IX. International Student Choral Festival

Belarusian State University

“Paparac Kvetka”

Belarus, Minsk: 10 – 14 May, 2014

Organizers: Contacts:

BSU Office for Culture Affairs Tel./Fax: +375 17 2095469

Nezaliezhnasti Ave.4-211 @: culture@bsu.by

220030 Minsk BELARUS https://www.chorum.bsu.by

Dear friends,

We are happy to announce the IX. Paparac Kvetka International Student Choral Festival, Minsk, 10 - 14 May, 2014, organized by the Belarusian State University.

The Festival aims to preserve and develop the best traditions of Belarusian and world choral art, to provide youth with further musical education, and to establish artistic contacts among choirs from Belarus, near and far abroad countries.

With pleasure, we offer your Choir to take part in this incredible feast of singing and enjoy unforgettable experience of communication, outstanding choral work-shops, new friends, bright impressions, and lots of fun!

Herewith we attach the Festival’s rules and ask you to inform us of your decision immediately.

For any further information, please, do not hesitate to contact us any minute or visit our web-site: https://www.chorum.bsu.by.

Ever yours,

Organizing Committee

PAPARAC KVETKA

IX. INTERNATIONAL STUDENT CHORAL FESTIVAL

Minsk: 10 - 14 May, 2014

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FESTIVAL RULES:

1. PLACE AND TIME:

a. The Festival will be held by the Belarusian State University in the city of Minsk, Belarus, May 10 - 14, 2014.

b. The choirs are supposed to arrive on May 10, 2014, after 12: 00, and depart on May 14, 2014, before 12: 00.

2. PARTICIPANTS:

a. Students of higher educational institutions, youth organizations, artistic associations and independent groups. However, the Festival gives preference to university choirs.

b. Maximum number of participants from one group should not exceed 35 persons (incl. performers, leaders and other accompanying persons).

c. The age of the main part of participants should vary from 18 till 35 years old.

3. PROGRAMMES FOR PERFORMANCE:

A participating group presents two programmes:

a. Sacred programme, which includes no more than 3 musical compositions of various periods. The total duration of the programme should be 12 minutes maximum.

b. Secular programme, which includes no more than 4 musical compositions of an own choice but different to sacred programme. The total duration of the programme should be 15 minutes maximum.

c. Additionally, a choir should know “ Gaudeamus Igitur” (" So Let Us Rejoice") popular academic commercium song.

4. APPLICATION:

a. Application deadline is February 1, 2014. Belated applications might not be considered.

b. The following compulsory material should be enclosed with the application according to the form attached below (e-mail/CD):

ü Concert audio recording (no less than 3 pieces of various genres);

ü Preliminary programmes for the Festival according to the form attached below;

ü Recent high-resolution digital color photos (no less than 300 dpi)[1];

ü The group’s history, containing the most important artistic achievements [2];

ü Supposed list of participants according to the form attached below;

ü Participation agreement.

5. SELECTION:

a. Artistic committee will select choirs for participation in the Festival by presented concert audio recording with regard to artistic value of the work.

b. An accepted group will receive the official invitation and the Festival programme before March 1, 2014.

6. COSTS:

Organizers provide meals and accommodation and pay all associated expenses necessary for the Festival arrangement (rent of concert halls, inner transportation, printed matter, cultural programme etc.)

International participating choirs (incl. performers, leaders and other accompanying persons)pay:

- fee which amounts 80 Euro per a person for the whole period of the Festival;

- international travel expenses to/from Minsk;

- visa (if necessary).

- health insurance (if necessary).

The fee is to be paid after the official invitation and until April 10, 2014, by international bank transfer. In exceptional cases, payment can be also made on arrival but arrangements need to be made in advance with the organizers.

BANK DETAILS FOR PAYMENT need to be specified with the organizers!!

7. VISIT:

a. Approved groups must confirm the participation and submit not later than March 10, 2014:

- Shortlist of participants to be used for the official invitation and visa, according to the form attached.

- Information about arrival / departure: date and time, vehicle, etc.

b. The groups that need a Belarusian VISA must prepare all necessary documents to apply to the Embassy and inform the organizers well in advance and not later than March 10! For your information: https://belembassy.org/index_eng.html

The Festival sends an official letter with the groups’ shortlist to the corresponding Belarusian Consulate requesting visa gratis. In case it is rejected or presents no possibility, the group has to pay visa fee.

c. The Festival will provide a representative to meet the group at the arrival airport, train or coach station; and accompany it during the visit.

8. DISCIPLINE OF THE GROUP:

a. The Leader of the group is responsible for the discipline of group members.

b. Particular attention should be paid to punctuality, good relations with the other groups and with the officials of the Festival; to avoidance of excessive alcohol consumption and noise during the night.

c. The group is responsible for any damage caused by group members, accidental or deliberate, and will cover its cost.

9. AWARDING:

a. All choirs receive Certificate of Participation and memorable gifts.

b. Festival Jury, consisting of prominent figures of choral art, awards Special diplomas according to the following main nominations:

- “Best Choir” – Festival Grand-Prix

- “Best Conductor”

- “Best Soloist”

- “For Best Performance of Sacred Programme”

- “For Best Performance of Secular Programme”

c. The number and composition of the nominations may vary at the discretion of the Jury and the organizing committee.

d. There could be also prizes by mass-media representatives, partners, the organizers and founders.

10. OFFICIAL LANGUAGES:

Official languages of correspondence are Belarusian, English, and Russian.

11. CITY OF MINSK:

Because of its geographical location in the heart of Europe on the legendary trade route from the Vikings to the Greeks, the city of Minsk has been a major centre of arts and sciences, commerce and crafts throughout its history. Founded in 1067, Minsk has developed a unique and always tolerant fusion of nationalities and cultures arising from a history dotted with a changing state identity—part of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania in 1326; the capital of Minsk Voivodship (Province) in the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth from 1569; annexed by Russia as a consequence of the Second Partition of Poland in 1793; the capital of the Byelorussian Soviet Socialist Republic in 1919; and, since 1991, the capital of the Republic of Belarus.

The Minsk of today is a fast-growing European city with a population of 1.8 million, its vibrant culture expressed by bright streets, broad avenues, historic and post-war architecture, and, of course, the inhabitants, whose infinite kindness and hospitality make everyone feel welcome!

You can find out more about Minsk and practical advice on travel to Belarus here:

Ø https://www.belarus.by/en

Ø https://www.privet-minsk.com/

PAPARAC KVETKA

IX. INTERNATIONAL STUDENT CHORAL FESTIVAL

Minsk: 10 - 14 May, 2014

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