The second International “Light of the Christmas Star” Festival and Competition of UPF Eurasia's Baltic Dialogue Project took place December 11-15 in Finland and Sweden. The event was initiated by UPF-Eurasia and the Axiom tourist company in St. Petersburg. More than 700 participants came together from many cities and regions of Russia: Koryazhma, Moscow region, Pskov, Voronezh, Perm, Kandalaksha, Salekhzrd, Krasnokamsk, Samara, Severodvinsk, Yakutia, St. Petersburg, Moscow and Yaroslavl. Competitors had a unique opportunity to perform on the best stages of Helsinki and Stockholm.
The competition was held in several categories and therefore took place in two venues in Helsinki. Performances of dances, variety, and vocals, and theater took place in the Konsertitalo Martinus Hall. The instrumental performance, academic vocal, visual arts, and decorative and applied arts competitions were held in the Karjalatalo Hall. The competitors' performances were evaluated by a competent jury that consisted of honored artists of Russia. The professional level of the participants was very high; therefore, the jury had a rather complicated task to accomplish – to choose from among many those who were most deserving to win the ”Light of the Christmas Star” prizes
The final gala performance of the festival took place in the beautiful university hall in the ancient capital of Sweden, Uppsala. Minister-Counselor of the Russian Embassy in Sweden, Andrei Alexandrovich Milayev, gave the welcoming speech. Among the audience there were children from Sweden, Russian citizens, and even three Nobel laureates. The performance was a great success; it created a truly festive atmosphere.
For more information about UPF-Eurasia's Baltic Dialogue Initiative, click here.