The first contest day of the XVI International Children Music Contest “Vitebsk-2018” has been held on the stage of the Concert Hall “Vitebsk” that has turned into a fairy tale queendom of the Snow Queen, according to the creative idea of the organizers.

On 10 July the young representatives from 20 countries were enthusiastically received by the audience and jury members during the opening ceremony of the “little bazaar”. The warm reception softened the coldness of the Snow Queen. Her ice queendom was shining and sparkling like crystal thanks to the stage managers and directors who made the design using 3D abstractions.

“It's time for new songs”, the composition performed by the participants of the Vitebsk Pop Song Studio “Forum”, became an overture and anthem of the contest. The bright “snowy” performance with circling little Snowflakes, rejoicing Icicles and Snowmen, was created by the youth stage theater “School of Stars”, the choreographic ensemble “Zorka”, the student theater “TUZH”, the national modern choreography theater-studio, the exemplary group “AKENT” and the ensemble “EGOZA”. The festive atmosphere was fueled by the emotions from the audience hall, where mothers, fathers, grandparents, teachers, support groups cheered their children. The whole action reminded of the Tower of Babel, where languages, flags, emblems of different countries, national clothes mixed…

According to the contest rules and regulations, each participant prepared a song in the language of the country he/she represents for the first performance on the festival stage.

Little steps to great success

The contest was opened by the representative from Russia Margarita Vorobiova. Her choice of the stage costume of an orchestra conductor had a good reason. Margarita’s song was called “I want to become a conductor”, which successfully helped the young singer show her vocal skills and commitment to different styles of music, ranging from country to rock.

Martina Abela from Malta sang about her dreams of becoming a professional on the stage.

Two girls-namesakes, Darija from Serbia and Daria from Finland, surprise in their own ways not only on stage, but in real life too. “Southern” Darija is not only passionate about music, but also greatly enjoys math studies. She’s been taking part in charity projects since an early age. The representative of the Northern Suomi could be easily recognized basing on the ethnic tunes in her song and the folklore elements in the stage costumes of the dance group.

The energetic performance by Suzan Oseloff from Germany made the entire audience hall dance to the beat.

Abilkaiyr Jumabay from Kazakhstan surprised everyone with his powerful voice. His wish to win is obvious, which is driven by “never give up” life motto of the young artist.

The performances by Eric from the UK, Andreea-Emira Raţa from Moldova were bright and emotional. Aleksandr Balabanov from Ukraine presented his national culture in the composition and stage costume. Ines Ben Ahmed from the Czech Republic practiced her acting skills in the USA and appeared in several movies. Nikita Yusupov from Lithuania could not hold back tears after his performance, probably from excitement, the joy of performing at such a wonderful festival and the audience response.

Classes in singing and rhythmic gymnastics helped Erika Jeršova from Estonia in her performance. Artyom Skorol from Belarus was given a standing ovation. Many of his fellow countrymen came to support the contestant even from other cities of the Republic.

Elis Brener from Israel, the youngest participant of the contest, conquered the audience. She sang the song “Tazizu”, which in Russian sounds like “Move!” The girl danced, did the splits and literally electrified the “little bazaar”.

The sunny Ilinca Dinu from Romania finished the first day of the contest in the queendom of the Snow Queen, who couldn’t resist the charming smile of the girl and the talent of all participants!

Everyone dreams of winning

After the impressive contest day it was very interesting to know the impressions of the jury members. The popular singer, Grand Prix winner of the International Pop Song Performers Contest “Vitebsk-2015” Dimash Kudaibergen (Kazakhstan) agreed to answer several questions.

- Dimash, what’s most important for you in evaluating the contest performances?

- First of all, the vocal skills, the voice. Secondly, there must be something in the performer that can conquer the audience. For example, charisma, feeling of the stage, manners. On the first day the contestants demonstrated such a high level that even some established artists could take a master class from them!

Vladislav Sytnik (Ukraine), First Prize winner of the International Pop Song Performers Contest “Vitebsk-2017” also shared his impressions about the contest.

- Vladislav, can you compare what is more difficult for you- to be a contestant or a jury member?

– It’s absolutely different! At last year's contest I was really worried but I was responsible only for myself. This contest is for kids, they are so talented, they all take it to heart and there is a whole army of parents, teachers behind them to support... And I understand that their destiny depends on me to some extent. You need to be as objective as possible. The team of the jury members of the XVI International Children Music Contest “Vitebsk-2018” is really strong, so it will be very difficult for all of us to choose the best! However, I’m glad that my favorites after the first contest day coincide with the opinion of many other jury members. After all, there’s still another contest day ahead.