27 May, Vitebsk / Diana Kurilo - BELTA/. The organising committee of the XX Vitebsk International Arts Festival "Slavianski Bazaar in Vitebsk" has increased the Grand Prix of the XX Vitebsk International Pop Song Performers Contest "Vitebsk-2011" from $10,000 to $15,000. This was reported to a BELTA correspondent by the festival directorate. Over the past ten years, the amount attached to the main award has remained unchanged. The holders of the 1st, 2nd and 3rd prizes will also receive an increase. Their prizes will rise from $6,000 to $9,000 for first place, from $4,000 to $6,000 for second place, and from $2,000 to $3,000 for third place. In addition to cash prizes, the prize-winners and the Grand Prix holder will receive the special prize "Lyra" and diplomas. Twenty young singers, who have passed a strict preliminary selection, from 20 countries will take part in the jubilee Vitebsk International Pop Song Performers Contest "Vitebsk-2011". Belarus will be represented in this contest by the winner of the national qualifying round, 25-year-old Alena Lanskaya. The cash prizes for the participants of the IX Vitebsk International Children's Music Contest "Vitebsk-2011" will remain the same. The Grand Prix holder will receive $5,000, while contestants for first, second and third place will receive $3,000, $2,000 and $1,000 respectively. Just like the adult performers, they will be awarded special prizes and diplomas. Twenty-three young talents from 20 countries will participate in the children's contest. In accordance with the contest rules, Belarus, Russia and Ukraine will each delegate 2 contestants. Belarus will be represented by 10-year-old Anya Atroshchenko and 9-year-old Sasha Nekhay. -0-

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