Press releases

MINSK, 15 December (BelTA) – More than 100 singers will compete for the awards of the Minsk International Christmas Singing Competition that opened in the Belarusian capital on 14 December, BelTA learned from the National Academic Bolshoi Opera and Ballet Theater of Belarus, the organizer of the event.

All in all, the fourth edition of the event will feature 111 young opera singers from 16 countries. Traditionally, there are many participants from Russia, Belarus and Ukraine. There are also singers from Georgia, Kazakhstan, Armenia, Israel, United States, Moldova, Latvia, China, Azerbaijan, Estonia, France, Germany, Canada.

“Over the years, the competition has seen more than 400 young opera singers. Many of them have gained international fame and popularity. But most importantly, the Christmas singing competition in Minsk has developed its own identity. I do not have the slightest doubt that the current contest will be remembered for the unique creative atmosphere and the objective jury. Each of you can get high awards,” Vladimir Gridyushko, General Director of the Bolshoi Theater of Belarus, said when wishing good luck to the contestants.

The Minsk International Christmas Singing Competition is held in three rounds: the first and the second rounds with piano accompaniment, and the third round with orchestral accompaniment. The third round (final) will see only 10 competitors who will sing a lead role in a scene from an opera of the classical or modern repertoire.

The vocal talent of the competitors will be evaluated by the high jury and also the audience. On 20 December 2017 the gala concert in the Big Hall of the theater will feature the finalists and also an awards ceremony where the audience choice award winner will be announced too.

The prize fund of the contest is $28,000 in equivalent. The winner of the grand prize will receive $10,000 in prize money; the winner of the first prize will get $8,000. The winner of the second prize will collect $6,000, and $4,000 will be given to the winner of third prize. There will be also special prizes from the jury. The winners will take part in the gala concert of the stars of the world opera on 22 December.