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7th international convention of retro and classic automobiles Retro Minsk 2014

The traditional spectacular show will gather collectors and fans of retro and classic automobiles from all over Belarus and from foreign countries in the Belarusian capital. The exhibition will feature rare models made by the world’s top manufacturers: Cabrio, Ford, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Mercedes as well as famous VAZ, UAZ, Volga, and Chaika models… The column of retro cars will cross the entire city from Victory Square to the historical and cultural complex Stalin’s Line stopping in major squares of Minsk to let all the fans to have a look at and take photos of the rare cars.

When:
3 May – Minsk (Pobedy Square, Oktyabrskaya Square, the area near the Sports Palace)
4 May – Minsk District, Stalin’s Line

Illusionist James More in Minsk

Prize winner of the Magic Circus Show, resident participant of the famous European TV show Le Plus Grand Cabaret du Monde, finalist of the project Britain's Got Talent, famous British illusionist James More will present the majestic show Illusionist 2.0 in Minsk as part of the world tour James More’s Theater of illusion. During the show he will perform fantastic tricks that defy laws of physics. Before the show viewers will be treated to a performance by famous Belarusian illusionists: participant of the TV project Battle of Magicians Maxim Karpovich, one of the CIS’ strongest illusionists Denis Leshkov, and interactive conjurer and illusionist Andrei Dobriyan.

When: 3 May
Where: Palace of the Republic, Minsk

Chudesarium by the Safronovs Brothers

Russian illusionists, directors of musical numbers for the 12 Chairs musical and the annual award ceremony Silver Overshoe, members of the New York International Club of Magicians the Safronovs Brothers are recognized far and wide after their participation in the TV project Battle of Paranormalists. In Belarus they will present a program that is unparalleled in the world. The show combines vivid numbers, an original production, masterly illusions and state-of-the-art technologies. The Safronov brothers have worked for over two years to prepare the show. Several workshops in Russia, Japan, and the USA have been used to make the stage property.

When:
5 May – Palace of the Culture of Railroad Workers, Gomel
6 May – MAZ recreation center, Minsk

Circus of the Zapashnys Brothers in Minsk

The legendary Circus of the Zapashnys Brothers in Minsk will present a captivating show Emotions… that comprises 12 numbers of various genres united by their color and influence on emotions. The program will feature a clown trio Group A, equestrian acrobats, acrobats on trampolines, a group of balance masters Four Graces, an equestrian show Ellada, gymnasts on pull-up bars, an aerial trapeze Furies. The show Among Predators by People’s Artists of Russia the Zapashnys Brothers will be the key part of the show: viewers will be able to see dangerous and captivating tricks performed by white tigers and Siberian tigers, African lions, and a unique trick by Edgard Zapashny in equestrian show Ellada, which entered the Guinness Book of Records in 2011.

When: 7 May – 27 July
Where: Minsk, The Belarusian State Circus

Victory Day

On one of the most important days in the history celebrations of the Victory in the Great Patriotic War and the 70th anniversary of Belarus’ liberation from the Nazi invaders will take place all over the country. Parades involving war veterans, wreath-placing ceremonies near memorials, monuments, and obelisks will be the key events of the celebrations. In the second half of the day squares, streets and parks will be the venues for interesting entertainments: sport competitions, contests, art exhibitions, fairs, concerns, theater performances, film screenings. At 24:00 the sky above Minsk and the oblast capitals will be colored with the traditional fireworks which symbolized the Great Victory in 1945.

When: 9 May
Where: Squares, avenues, concert venues, parks in Minsk and other cities of Belarus

2014 IIHF World Championship

For the first time in its history as a sovereign state Belarus will host the IIHF World Championship, which promises to be one of the most interesting and attended event. The country’s biggest rinks – Minsk Arena and Chizhovka Arena will be the main venues for the games between 16 best national ice hockey teams representing Sweden, the Czech Republic, Canada, Slovakia, Norway, Denmark, France, Italy, Finland, Russia, the United States, Switzerland, Germany, Latvia, Belarus and Kazakhstan. Fans will enjoy modern sport centers, fan and hospitality zones, comfortable hotels, convenient transport, cozy cafes and restaurants…

Apart from the games Minsk guests will be offered a rich cultural program:

• from 3 May – a summertime music and tourism season in the Upper Town (at weekends)
• 9-25 May – arts and crafts exhibition, The Town of Craftsmen, the Sport Palace
• 10, 17, 24, 31 May – Jazz Saturdays, the Sport Palace
• 25 May – the opening of a fountain season in Minsk, outside Bolshoi Opera and Ballet Theater of Belarus
• 24-25 May – a nationwide festival and arts and crafts fair Vyasnovy Buket, Loshitsa Park

When: 9 – 25 May
Where: Minsk, Minsk Arena and  Chizhovka Arena

2nd Minsk Street Theater Forum

The forum will unite the best street theaters of Belarus, CIS and non-CIS countries. Theater companies will not only present their “live” performances but also share some secrets with the beginning artists. The forum which coincides with the start of the tour of the International Street Art Forum Grand Teatro will be opened with a grand carnival procession in Minsk downtown.

When: 9 – 11 May
Where: Minsk, Upper Town
10 May – a night show Marioneta as part of the International Street Art Festival Grand Teatro, Dreamland fun fair
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2nd International Festival of Puppet Theaters in Grodno

The international festival Lyalki Nad Nyomanam (Dolls at the Neman) will gather about 250 participants and 20 theaters from nine countries: Belarus, Poland, Serbia, Estonia, Lithuania, the Czech Republic, Bulgaria, Ukraine and Russia. In the country’s "doll Mecca" famous collectives will present the international jury and the audience a variety of children’s and adult plays, which blend the originality of the author’s thoughts and present-day themes. The program of the forum will include Polish professor Marek Waszkiel’s training "Dolls, forms, animates, objects – new prospects" and a presentation of a book of Moscow actor and researcher Boris Goldovsky "History of the Belarusian Puppet Theater".

When: 11 – 15 May
Where: Grodno, Grodno Oblast Drama Theater, Grodno Puppet Theater, the Old Castle outdoor area
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8th Belarusian International Festival of Puppet Theaters

Partaking in the international forum will be 13 best puppet theaters from seven countries: Belarus, Russia, Ukraine, Poland, Israel and Italy. The program of the festival will comprise 14 plays, including famous Belarusian plays Despair Rook (Minsk), Hamlet (Mogilev), Uncle Vanya and Three Sisters (Vitebsk), Faust. Dreams (Grodno)… Theater goers will see new and recognized modern plays based on the world’s classics.

When: 15 – 19 May
Where: Minsk, Belarusian State Puppet Theater, Yanka Kupala National Academic Theater, New Drama Theater
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Night of Museums international campaign and Night in the Museum art project

Unusual night museum visits will be held twice this year: during the traditional international campaign, which will include the exclusive programs of many museums of Belarus and a special art project timed to the 2014 IIHF World Championship in Minsk. The main venue, the National Art Museum, will treat the visitors to a concert, a theatrical performance, an expo of modern Belarusian painters "Oh, Sport, You Are the World" and a unique exposition of art objects from the museum funds. Nesvizh Castle will take its visitors on a trip into a history of the Radziwills' former residence, invite them to enjoy the old music performed by the ensembles Khoroshki, Cantabile, Yavaryna, and see a spectacular fire show…

When: 17 – 18 May
Where: Museums of Minsk and other cities of Belarus
Partaking in the Night in the Museum art project will be the National Art Museum, the National History Museum, the National History and Culture Museum-Reserve Nesvizh, Mir Castle, Gomel Palace and Park Ensemble, the Polotsk National History and Culture Museum-Reserve, the Grodno History and Archeology Museum.

Bulbash Fest in Silichi

The festival of the Belarusian national cuisine in the Sivichi ski resort will offer its guests a variety of entertainment. The program of the festival will include history reenactment shows, a Bulbash Dedication ceremony and Tsereshka’s Wedding rite, theatrical performances and ethnic music concerts, Belarusian song and dance master classes, folk games and sport competitions. In a big tasting room one will have a chance to try a variety of potato dishes, lard with garlic, horse radish or cucumbers, sausages, kvass, and many more, and learn to make Belarusian dishes. Venturesome visitors will be invited to a draniki eating contest.

When: 18 May
Where: Logoisk District, Silichi ski resort
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Yevgeny Grishkovets in Minsk

Holder of the prestigious awards Golden Mask, Triumph and Antibooker, prominent playwright, producer, actor and writer Yevgeny Grishkovets has turned from a provincial producer into a crowd puller in a record setting time. Today the playwright continues astonishing the audience with his bold creative experiments and mono-plays. In the Belarusian capital the artist will present his new production of the play OdnovrEmEnno written, according to the author, as a monologue reasoning the daily life especially for the art project of photographer Piotr Lovygin.

When: 21 May
Where: Minsk, Maxim Gorky National Academic Drama Theater

14th International Rock and Bike Festival Brest 2014

The CIS biggest international rock and bike festival has been held since 2000 and annually gathers up to 12,000 music and drive fans from Russia, Ukraine, Moldova, the Baltic states, Europe and the United States. This year the program will include a parade of motorcycles, various competitions and exhibition shows, a charitable event, a rock concert and spectacular fireworks.

When: 23 – 25 May
Where: Brest Oblast, Zhabinka District, Orlenok children’s camp

Medieval Festival Rubon 2014

The annual festival which name comes from an old battle cry of the Polotsk soldiers invites the lovers of the Belarusian history and knight tournaments to a trip into the heroic times of the Middle Ages. This year the festival will be held at the walls of the ancient Sophia Cathedral. The program will feature tournaments of knights, knights-at-arms and archers, buhurts (tournament fights), and ancient games with the audience. The fest will also offer a museum exhibition, master classes of craftsmen, tasting of the Belarusian cuisine dishes, ancient music and horse riding.

When: 23 – 25 May
Where: Vitebsk Oblast, Polotsk
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5th Medieval Festival Golshany Castle 2014

Anyone is invited to experience the atmosphere of the medieval feast at the famous Sapieha family estate, which is known for its rich history, secrets and even ghosts. Here one can learn how to fence, walk on ancient stilts, make hammered souvenirs, master medieval games and dances. The festival will feature the graces, a tug-of-war, knife and hammer throwing and for the first time – roach races. The fest will culminate in the staging of the musical Sophia of Golshany by Belarusian composer Vladimir Kondrusevich. Besides, the Belarusian medieval music at the festival will be performed by the music groups PAWA and Stary Olsa, Gudy Capella and the Balamuty folk band.

When: 24 May
Where: Grodno Oblast, Oshmyany District, Golshany agro-town

Surganova and Orchestra in Minsk

One of successful Russian groups Surganova and Orchestra makes an original mix of the touching lyrics (even the poetry of the Silver Age) with rock, latino, and electronic music… The group has prepared a wonderful show for the Belarusian audience to mark its 10th anniversary. Partaking in the concert will be ten musicians of the group who will play the best compositions.

When, where:
26 May – Gomel, Cultural Palace of Railway Workers
27 May – Minsk, Concert Hall Minsk
28 May – Mogilev, Palace of Culture
29 May – Vitebsk, Summer Amphitheater

14th International Children Creativity Festival Golden Bee 2014

The international children’s forum will gather young participants from various countries to demonstrate their talents in singing, dancing and fine art. Apart from the competitions, the program will include exhibitions of children’s works, concerts and master classes of the Belarusian stars. The festival will feature folklore workshops in the streets of the city where one will be able to hear folk singers, try the dishes of the Belarusian cuisine and buy original souvenirs.

When: 28 May – 1 June
Where: Mogilev Oblast, the city of Klimovichi

Alexander Vasilyev in Minsk

World-renowned fashion historian, theater artist, art critic and collector, author of popular books and articles, honorary member of the Russian Academy of Arts and host of the program Fashionable Verdict Alexander Vasilyev will present in Minsk his lecture Fashion Statements of the 20th Century. The maestro will share his interesting thoughts and stories about the fate of screen and fashion celebrities Marlene Dietrich, Coco Chanel, Greta Garbo, Marilyn Monroe …

When: 30 May
Where: Minsk, Concert Hall Minsk

19th Festival of Arts Nesvizh Muses 2014

A traditional festival of arts is hosted by a city which has one of Belarus’ most famous landmarks – Nesvizh Castle inscribed into the UNESCO World Heritage List. The former residence of the Radziwill princes will host academic readings, concerts, plays, exhibitions and master classes. The program will feature a conference, the Belarusian Idea in the Search for New Dimensions, the play, It’s Worth it, a presentation of the book, Art Miracles of the Nesvizh Land, the performance of the National Academic Concert Orchestra of Belarus conducted by Mikhail Finberg and his chamber companies, that will play the music of the composers of the Radziwill time and the representatives of this glorious dynasty themselves. One of the highlights of the festival will be a concert to mark the 230th anniversary of the first Belarusian opera Agatka.

When: May 
Where: Minsk Oblast, Nesvizh