Second European Games in Belarus

MINSK, 26 July (BelTA) – The jury will select the song for the opening ceremony of the 2nd European Games MINSK 2019 after public discussion. This decision was made at the end of the second round of the contest to choose a music theme for the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2nd European Games MINSK 2019, BelTA has learned.

“The jury will meet again and make a decision taking into account the public opinion. The poll will be posted on the website of the Belarusian TV and Radio Company soon. The winning song should be highly professional, on the one hand, and instantly appealing to viewers and listeners on the other,” Belarus’ First Deputy Culture Minister Irina Driga said.

For his part, chairman of the jury People's Artist of Belarus Vasily Rainchik thanked all the authors and performers who took part in the qualifying rounds. “All songs are good. But the thing is that e are choosing the song not for a music event but the sports forum which will be watched by a large audience. The tune should, therefore, be catchy,” he said.

On 26 July the Belarusian Philharmonic hosted the second round of the contest to choose a music theme for the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2nd European Games MINSK 2019. the first round was held in June. The jury chaired by People's Artist of Belarus Vasily Rainchik includes well-known Belarusian singers, composers, representatives of the Minsk European Games Organizing Committee (MEGOC), the National Olympic Committee of Belarus, the Sport and Tourism Ministry, the Culture Ministry, the National State TV and Radio Company of Belarus. As a result, five songs were handpicked as best matching the theme, having high artistic level and modern sound. These were Winners (music by A. Shirin, lyrics by A. Shirin), Champion (music by D.Karyakin, V.Karyakin, lyrics by D.Karyakin (Litesound Band), Bright Year, Bright You (music by E.Oleinik, lyrics by S.Geraskova), Who If Not Us (music by D.Karpinchik, lyrics by O.Dzumedzei), This Land (music by Yu.Navrotsky (Uzari), lyrics by R.Kolodko).

Eighteen applications were sent for the contest announced by the Culture Ministry

The Second European Games will take place in Minsk on 21-30 June 2019. Over 4,000 athletes from 50 countries will compete in 15 sports. It is expected that Minsk will welcome about 2,000 coaches and personnel representing official delegations, including 650 international and 410 national judges, and also 1,000 media representatives.