II ALL-RUSSIAN COMPETITION-FESTIVAL OF MUSIC AND DANCE "FRIENDS IN KALININGRAD"
31.10-04.11.2024, Kaliningrad

With the support of: Permanent Mission of the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia) to the President of the Russian Federation; Charitable Foundation "Ruspomoshch"; European Association of Folklore Festivals - EAFF

Kaliningrad: Kaliningrad is Russia's outpost on the Baltic Sea. Kaliningrad has not only a unique location, but also a rich history shrouded in many mysteries and secrets. Previously, it was part of East Prussia, and then Germany and was called Königsberg. In 1945, the Königsberg region was fully recognized as the possessions of the USSR. A sightseeing tour of the city as well as a unique bus tour to Kurshskaya kosa - the largest sand bar in the world have been already included in the festival fee. Besides, during your free time you can walk through the old German quarter, visit the only Amber Museum in the world and enjoy other attractions.

The International Music and Dance Festival "Friends in Moscow" was organized in 2017 in the very heart of Russia - Moscow. At the request of folklore friends from Turkey we gathered talented representatives of Iran, India and multinational Russia to share the culture of the nations and make friends with each other. That is why the festival is called "Friends in Moscow". The idea of ​​the festival is to develop people's diplomacy, establish friendly ties between creative groups of Russia and foreign countries through music and dance. Even during the pandemic, we remained true to the mission of the festival. We have repeatedly hosted groups from Bulgaria, India, Iran, Kazakhstan, the Donetsk People’s Republic and Latvia.

Festival objectives:

• Identification and promotion of the best folk performers
• Improvement of professional skills of group leaders and teachers
• Development of friendship, mutual understanding and cultural cooperation between creative groups of the Russian Federation and foreign countries
• Education of the younger generation in the spirit of patriotism and the formation of mutual respect for the cultural traditions and customs of other ethnic groups

Participants:

• Folklore groups
• Dance groups of any genre
• Instrumental groups and soloists
• Vocal ensembles, choirs and soloists
• Theatrical groups
• Fashion theatres

Festival info:

Competition day: November 1, 2024
Venue: Palace of Culture "Mashinostroitel"
Stage size: Width: 11.37 m; Length: 17.47 m; Height: 11.00 m
Auditorium: 540 seats

Festival hotel: The festival participants will stay at the Baltika Hotel***. This unique hotel is located on the shore of an old German lake in the middle of a picturesque place surrounded by greenery. The windows of the modern comfortable rooms offer views of the lake. The hotel will amaze you with its classic design with stained glass windows and picturesque paintings by local artists. Buffet breakfasts are served in the panoramic restaurant.

Program:

Until October 1, 2024 - Collection of applications
October 31 - Arrival at festival city - Kaliningrad. Festival Organizing Committee will receive the groups at Khrabrovo airport or railway station. Transfer to hotel. Check-in.
November 1 - Competition day.
Opening ceremony. Performance. Round table with the jury, master classes. Awarding.
Friendship Party - Presentation of groups.
November 2 - Full day tour to Kurshskaya kosa - the largest sand bar in the world.
November 3 - Half day Kaliningrad city tour. *Visit of Svetlogorsk and Yantarny resorts (at an extra fee upon request)
November 4 - Departure from Kaliningrad after morning. Airport transfer.

Terms of participation:

• Ensembles and soloists of any genres who have submitted an application for participation and paid the festival fee are allowed to participate in the festival.
• Participants must be 5 years old and older, without any age limit.
• Participation of performers of a different age is allowed in each age group, but not more than 30% of the total number of performers.
• Each participant performs 1 competition piece up to 4 minutes and one presentation performance up to 10 minutes.
• Music may be live or on good recorded.
• One official free for 16 members group (15+1).
• Participants are admitted to the festival only if they are accommodated in an accredited festival hotel provided by the Organizing Committee.
• Overseas health insurance is must. We will not entertain groups without overseas health insurance. A copy of the health insurance certificate for each member of group, will have to be send before 15 days of the festival.
• Each participant will receive Diploma and souvenir and each group will receive a cup.
• The competition program is sent to the participants' e-mail 5 days before the start of the competition. The completed competition program cannot be changed.
• Technical equipment of the stage and availability of dressing rooms according to the capabilities of the venue.
• The Organizing Committee of the festival is not responsible for the personal belongings of the participants. Please do not leave personal belongings unattended!
• More than one groups from one country, can participate.

Evaluation criteria:

• Complexity and technique of performance
• Artistic impression (creation of an image, disclosure of content, emotionality, artistry)
• Presentation (costume, props, direction, musical accompaniment, selection of repertoire, stage design)

The jury does not take into account the age, financial capabilities, social status, nationality and place of residence of the contestants - only creativity on absolutely equal terms in accordance with these regulations.

Awarding:

• In each nomination and age category, the titles of laureates of the 1st, 2nd, 3rd degrees are awarded, as well as the title of diploma winners of the 1st, 2nd, 3rd degrees.
• Laureates and Diploma winners are awarded cups and diplomas.
• The Grand Prix is ​​awarded to one children's group or soloist and one adult group or soloist that receive the highest number of votes from the jury members.
• Grand Prix laureates are awarded the Grand Prix cup, a diploma, a Certificate for participation in the super final of the year "Folk Star" in the amount of 15,000 rubles and a memorable prize at the discretion of the festival partners.
• The winner of the Audience Award is awarded a cup and a diploma.
• The winners of the Special Prizes "Best National Costume", "Preservation of Folk Traditions", "Development of People's Diplomacy", "Best Group Leader" will be awarded diplomas and a memorable prize at the discretion of the festival partners.
• All participants will be awarded branded souvenirs.

Participation fee:

• Festival package "Business" (4 nights) - 299 Euro per person

* Every 16th is free for a group (15+1)

Participation fee includes:

• Accommodation in DBL/Twin Business category rooms
• Meals plan - Full board: 4 Buffet breakfast, 4 lunch (set menu), 4 dinner (set menu). Meals will start from the lunch on OCTOBER 31st and will end with the breakfast on NOVEMBER 4th
• Transportation to the competition venue and back to the hotel
• Transfer airport-hotel-airport
• Half day city tour on the day of arrival or departure
• Excursion tour to Kurshskaya kosa - the largest sand bar in the world
• Friendship party
• A diploma and a cup for the group
• Branded souvenir for each participant
• Letter of thanks to the head of the sending institution and sponsors, if needed (electronically)
• Certificates to the Art Director/ teacher, if needed (electronically)
• Professional photos
• Participation in one group nomination

Notes:

• Recommended arrival date in Kaliningrad is October 31. Departure date is November 4.
• If necessary, the stay can be extended upon prior request.
• Check-in at the hotel after 2PM, check-out before 12AM.
• In case of refusal to participate in the festival, the Organizer withholds the amount of actual expenses incurred related to the organization of the festival.
• Application deadline - October 1. We recommend that you do not delay with your application, as the number of places is limited.