Press releases

VITEBSK, 18 July (BelTA) – Paintings by Vitebsk artists were used in video projections during the closing gala of the 26th edition of the International Festival of Arts Slavianski Bazaar in Vitebsk, BelTA has learned.

Such stage design was meant to introduce the TV audience to the rich heritage of the Vitebsk art school. Dozens LED screens were projecting the paintings by the famous artists from Vitebsk.

The program was diverse. Valery Meladze opened the concert program. Then came a true marathon of songs, including the premieres. For example, Honored Artist of Serbia Filip Zmaher, a member of the jury of the Song Contest Vitebsk 2017, surprised the audience with a song in the Ukrainian language. Perhaps he did this in honor of the first prize winner Vlad Sytnik from Ukraine. The winner himself also performed during the gala concert.

The program was truly star-studded: Pesnyary, Valery Meladze, Stas Mikhaylov, Ruslan Alekhno, Alena Lanskaya, Anastasia Tikhanovich, Uncle Vanya and the Nephews band, Irina Bilyk, Gleb Matveychuk, Egor Krid, Tatyana Bulanova, Larisa Dolina and many others.

The guys from the A-Dessa band were the first to get the audience to their feet. Dimash Kudaibergen from Kazakhstan, the Grand Prix winner of the 24th installment of the festival, was called for an encore but could not do it due to the format of the concert.

Soso Pavliashvili and his dance group created a carnival-like atmosphere in the Summer Amphitheater. Stas Mikhaylov got a great welcome and huge applause as if he did not perform a solo concert on 16 July. The artist premiered two new songs in Vitebsk.

The festival ended on 17 July, however some events will be held on 18 and 19 July.