The latest news from the cultural front of the XXXIV International Arts Festival "Slavianski Bazaar in Vitebsk" was reported by the General Director of the Vitebsk Culture Centre, Director of the Forum, Gleb Lapitsky, at a meeting with the media in the Vitebsk Region Media Centre.
Despite ticket sales starting more than a month later this year, the percentage of tickets sold and booked is higher than at this date last year. Some events are already sold out. Traditionally, these include the festival's opening concert, "Golden Hit," and unexpectedly, the first day of the pop song performers' competition.
"We have slightly changed the concept of the adult competition; first, a world hit will be performed, and then a Slavic one. This is more logical so that at the festival's closing ceremony, which is combined with the second competition day, songs from Slavic countries will be performed," noted Gleb Lapitsky.
The approach to the children's competition will also significantly change. On the first day, young vocalists will sing songs from popular cartoons and animated films, and on the second, a composition in a Slavic language.
The overarching theme of "Slavianski Bazaar – 2025" will be the 80th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War. This theme will be featured in many of the forum's projects.
"Preserving memory has always been important, and today it is doubly so. We must show and tell people the truth about the Great Patriotic War, about the victory of the Soviet people, including by using large-scale projects like the international arts festival, which attracts the attention of various countries," emphasised Gleb Lapitsky.
This year's festival will feature two new concert venues: an experimental one at the I. Sollertinsky Music College and a star-studded one at the Vitebsk Central Sports Complex, where Stas Mikhailov will perform, and joint concerts such as "TikTok Stars," "Summer Rhythms," and "Dance Floor with 'Dushevnoe Radio' in a 'Girls' Night Out' format" will take place. The forum's directorate has prepared a surprise for spectators – the opportunity to take a photo with their idol. Details will be published on the "Slavianski Bazaar" website and social media.
Classical music, jazz, rock, and contemporary pop music will occupy a worthy place at the arts forum. Gleb Lapitsky named the top 3 programmes he recommends not to miss.
– To understand what "Slavianski Bazaar" is, one must, firstly, attend a concert in the Summer Amphitheatre, secondly, visit the Philharmonic Hall or the Theatre, or wander through the streets of the festival city, and thirdly, out of curiosity, check out the venue of the Central Sports Complex, – shared his opinion the forum director.