MINSK, 20 July (BelTA) – Slavonic Bazaar in Vitebsk is a unique phenomenon in the Slavonic culture, a famous composer, People’s Artist of Russia, chairman of the jury of the 21st International Contest of Pop Singers Vitebsk 2012, Maxim Dunayevsky told the Belarus 1 TV channel. “At present, this is probably the most remarkable contest in the former Soviet Union republics and even in all Slavonic countries. Festivals that once opened many Slavonic stars stopped being large-scale events. Neither San Remo, nor French contests are much heard about now; they have turned into some local events that give nothing to the world. As for Eurovision, I do not think it is a contest, it is more of a show, however, it used to light some stars. It does not happen any more, because all these stars shine only for one year and are forgotten afterwards. Therefore, I think that Slavonic Bazaar is the only really serious contest featuring strong contestants,” the composer said. According to Maxim Dunayevsky, there is nothing like Slavonic Bazaar in entire Europe. He added that every year brings even more popularity to this music event. “According to my observations, a good event, be it a festival or a theatre, needs to offer something new after 10-15 years, otherwise the interest in it will wane. However, Slavonic Bazaar that has turned 21 years, is only gaining momentum,” he said. The composer gave credit to Belarus that “considers Slavonic Bazaar its baby and nurtures it”. The organizers of the festival are also doing a great job to make it more interesting and popular. Maxim Dunayevsky noted that this year there were many things that impressed him and will stay in his memory for a long time. Those were a concert of the Moiseyev Folk Dance Ensemble and a performance by Maria Naumova, a concert of the Mikhail Finberg Orchestra, amazing opening and closing gala shows. “It is important that the festival goes beyond music and incorporates other arts. This is the reason why the festival is growing bigger,” the composer said. Maxim Dunayevsky added that it would be great to invite symphony orchestras and opera singers to perform at the festival. The composer noted that this year the jury of the festival was so unanimous and its decision was upheld by everyone, including journalists, the public and contestants. “I think it does not take a lot. All you need is just to be fair, objective and professional. Of course, judges can consult with each other, but the own opinion should prevail. The overall objective evaluation consists of subjective views. I think that the good job we did is the reason for such a good result,” the chairman of the jury said. In conclusion, Maxim Dunayevsky wished the festival to live on and grow bigger. “Do not let it wane, because it is a unique phenomenon in the Slavonic culture,” he concluded.

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