The XXII International Competition of Bayanists "Vivat, Bayan!" started at the RUSSIA EXPO

The XXII International Competition of Bayanists "Vivat, Bayan!" started on June 25 at the RUSSIA EXPO. From June 25 to June 29 the finest virtuoso bayanists of Russia, as well as bayan lovers from Belarus, Kazakhstan, Serbia, China, Bosnia and Herzegovina and other countries will fight for the title of the best. Traditionally, the competition is held in the Samara region, while in Moscow, at the RUSSIA EXPO, the contest is being held for the first time.

"I am very happy that our foreign participants and all those who came from all over the country will watch the RUSSIA EXPO and see the country in all its glory - especially Pavilion No. 75, where all 89 regions are represented. And, of course, I wish all the participants victory and good mood. This year we have a record number of entries — 215. Of course, all 215 will not be able to win, but every year the guys who did not win a place last year still come to us to try their hand again. So the contest is always a nice big forum, communication, new friends, new impressions, new joint projects. And it is indeed a competition mainly for professionals — those who study at music schools, colleges and conservatories or who already work as professionals on stage. That's why mostly very strong, tough, prepared participants come here," said the artistic director of the competition, Merited Artist of Russia, musician, composer, producer Sergei Voitenko.

This year's contestants will traditionally have a busy competition days in 28 musical categories. Competent jury — professors of Russian and international higher educational institutions of musical profile — will choose the best masters of performing arts in younger and older age groups.

Photo: Sergey Baranov/Press service of the RUSSIA EXPO

"The RUSSIA EXPO today is given to bayanists. I wish all participants to have inspiration on stage. When you play with inspiration, you will reach new and new heights," Friedrich Lips, member of the jury, Professor, Head of the Bayan and Accordion Department of the Gnessin Russian Academy of Music, People's Artist of the Russian Federation, addressed the contest participants.

"Vivat, Bayan!" is not only a high-profile event in the world of bayan art, annually gathering talented musicians from all over the country and abroad, but also an excellent starting point for very young contestants. 

"I have been practicing the bayan for three years, I like it very much, and I decided to go to the competition to create a good portfolio for myself and then enter a music school. I hope that I will perform well, because as soon as I found out about the competition, I started preparing for it right away. And, of course, it's very important for me to see how others play," said Alexander Kazakov, a future professional bayanist.

The most important thing is, of course, to perform well yourself, as well as to appreciate the skills of other contenders for victory. And for foreign participants, the competition "Vivat, Bayan!" is also an opportunity to join the culture and traditions of a friendly country.   

"I like the bayan very much, there are a lot of people in China who play this instrument, and we also love Russian folk music here in China. I learned to play the bayan from my teacher, who graduated from the Gnessin Academy in Russia. This is my first time in your country, and I like the fact that the people here are very nice, the weather is good and the sun is shining," said Cheng Hau Tung, a contestant from China.

For the first time in history, the contest will be marked by a grandiose event: on June 27, a procession of bayanists, accordionists and squeezebox players led by Sergei Voitenko will take place on the Main Alley of the VDNH. During the procession it is planned to register three records - the largest mass procession of playing bayanists, accordionists and squeezebox musicians, the largest combined orchestra of bayanists, accordionists and squeezebox musicians, as well as a unique interpretation of the National Anthem of Russia, performed for the first time by an orchestra of bayanists, accordionists and squeezebox players, consisting of more than 1000 participants.