Gala concert at closing ceremony of Slavianski Bazaar festival
The Grand Prix of the XXXII International Festival of Pop Song Performers "Vitebsk-2023" was won by a representative of Armenia.
Following the results of two competition days, Masha Mndjoyan received 135 points from the jury. The decisive points, which tipped the final outcome of the entire competition, were awarded to the contestant for her performance of Otis Redding's world hit "Respect" during her second appearance on stage. "Emotions are overwhelming," admitted the winner of the main prize and the coveted "Lyra," standing on her lucky stage after the concert concluded:
– A huge thank you to Belarus for your warm welcome. It is a great happiness to be here, to perform on this stage. I saw Armenian flags in the audience. I want to thank all representatives of our diaspora who came to support me. I know that many of my friends and family watched the live broadcasts and were very worried. It is all the more joyful to realize that I will soon bring the victory of this prestigious festival home.
As predicted by the jury chairman Dmitry Malikov, the outcome of the main intrigue of "Slavianski Bazaar" was decided by the final performance of the participants, who presented world hits to the jury. The Belarusian was just one point short of victory. Samir Yolchiev became the winner of the first prize, having accomplished the main task he set for himself in this creative competition:
– The most important thing for me was to represent my country with dignity. I think I succeeded. Armenia deservedly won. Masha sang incredibly well, she is a great professional. And overall, everything was magnificent.
The Belarusian representative addressed special words of gratitude to the team that prepared him:
– We tried very hard. In a month and a half, we did a tremendous amount of work, from image to staging. The most difficult part was to bring everything together, to make it harmonious, beautiful, and dignified. I chose the songs for the competition myself. For example, I really love the work of Vladimir Muliavin. His composition "Chyrvonaya ruzha," which I sang on the first day, is one of my favorites, it feels like my song. I can say the same about the composition "Feeling Good."
Samir Yolchiyev's victory became an important award in the achievements of the Vitebsk region, as the young man works at the Orsha City Culture Center "Pobeda". And on the closing day of the festival, an impressive support group from his hometown gathered at the concert:
– In fact, there was a lot of support from all over Belarus. I can't even remember everyone, but it was very energizing and helpful. I am grateful to everyone who believed in me. I'm not planning too far ahead yet. But I know one thing for sure: I will continue to make music and bring joy to people. I would like to separately mention the unique atmosphere that prevailed throughout the competition. It's special. Because even while competing for victory, participants, first of all (sometimes even to their own surprise!), make friends here. For example, I would give my personal friendly "Grand Prix" to the contestant from Kyrgyzstan, Nursultan Raimbekov. A very cool guy. I communicated with him more than with others and got to know him a little. I can say that he is an excellent comrade and a great professional.
This year, representatives from 15 countries competed for victory in the competition of young performers. The II prize laureates were AGAPE (Italy) and Elizaveta Slyshkina from Russia. The III prize was shared by Kuralay Meyrambek from Kazakhstan and Malika Khakimova from Uzbekistan. Elizaveta Slyshkina (Russia) received the special prize of the President of the Republic of Belarus "Slavic Hope". The special prize named after Vladimir Mulyavin for the best embodiment of the national theme and high performing skills was awarded to Kuralay Meyrambek (Kazakhstan). The special prizes of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Union of Belarus and Russia were traditionally presented to the best performer from the Republic of Belarus and the best performer from the Russian Federation. The special award "Song – a Path to Cooperation" from the Interstate Television and Radio Company "Mir" for high skill in preserving national traditions was awarded to Valeriy Solonari (Moldova).