By Vestnik Kavkaza
The second Muslim Magomayev International Singers Contest came to an end in Moscow. The competitors showed their skills in singing classic and popular songs for two days in the best concert hall of Russia, Crocus City Hall. More than 200 singers took part in the qualifying round. After the preliminary casting, 17 singers from 10 countries were selected. On the first day the singers performed opera and popular songs; the second day was devoted to Muslim Magomayev, Peoples’ Artist of the USSR. The international jury was headed by the Peoples’ Artist of the USSR, the prima of Bolshoi Theater, Tamara Sinyavskaya.
She says: “When a person comes to this contest, he or she has experience already. It is not a contest of students; it is a contest of young artists who have already shown themselves. That is why they decided to participate. In fact it is a very difficult contest. A person has to find something in his life and harmony which will capture the audience – his voice, musicality, artistry, ability to use talent. It is very difficult. Only one or two are able to do it. It would be nice if after the first contest several singers felt wings on their backs.”
The winner of first prize is Sergey Plyusin from Russia. The second place was given to Anatoly Sivko from Belarus; the third – to Russian Irina Kostina and Vladimir Boldt from Germany. The grand prize of the contest was gained by the singer from Uzbekistan Zhenisbek Piyazov. “I haven’t though I would get such high points. I was welcomed warmly as I am from a sunny city. I would like to express gratitude to the initiators of the contest, as it is a big honor for young talents,” Piyazov said.
“Opera singers have no right to sing unclearly,” Laima Vaikule, the member of the jury, thinks. “Notwithstanding a handsome appearance, a singer has to work hard and sing a lot. For me the main thing is beautiful sound, beautiful tone. It is important for me. It is very interesting and useful for me to take part in this event.”
Yelena Obratsova: “Muslim Magomayev prize is a a start in life. Young artists understood it, moreover, the jury was experienced and professional. I think it is a very high award.”
“I have been participated in the jury working for the second time,” Farkhad Badalbeily says. “Of course, the interest is great. There are many talented young people from various republics: Ukraine, Belarus, Uzbekistan, Russia, and the US – even though the US didn’t manage to perform successfully. The main thing is that the name of Muslim sounded all the time – his songs, memories about him. Muslim was a live legend of musical art. He represented Azerbaijan in the world. We often had guest tours with Muslims in Russia and abroad, played in Moscow. I am grateful to Russian audience, people who devotedly love Muslim, appreciate him, flowers are always on his grave. It is very touching.”
