Amberstar 2012

XI International TV Festival of Music

Amberstar 2012

August 21-24

Cruise ferry 'Romantika' of 'Tallink' company I m presa Pro duce Center R iga Lat via , web : w w w.a m b ers ta r. t v, e ma i l : fe s t@ a mbe r s ta r. t v Riga – Stockholm – Riga route

Greeting

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ear participants, guests and spectators of International TV Festival of Music ‘Amberstar 2012’,

I would like to thank all of you for having faith in this project, as an inception always needs credit. I would like to wish all of us success in our common business, since with a joint effort we can achieve good, qualitative and abiding result!

This festival promises to be very interesting, and will undeniably be a good ‘school’ for future concert activity of young talents.

I kindly invite participants and spectators of the International TV Festival of Music ‘Amberstar 2012’ to Riga – the most beautiful city in the world! Let’s meet at the festival!

Valentina Makarova Producer of International TV Festival of Music ‘Amberstar 2012’

Organizers

Valentina Makarova Producer of festival

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Announcers

Alexander Shport Co-Producer

Kristina Zakharova Popular latvian singer

Robert Oshinsh Announcer on ‘Latvian radio’

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About the festival

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he ‘Amberstar’ festival was initially launched in 1999 as a telecast ‘Dzintara Zvaigzne’, which was weekly broadcasted on a Latvian state TV channel during two years.

Since 2001 the festival was held in a ‘Dzintari’ concert hall in Jurmala. In 2008 the festival reached Sweden and now it is held onboard luxurious cruise ferries from Riga, the capital of Latvia, to Stockholm, the capital of Sweden.

During 11 years over 6000 participants from Russia, Germany, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Poland, Ukraine, Belarus, Turkey, Australia, Italy, France, Kazakhstan, South Africa and other countries took part in the festival.

The concerts were viewed by more than 50 000 people. Video records of concerts were broadcasted on TV channels in various countries. In 2005 the festival was devoted to maestro Raimonds Pauls, in 2006 – to an actress of film and theater Vija Artmane.

In 2012 festival Amberstar is dedicated to legendary Swedish band ABBA. Participants and guests of festivals perform hits of ABBA on a stage of concert hall ‘Starlight palace’ on cruise ferry ‘Romantika’.

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Concert dedicated to legendary band ABBA ‘People need love’

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n 2012 legendary Swedish band ABBA celebrates their 40th anniversary. Formed in Stockholm in 1972 band ABBA became one of the most commercially successful acts in the history of pop music, topping the charts worldwide from 1972 to 1982.

They are also known for winning the 1974 Eurovision Song Contest, giving Sweden its first victory in the history of the contest and being the most successful group ever to take part in the contest.

ABBA has sold over 370 million records worldwide and still sell millions of records a year, which makes them one of the best-selling music artists of all time.

Great performance will take place on 23rd of August in concert hall ‘Starlight palace’ on board of a cruise ferry ‘Romantika’ – concert ‘People need love’. Contestants and guests of festival ‘Amberstar 2012’ will perform the greatest hits of ABBA.

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Guests of the festival

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he International Festival Amberstar involved not only the contestants, but also pop stars from different countries: Riccardo Folly (Italy), Guillermo Albelo (Spain) - composer-producer of the festival ‘Universong’, Rodion Bass (director of ‘Slavonic Bazaar’ in Vitebsk), Taisiya Povaliy (Ukraine), Angelica Agurbash (Belarus), Meltem Tashkiran (Turkey), Albert Asaddulin, Jay Stever, Nicole, Cosmos, Walters & Kazha, Gunars Kalnins (Latvia) and other.

Riccardo Fogli (Italy), Angelica Agurbash (Belarus), Cosmos (Latvia), Taisia Povaliy (Ukraine), Jay Stever (Latvia), Walters & Kazha (Latvia), Petr Elfimov (Belarus), Laris Lusta (Russia), Albert Assadulin (Russia), Rodion Bass (Belarus), Meltem Tashkiran (Turkey)

Stars of the festival ‘Amberstar’

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nternational Music Festival ‘Amberstar’ every year discovers new talents.

For many young and popular singers participation in festival was first important step to successful musical career.

Oksana Bilera, David Kalandia, Julia Mikhalchik, Natalja Tumshevic, Sabina Babayeva, T atjana Shirko, Elli U, Vadim Kozhevnikov, Olga Cira, Linas Adamaitis, Evelina, Roberto Meloni, Sofo Torosheladze, Artyom SafronovE I m presa Pro duce Center R iga Lat via , web : w w w.a m b ers ta r. t v, e ma i l : fe s t@ a mbe r s ta r. t v

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International jury of the festival

ANDREW BILL (RUS) Honored Artist of Russian Federation, singer

JOSEF CHERMAK (CZE) Producer, founder of ‘Nari Models’ agency. Organisator of beauty contest ‘Look of the East’

DITA TORSTERE (LVA) Televisional stage-director

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ANI LORAK (UKR) People’s Artist of Ukraine, singer

JADVIGA POPLAVSKAJA (BLR) People’s Artist of Belarus, composer

FRANCESCO COLASANTO (ITA) Producer, composer

PETER ERIKSSON (SWE) Head of MTG Academy

GENDRIUS JAKUBENAS (LTU) Director of International contests ‘Baby Sing’ and ‘Sing Christmas’

STAS WARSHAVSKY (DEU) Producer, music teacher. Director of German Modern music’s school ‘Neue Art Generation’

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Finalists of the festival Anna Aghamyan Armenia

Anna was born in 11.07.1982 in Armenia in town Kapan. In 2000 she graduated from music school the piano course .In 2001 she entered the State college of pop-jazz art of the Ministry of Culture named by Aqsel Bakunts.She graduated form the college in 2004 and she was qualified as an artiste.

In 2004 Anna recorded her first album ‘Wonder world’. In 2004 she participated in ‘Baze2004’ Armenian festival. Getting a special prize in 2008 she was invited to take part in ‘The Gift 2009’ as one of the best singer. Her first clip ‘Enough’ was shot in 2009 (author Mane Hakobyan). In 2011 Anna Aghamyan took part in ‘New Wave’ international festival in Moscow. In 2012 she recorded a new single ‘Silence’ which is broadcasted on the different radio stations of the country.

Asija Latvia

Asija has successfully graduated from musical school ‘Eventus’.

For two years Asija has been taking classes of vocal with well known pedagogue and opera singer Ella Opalva. In 2011 she won the 2nd prize in contest ‘Debut’ and won in nomination ‘Epatage’ in contest ‘New Legend’.

Elena Diamandi Ukraine

Elena Diamandi was born in a creative and musical family; from childhood her parents supported her passion for the music and a wish to become a singer. Thanks to the fact that Elena’s uncle and friends are musicians, she likes and appreciates qualitative and beautiful music. Elena graduated from musical school specialization – piano playing and now she studies in Donetsk State Musical Academy S.S. Prokofyev. She participated in various regional contests and festivals as ‘Pani Ukraina’, ‘Miss Donbass’ etc. Elena is a finalist of Tamara’s Kaci Greek musical contest, in international contest ‘Zolotoi Skif’, she also participated in TV projects . projects as as ‘Karaoke ‘Karaoke na na Maidane’ Maidane’,, ‘Voice ‘Voiceof ofUkraine’ Ukraine’.

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Finalists of the festival Kirill Smirnov Russia

Kirill Smirnov – vocalist (baritone), artist, composer. Kirill was born in Saint Petersburg in ice ballet artist family. He graduated from Rimsky-Korsakov Saint Petersburg Music College, course of choir conducting , after that studied vocal in Rimsky-Korsakov Saint Petersburg Music Conservatory. Was working in several rock-groups – ‘Koroli dorog’, ‘Sfera’, ‘Beloye i chyornoye’. Kirill also was a soloist of Saint Petersburg’s theatre ‘Rock opera’. Kirill has recorded two albums and have had a role of Graf Rezanov in opera ‘Yunona and Avos’. In 2007 Kirill participated in a contest ‘Vesna romansa’. He participated in song marathon ‘200 songs for A.Rozenbaum’, that was dedicated to anniversary of Aleksander Rozenbaum. This marathon is one of the issues of the Records Book of Russia.

Leila Keron Azerbaijan

Leila Keron was born in musical Azerbaijan family. Author of her first songs is Leila’s mother. Leila’s first performance was when she was only 5 years old – together with her mother they performed on a big stage of St. Petersburg’s ‘Giant Hall’.

After that were studies in musical lyceum, ice skating, beg tennis and win in many musical contests.

The most significant achievement of Leila is win in a contest ‘Kremlin Stars’ in 2008, for this win Leila was awarded with a medal ‘Gited children of Russia’.

In the age of 16 Lelia has written her first song. Today performer Leila Keron sings songs in Russian, English, Azerbaijanian and Turkish languages written by her.

Yana Lisenko Russia

Yana has been studied in musical school since she is five, later she took classes in dance studio. Now she sings in a vocal studio ‘Molodie golosa’. Yana graduated from Art College in Sochi and Institute of modern Arts in Moscow. During studies in Institute Yana has met singer and author of many popular songs Tatyana Nazarova, after that Yana became a back vocalist of Tatyana and has performed with her in Sochi aand Moscow. Yana Lysenko participated in International contest of Young singers ‘Zolotoy feniks’ in Moscow, she also has been a winner of a contest ‘Interstar’, and participant of a contest ‘Start Up’ , later Yana was a jury member of this contest. Today Yana is recording her first album, she is successfully performing with Russian and foreign singers.

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Finalists of the festival Martynas Von Koss Germany

Martynas is very interested in music since childhood, he inherited musical talent from his father. Martinas plays guitar, sings and composes his own songs. He has participated in various contests and festivals in Berlin. Martinas continues to develop and improve his professional skills, now he is taking vocal classes with pedagogue Irina Babayeva in musical school of Stas Varshavsky.

He is also playing in a youth band, tat is playing songs written

by Martinas – it is a great professional experience for Martinas.

Martinas likes to sing very much, he does it with a great pleasure; it gives him a hope to reach his main goals.

Patriciya Kurganova Belarus

Patricia Kurganova was born in Minsk (Belarus) in 1989. In 2012 she graduated from Belarusian State university of Culture and Arts. Since 2011 Patricia has been working as a teacher of amateur team in company ‘Svetobribor’ NGO ‘Belarusian Society of the Visually Impaired’. When Patricia was three years old, she started to learn singing and playing the piano. Her first performance was at the age of seven on the national festival Grodno (Belarus). From 1997 till 2000 she was a soloist of Spiritual and secular music ensemble ‘Tympanum’ (art director – V.Kazbanov).

During the school years she received several first degree diplomas and Grand prix at the international and national festivals and competitions such as ‘Vyaselkavy Karagod’, ‘Creation of miracle’, ‘Krili dzyatsinstva’, etc.

Rasa Kaušiūtė Lithuania

Rasa Kaušiūtė is a Lithuanian singer, composer and vocal teacher. 1996-2002 she studied in Lithuanian Academy of Music and Theatre and received Master degree in choir conducting. In 2000 she released her first album ‘What are you thinking of..’ with an experimental dance band ‘Enter TOP’. Rasa Kaušiūtė participated in many TV shows. She performed in LTV show called ‘Lithuanian TOP 10’ in 2006 she won 2nd place in the final performing a song ‘MY love’ together with Robertas Kupstas. She participated in various international song contests - ‘Astana’ in 2005 (Kazachstan), ‘Canzoni dal Mondo’ (Italy), and etc. Last year, 2011, she won in international contest of hits in Lithuania ‘Palanga-2011’, and became ‘Queen of Hits’. Now Rasa is performing with several bands including Daumantas Slipkus jazz band and ‘Hot Mamazz’.

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Finalists of the festival Trasy Latvia

Olga was born in Riga (Latvia). She graduated from musical school specialization – vocal. Now Olga is in a beginning of her singer’s career, she has started to sing professionally two years ago. But during this short time she has already won 3rd prize in musical contest ‘Debut 2011’ and 1st prize in international contest ‘Baltic Voyage 2011’. Olga is very friendly, cheerful and lively. Olga is very creative person that is why she has various exciting hobbies; one of them is clothes design and creating. She also paints a lot and writes poems. Her main dream is to become an opera singer.

Benjamin Sretta & Narine Dovlatyan Armenia

Narine studies Jazz vocal in Yerevan State Conservatory named after Komitas. Young singer has already get attention of audience because of successful participation in TV project ‘Armenian Superstar’. Narine has won in nomination ‘The Best Hit’ in contest ‘Golden Lira’ organized by radio station ‘VAN’, Armenia. Since 2011 Narine performs in frame of a project Benjamin Sretta & Narine Dovlatyan, this misucal project has got an award ‘Discovery of the year’ in annual Armenian musical award ceremony in Moscow.

Narine is interested not only in music, she olso like painting and knitting, she has a real collection of scarfs that are made by her.

Gabbie Sweden

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Gabriela Bilotaite is 16 years old talented singer from Sweden.

Gabrielas first performance was in musical contest for children ‘Gesk lakstingala’, in that time she was 4 years old. Gabriela was six when she started to study in ‘Yamaha’ musical school, at the same time she started to take vocal classes with well known pedagogue Regina Valskiene and composer Banga Balakauskiene. During studies in ‘Yamaha’ school Gabriele participated in state musical contest ‘ Dainu dainele ‘ and was awarded by f Lithuanian President.

At the same time Gabriela studied in Juozo Karoso musical school, specialization – flute. In 2011 Gabriela participated in contest ‘Debut’ where she won the 2nd prize. Today Gabriela professionally studies vocal with famous Swedish pedagogue – Helen Olofsson.

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Finalists of the festival Natalja Shport Lithuania

Natalia was born in Ukraine, in city Vinnica. She remember her singing since childehood , but seriously she started to think about musical career when she was fourteen. She studied in Lithuanian musical academy of vocal. Nowadays studying at Vilnius College and doing vocals being improved with the teacher Niele Macekaite. This year took part in International festival ‘Eurojurmala ‘. In her free time Natasha enjoys to spend time with family and friends.

Galiya Hannanova Uzbekistan

Galiya Hannanova was born in Tashkent (Uzbekistan). She has started her career as a singer when she was 16 in tatar ensemble ‘Yashlek’. In 2003 Galiya won the 1st prize in contest ‘Tatar Zhiri’ in Tashkent. She also succesefully participated in TV show ‘Sing with us’. In may of 2012 Galiya had her first solo concert in one of the most famouse theatre in Tashkent.

One more passion of Galiya is photographing, she especially likes taking portraits and landscapes. Galiya is also very excited with cloather design, some of costumes for Galiyas’ performances are made by her.

Liana Katamadze Georgia

Liana born in musical family. Her great-grandfather is kapellmeister. He led two orchestras and played the all wind instruments. Mother and father played in theater; there they also meet each other. Family has four sisters and all of them practice music and sing. In child’s age Liana participated in international vocal competitions.

After school she entered the Moscow institute of modern art on a vocal faculty. Nowadays she is a third course student of actor faculty of State Institute of Theatrical Art, creative workshop of Valery Garkalin. Liana is dreams to become the actress of theatre and cinema. Likes to read the classics, philosophy, plays.

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Regulations of the contest International contest of young singers ‘Amberstar 2012’ is organized in the frames of the TV Music Festival ‘Amberstar 2012’.

The organizer of the festival is a produce center ‘Impresa’, Riga, Latvia.

Venue of the festival August 21st, 2012 – Riga Contest opening ceremony.

Presentation of contestants.

August 22nd, cruise ferry ‘Romantika’ on a route Riga-Stockholm-Riga Contest “Amberstar 2012” August 23rd, cruise ferry ‘Romantika’ on a route Riga-Stockholm-Riga Award ceremony, show dedicated to legendary band ‘ABBA’ Aim of the contest: - discovery and support of young talents - development of cultural relations between different countries - celebration of significant dates associated with famous musicians - exploration of a cultural heritage of different countries and nations Rules of participation Participants of the contest are artists, who have previous experience in performing on professional stage in the age of 16-35: soloists, duets, bands and groups under 6 persons.

1. A participant sings ‘live’ with a sound phonogram‘-1’ accompaniment.

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2. A phonogram must be provided by a participant. One song must not exceed 4 minutes.

3. A performance can include back vocal (if it does not cover the leading voice).

4. During a performance backup dancers are allowed (not more that 6 people on stage).

Participants of competition are chosen from among of the received applications forms by organizing committee’s decision.

- Pop/Rock – the world hit - Modern Classic – arias from musicals and operas or modern remakes of classical compositions - Original Song – a song written especially for a participant or by the artist him/herself Participants have to prepare a song for a vocal competition, according to the chosen nomination.

It is allowed to participate in several nominations with not more than 1 performance in each.

Awards and prizes Participant can get a Grand Prix despite of nomination.

Winner in each nomination will be chosen by the sum of professional jury scores and audience voting.

The winners will receive a diploma and a special prize-symbol of the competition as well as presents and prizes.

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Regulations of the contest Audience Award is awarded to the contestant who will get the highest number of audience votes.

Competition organizers and sponsors establish their own special prizes.

All participants of the competition receive diplomas and prizes.

Photos of all participants will be published in leaflets of the festival.

The information about all participants and videos of their performances will be published in mass-media sources and on the festival’s website www.amberstar.tv.

Such honorary titles are also awarded: - ‘Best Voice’ - ‘Best Show’ - ‘Best Stage Image’ Jury International jury consists of artists, TV and music producers and composers.

Jury evaluates performers by viewing video records of their live performances.

Jury’s decision is not subject to revision.

Audience voting Audience takes part in choosing the winners’ during the contest Audience votes via SMS. Numbers and SMS texts are placed in the titles during video translation, also on the competition’s web site, in performers’ application forms and on a web page of voting.

Application for participants: 1. A filled-in application form (separately for the soloist and for a band) 2. An artistic biography in Russian and English, 1000-1800 symbols (A4 page) 3. Photos in a “.jpg” format - 3 different photos 4. Digital format of declared songs – soundtracks ‘+1’ and ‘-1’ 5. A copy of a passport (a page with a photo and a page with a home address) 6. A video or a link to a video on the Internet with live performance Performer becomes a participant of the competition after he/she gets an official invitation from the organizing committee.

Copyright By sending an application and taking part in an ‘Amberstar’ competition a performer agrees to a photo, video and audio records of his performance on stage and during other festival activities and passes all associated copyright to the organizer of competition.

In an official catalogue of the festival all participants have an possibility to publish information about themselves or their sponsors. (*about the conditions ask the organizing committee)

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Guests & Sponsors

Dance studio ‘Modus dance’ Lithuania

Vocal studio ‘Kapel’ Estonia

Instrumental ensemble ‘Excelsus’ Latvia

In connection with cooperation and participation issues

please contact a produce center ‘Impresa’ Web: www.impresa.lv Email: info@impresa.lv Phone: +371 29423822

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