The Unfading "Star of Hope"

The district festival of creativity of people with disabilities "Star of Hope" was held for the sixth time. The event began with a vibrant exhibition of decorative and applied arts, prepared in the foyer of the district House of Culture.
Melodious chords of songs beckoned everyone to the auditorium of the House of Culture. Vasily Ravavy, Head of the Department of Labour, Employment and Social Protection of the District Executive Committee, addressed all the guests with warm words of welcome.
From the very first chords of the song, the audience was immersed in an artistic whirlwind, where the poignant chords of music and song merged in perfect harmony. Denis Ablavushka, a performer well-known in our district, who has repeatedly won prizes at regional festivals and competitions, admitted that he has a cherished dream – to perform all the songs from Stas Mikhailov's repertoire. Denis presented two songs to the audience, which left no one indifferent.
The audience also warmly welcomed the performance of Sergey Asowski, who performed two songs with a guitar – "Orange Sun" by D. Maidana, and "Bullfinches" by V. Trofimov.
The audience did not spare warm applause for our guests from Senno. Sergey Nazarov greeted the audience with cheerful song chords. "Everything is not by chance" – this was the title of the poem beautifully recited by Veronika Baranovskaya. Together with her friend Irina Demeshchik, Veronika performed a song about friendship. The performance of Ilya Senatorov became an organic addition to the stage action. Valentina Kisel recited wonderful poems dedicated to Lepel and the Great Victory Day. The last poem was written by the poet Anatoly Bulytsenka. The audience did not spare warm applause when the participants of the folk music ensemble "Play, Accordion!" took to the stage. The ensemble members are multiple laureates of the "Care" and "Play, Accordion!" festivals. Soloists Gennady and Olga Komarovskie performed a cheerful folk song, and the other ensemble members provided excellent accompaniment. Gennady Matyrko played the accordion, Denis Ablavushka played the tambourine, and Yulia Ramiltsava played the rattle. Later, the amateur musicians were joined by accordionist Raisa Demko, with whom the piece "Karabeiniki" was wonderfully performed. Amateur artist Galina Grigorovich greeted the audience with a folk song and poems. Alla Veselova lifted the audience's spirits with her performance, reciting a poem about love and the fable "Once upon a time there was a little grey Goat...". Vasily Sofiulin, a regular guest of the festival and an amateur singer, also presented his musical surprises.
As noted at the end of the festival by Andrey Pshon, Head of the Department for Youth Affairs of the District Executive Committee

, all performances were vivid, colourful, and each had its own individuality. The works performed by the amateur artists deeply impressed the audience, and therefore each of the performers deserves the highest award. To sincere applause, Honorary Diplomas and memorable gifts were presented to each of the festival participants – amateur artists and masters of decorative and applied arts – embroidery and knitting masters Alena Zharnasek, Vadim Vashkevich, participants of the "Vesyolka" decorative and applied arts club – Irina Shalak, Dmitry Gavrushin, Sergey Aksyonovich, Vladimir Khanyak, Sergey Unukovich, Igor Mankovsky, Alexey Shevchenko and Natalia Ageenko. The "Vesyolka" club participants were gifted a tea set and a fragrant pie.
Each of the spectators left the hall of the district House of Culture with inexpressible warmth. It emanates from the depth of sincere and open hearts of people who know how to enjoy life and give positive emotions to those around them.
Svetlana SILVANOVICH.
In the photos:
Photo by the author.