American Ambassador speaking Belarusian at “Ambasovishcha” (photo+video)
The third “Ambasovishcha” festival took place in the US territory in Belarus - in the residence of the American Ambassador in Raubichy – on September 12. Karen Stewart appeared in a national Belarusian dress and addressed the present in Belarusian. Ihar Varashkevich presented her a new album of “KRAMA”, Lyavon Volski sang “Guests” and Alyaksandr Kulinkovoch did not sing the song “Kill an American”. Speaking about the dress the American Ambassador noted that red was her favourite colour and that it matched white. As the Ambassador of “Ambasovishcha”, she added that its main purpose was supporting Belarusian bands and giving them an opportunity to organize a concert of Belarusian music of different styles.
Karen Stewart: “You represent different musical styles. Each of you has its own cultural, social, personal and political point of view. At the same time all of you have the talent of addressing your audience and sharing your emotions and ideas about life, love and motherland with them”.
The concert lasted for more than 6 hours. 20 bands performed for the audience that was composed of musicians, embassy staff members and journalists. Each performance was limited to 3 songs, but nobody complained about lack of time. The Ambassador who was appointed a year ago noted that the festival let her get acquainted with the country she was working in.
Karen Stewart: “I am sure that I have not only managed to deepen my knowledge of music but also get a better understanding of Belarus, its history, culture and people I admire a lot”.
According to the aide of the press attaché of the American Embassy Ales Kruhlyakou, “Ambasovishca” appeared three years ago, when the American ambassador Croll expressed the desire to get acquainted with Belarusian musicians. The name of the festival appeared last year.
Ales Kruhlyakou: “It is a combination of embassy and Basovishcha. Of course, we cannot boast of the scale Basovishcha has in Poland. But we are pleased to discover and support new talents”.
According to the results of the voting at “Ambasovishcha”, the band “Dali” won. But the musicians said they were embarrassed to get the prize for two years on end and gave the DVD camera to the new band “Lite Soud” that was second. The American Embassy also awarded such bands as “Klaus and Flein” from Navapolatsk and Minsk bands "P.L.A.N." and “Gurzuf” with special prizes.
Karen Stewart: “You represent different musical styles. Each of you has its own cultural, social, personal and political point of view. At the same time all of you have the talent of addressing your audience and sharing your emotions and ideas about life, love and motherland with them”.
The concert lasted for more than 6 hours. 20 bands performed for the audience that was composed of musicians, embassy staff members and journalists. Each performance was limited to 3 songs, but nobody complained about lack of time. The Ambassador who was appointed a year ago noted that the festival let her get acquainted with the country she was working in.
Karen Stewart: “I am sure that I have not only managed to deepen my knowledge of music but also get a better understanding of Belarus, its history, culture and people I admire a lot”.
According to the aide of the press attaché of the American Embassy Ales Kruhlyakou, “Ambasovishca” appeared three years ago, when the American ambassador Croll expressed the desire to get acquainted with Belarusian musicians. The name of the festival appeared last year.
Ales Kruhlyakou: “It is a combination of embassy and Basovishcha. Of course, we cannot boast of the scale Basovishcha has in Poland. But we are pleased to discover and support new talents”.
According to the results of the voting at “Ambasovishcha”, the band “Dali” won. But the musicians said they were embarrassed to get the prize for two years on end and gave the DVD camera to the new band “Lite Soud” that was second. The American Embassy also awarded such bands as “Klaus and Flein” from Navapolatsk and Minsk bands "P.L.A.N." and “Gurzuf” with special prizes.
