MINSK, 9 October (BelTA) – The opening ceremony and the closing ceremony of the 2nd European Games Minsk 2019 will reveal the rich traditions of the Belarusian nation, BelTA learned from Belarusian Culture Minister Yuri Bondar.
Yuri Bondar said: “Everyone, who is involved in preparations for the event, has a mental picture of what it will look like. We are not going to disclose all the secrets for now in order to keep things interesting for the spectators. I can tell you one thing though: we should make a very soulful and beautiful performance, which will reveal the true richness of the Belarusian soul, of our historical and cultural traditions. The performance should demonstrate Belarus as a hospitable European country. The scenario for such celebrations has to be adapted to make it easy to understand by the international audience. It is what makes it difficult and interesting.”
The culture minister stressed that the 2nd European Games Minsk 2019 is a very responsible event, everything should be organized without a hitch. “The opening and closing ceremonies will be broadcast live. Such programs are few and far between. They attract the largest numbers of spectators. All the countries will see the product we are going to prepare together with Russian partners. We cannot fail. Everything will proceed in real time, no second takes,” noted the culture minister.
In his words, preparations for the opening and closing ceremonies are really thorough. All the small details are being looked into. The state of the site where the show will be held is being analyzed. Decisions are being made on the installation of various kinds of equipment, on where and how delegations, athletes, artists will proceed. All these aspects need to be fused into one show. “Since sport competitions are scheduled to take place the day after the opening ceremony, we are dealing with complicated technical matters, including keeping the football field surface intact as we place the equipment,” said Yuri Bondar.
The Russian company Art City 5 and a Belarusian creative team will be in charge of preparing the opening and closing ceremonies. The Russian company and the Belarusian State Philharmonic signed a cooperation agreement in Minsk on 9 October. The document was signed by Director General of the Belarusian State Philharmonic Alexander Garbar and Art City 5 General Producer Igor Krutoy.
“For more than half a year we studied the market, negotiated with companies with a similar track record from all over the world and came to a conclusion that the Russian company Art City 5 suits us in terms of its views on organizing the festivities, technical solutions, adaptation of the creative concept, and the general understanding of Belarusian mentality,” concluded Yuri Bondar.
The 2nd European Games will take place in Minsk on 21-30 June 2019. Over 4,000 athletes will compete in 201 medal events in 23 disciplines representing 15 sports. The forum is expected to welcome about 18,000 official participants. The competitions will be broadcast in 160 countries.
