STARS OF THE ALBION. GRAND PRIX 2020.

INTERNATIONAL PERFORMING ARTS FESTIVAL & COMPETITION. LONDON, UK
“Discovering New Talents World” The Business Courier, UK

Applications deadline:	25 January 2020
Age category:	Children from 6 y.o. & adults, no age limit
Date of the ONLINE COMPETITION:	1 - 3 December 2019 The ONLINE competition for international and national artists that don’t take part in the Grand Final in London & a selection round for the international participants who intend to participate in the Grand Final in London.
Dates of the selection round for national artists:	20 - 23 January 2020
Dates of the Grand Final in London:	28 February - 1 March 2020

Registration form (Download)

Read more about the event

Invitation

Dear Friends,
“Stars of the Albion” international performing arts festival & competition is the annual event held in prestigious concert venues across London. It is a three-day programme consisting of a variety of events including concerts, exhibitions, workshops and the competition itself as a central focus point. The event will be attended by famous artists, celebrities and international performers.
"Stars of the Albion" is a unique multicultural project that joins musicians, dancers and artists from across the world and provides valuable opportunities for young emerging artists to showcase their talent as well as to enhance technical and performance skills, to establish and develop their career.
The project is organised by Musica Nova Productions Agency & Academy under the Patronage of the World Association of Performing Arts (WAPA) and is promoted by Stars of the Albion Ltd Foundation with support of the Russian Cultural Centre | Rossotrudnichestvo in the United Kingdom.
The 7th international performing arts festival & competition “Stars of the Albion. Grand Prix 2020” will be held on 28 February - 1 March 2020 in London. It will consist of two separate formats of participation: an online and a live concert performance (Open Grand Prix Final).
Artists who are unable to travel to the UK, can take part in our new online competition. Those who are willing to travel to the UK to participate in the Open Grand Prix Final in London need to indicate this in their registration form.
All artists are required to pass through the online selection round. At the end of the online competition all artists will receive diplomas. The winners will also receive prize trophies which will be sent by post directly to each participant in their country of residence. 1st, 2nd and 3rd places will be awarded. The online competition is based on video recordings (YouTube links/ social media).
Participation in the Open Grand Prix Final will be based upon results of the online competition. We will offer visa support to international artists who may require an entry visa to the UK. The Gala Show and an Awards Ceremony will be held at one of the top theatres in central London.
Prizes for the Open Grand Prix Final differ from those allocated for the online competition. Apart from diplomas and trophies, the finalists will also receive four monetary prizes per each nomination equalling £500 each. 40 soloists, 20 ensembles/ groups will be selected to come to London to participate in the Open Grand Prix Final round.

We expect participants from Great Britain, USA, Spain, France, Germany, China, Greece, Malta, Saudi Arabia, Philippines, India, Bangladesh, Bulgaria, Albania, Ukraine, Latvia, Armenia, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Republic of Belarus and Russia and other countries.
Participation in this contest is open to artists from 6 years old with no age limit and is divided between age categories, with two options of participation in the capacity of either as amateur or professional performers. All styles and genres can be presented for the competition programme. There are no repertoire restrictions. It is expected that each participant will perform two contrasting compositions. For singers it is compulsory to include one song in English the second maybe performed either in English or in other languages. If that's the case, prior to the performance the contestant should provide the adjudication panel with an adequate translation into English in writing of their original song, which they are going to perform in the competition programme. Please see a full list of requirements in our programme section.
The 2020 year marks the 75th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day, on which World War II in Europe ended. Valuable prizes will be awarded for the best artistic work, short documentary film and choreography on music by the 20th century composer dedicated to the war theme. Apart from that, a special prize will be allocated for the best performance of instrumental music by a Russian composer or for the best vocal performance in the Russian language.
The adjudication panel is comprised of famous musicians, composers, producers and artists and international judges.
TOTAL PRIZE FUND: £2500
We are looking forward to welcoming you to our events & to extraordinary discoveries of the “Stars of the Albion” project!

Disciplines

• MUSIC Singing (classical, contemporary, musical theatre).
Soloists and ensembles up to 12 people and choirs.
Instrumental playing (classical, folk, jazz).
Soloists, ensembles up to 12 people.

• DANCE Ballet, modern, folk.
Soloists, ensembles up to 12 people and groups.
• VISUAL ARTS Visual Arts, short documentary films

Competition schedule

Dates of the Grand Final in London: 28 February - 1 March 2020

GRAND FINAL IN LONDON

Thursday, 27 February 2020 - arrival

Friday, 28 February 2020
12.00-15.00 Master classes & excursion (optional)
12.00-17.30 Visual Arts competition. Private reception.
15.00-16.30 A press conference, meeting of the participants with the Organising Committee
18.30-20.30 Opening Night of “Stars of the Albion. Grand Prix 2020”
Featuring outstanding young talents, laureates of “Stars of the Albion” festivals and distinguished international musicians, adjudicators of the competition.
Venue address: Russian Cultural Centre | Rossotrudnichestvo. 37 Kensington High Street, London W8 5ED.

Saturday, 29 February 2020

11.00-19.00 Competition. SINGING. Contemporary & Musical Theatre nominations.
Venues: Mission of Rossotrudnichestvo | Russia House in the UK, 37 Kensington High street
Main Theatre Hall, Richmond and Hillcroft Adult Community College, London TW9 2RE

10.30-17.00 Competition. INSTRUMENTAL PERFORMANCE.
SINGING. Classical singing nomination.

Venue: St. Cuthbert’s Church, London SW5 9EB

20.00-21.30 An Evening concert of a celebrity jury member.
Venue: Mission of Rossotrudnichestvo | Russia House in the UK, 37 Kensington High street, London W8 5ED
*excursion (optional), free time, cultural programme.

Sunday, 1 March 2020

Morning: Master classes*excursion (optional), free time, cultural programme.

15.00-17.00 DANCE (solo, groups)
17.00-18.00 Rehearsal for the Gala Show & Awards Ceremony
18.30-21.00 Awards Ceremony & Gala of winners of the “Stars of the Albion. Grand Prix 2020” 7th International Performing Arts Festival & Competition with the participation of celebrity guest artists and ensembles.

Venue address: Main Theatre Hall, Richmond and Hillcroft Adult Community College, London TW9 2RE

Monday, 2 March 2020 – Departure

*The programme and venues are subject to confirmation.

Awards & Diplomas

Based on the ratings put forward by the jury on a 10-point scale, the Org. Committee determines the winners of the first, second and third places, as well as the Grand Prix of the Competition.

• £2000 in total Grand Prix – 4 monetary prizes of £500 each per Discipline.
• I place – Golden trophy and Diploma.
• II place – Silver trophy and Diploma.
• III place – Bronze trophy and Diploma.

STAR AWARDS
- A special prize for the best performance/choreography on music by the 20th-21st centuries Russian composer dedicated to the War theme.
- Concert prizes (performances throughout the year) are awarded to the Grand Prix winner and laureates of the 1st and 2nd places.
- Special Diploma and “Star Lyre” award for the best dance/vocal number/ choreography / costume and stage presence.
- Special Diploma and award for the best artistic work and photography.
- Special Diploma and award for the best short film script.
- “Audience Prize” / “Jury Prize” for the best performance / work.
- A “Young Future Talent of Stars of the Albion” Diploma for the youngest contestant.
- Diploma of appreciation to teachers and directors.
- Diploma of participant for every contestant.

Every discipline is subdivided between age categories. Based on the jury recommendation, the Organisers reserve the right not to award any places in a category.
The programme of the final Gala Show will be based on recommendations by members of the adjudication panel. The jury’s decision is a final one and should not be disputed.

Repertoire requirements

A free choice of repertoire within the required total duration limit. Each contestant should perform two contrasting compositions. It is compulsory for Singers to include one of the songs in English. The second song can be performed on any language of the world. A written translation should be provided to the jury prior to performance if a song is to be performed in any language other than English.

All compositions should be performed from memory and in the original language.

Requirements for maximum total duration of compositions performed:

Singing: 7 minutes
• Participants using the backing track must provide a high-quality instrumental accompaniment on a USB flash drive. Also, the backing tracks must be sent to the organizers in MP3 format at most 2.5 weeks before the start of the competition.
• Each sound recording must be on a separate medium with the name of the work, the author of the music, the text, the name of the ensemble or the name of the artist, as well as the duration of the work.
• Vocalists are not allowed to perform with the “plus”.

Dance: 4 minutes
• Participants using the backing track must provide a high-quality instrumental accompaniment on a USB flash drive. Also, the backing tracks must be sent to the organizers in MP3 format at most 2.5 weeks before the start of the competition.

Instrumental performance: Amateur category 10 minutes, Professional category 20 minutes
Visual Arts: Performance in Fine Art, Photography, Short documentary film

- Artistic embroidery, macrame decoration
- Decorative and applied arts and crafts
- Painting (oil, watercolour, gouache, pastel, mixed technique)
- Drawing (graphics)

All the images that you will be submitting are images of original artwork created by yourself or are the artwork created by an artist who authorized you to submit the images on his/her behalf. We will have the right to publish and retain images of your artwork selected by the jurors on our website and other advertising channels to promote future competitions and your artwork.

Online Round. A maximum of 6 images, a minimum of 3.

Based on digital images sent to us with the following specifications:
• Each image must be at least 72 dpi and 200 KB.
• The shortest side of the image must be at least 338 pixels.
• All entries must be JPG format.
• Each image should not exceed 5MB and should be smaller than 7500 x 7500 pixels.
• Each piece can be no larger than 75 x 85 inches (192 x 218 centimeters).
• Diptych, Triptych: A work made up of multiple pieces can be up to 168 inches (427 centimeters) wide, as long as each part is no larger than 75 x 85 inches (192 x 218 centimeters).
• All images should be sent in a JPG format.

Grand Final Round.

A maximum of 3 works.

If you are selected into the Grand Final Round, your work must be framed or stretched. You are responsible for the cost of this if the work arrives unframed/unstretched. Framed work must be framed in a similar manner; the frames do not have to be identical, but they must be very similar. It is your responsibility to make sure that your artwork is adequately wired and ready to be hung.
The applicant is liable for all costs in connection with insurance, postage, transportation to and from competition venue(s), preparation of their works for an exhibition. The applicant should be available in person or to make alternative arrangements to collect their works from the venue on the last day of the festival. Organisation Committee is not liable to storage and for loss of any material left by the participant after the 1 March 2020.

Short documentary film

Online competition. Works to be submitted together with the registration form:
- 3 minutes script competition

Grand Final Round in London.
- up to 10 minutes script competition.
• The video file should not exceed 2-3 GB.
• The video file can be sent in one of the formats: AVI, MPG, WMV, MOV

Evaluation Criteria

1.    Choreography
• Composition, choice of repertoire, matching the repertoire with the age characteristics of the performer.
• Performing skills – style and technique, the culture of performance, musicality.
• Artistry, interest and variety, expression.
• Stage presence, decorations and costumes.

2.    Singing
• Artistic interpretation, expression.
• Performance technique, purity of intonation, pronunciation, articulation.
• Choice of works, level of difficulty.
• Stage presentation, acting, production, costumes.

3.    Instrumental performance
• Artistic interpretation, concept, architectonics.
• Performance technique, instrument control, purity of intonation (for strings and winds).
• Choice of repertoire, level of difficulty.
• Stage presence, costumes.

4.    Photography
• Concept, originality, composition.
• Technique, work with light, design, style.
• Expressiveness, impact on the audience.
• Costumes, decorations.

5.    Visual Arts
• Composition, concept, originality.
• Technique, style, work with color, work with a line.
• Expressiveness, impact on the audience.
• Presentation

6.    Short films
• Concept, content of work, compliance with the declared genre.
• Technique of performance, video quality, installation, complexity.
• Emotional impact on the audience, expressive tools and design (the presence of sound, effects, the use of scenery, light, costumes).
• Artistic performance.

Fees

Registration fee is non-refundable.

INTERNATIONAL PARTICIPANTS
• £140 - registration fee per person (solo category)
• £80 per person (a group of 2 – 5 people)
• £55 per person (a group of 6 and more people)
• £55 - accreditation fee per accompanying person (include a free ticket to the final Gala concert and an Awards ceremony)

NATIONAL PARTICIPANTS (a 50% discount applies to students of music and any supplementary language schools)

• £80 - registration fee per person (solo category)
• £40 per person (a group of 2 – 5 people)
• £15 per person (a group of 6 and more people)
• £25 - accreditation fee per accompanying person (include a free ticket to the final Gala concert and an Awards ceremony)

ADDITIONAL FESTIVAL FEES:
• £15 - any additional nomination
• £25 - ticket to the Gala concert and awards ceremony
• £80 video recording of a performance from the competition
£150 video recording of a Gala concert
From £500 video clip
• £70 - photographs
• £40 - rehearsal with the staff accompanist (30 minutes)
*Master classes £60 for soloists and £10 per person in a group
*Free of charge rehearsal studio.

Accommodation, meals, transfers

• Single/twin/double/triple Accommodation in the 3* (from £410 for 4 nights), in 4* (additional fee of £20 per night). Accommodation includes a continental breakfast.
• A group discount (from 6 people and more) - £300 per person for 4 nights, including breakfast, packed lunch, dinner. A 10% non-refundable deposit of £30 is charged in advance to secure a reservation in the hotel. The rest of the balance should be paid at least one month before arrival.
• Transfers from/to the airport - from £75 per single trip.
• Packed lunch and dinner - £25 per day.

A Festival Package:
For participants: £550 for 4 nights (including a registration fee, accommodation in one of central London hotel’s with continental breakfast, half day excursion).
For accompanying persons: £540 for 4 nights (including a registration fee, accommodation in one of central London hotel’s with continental breakfast, half day excursion).
The hotel is located in a close proximity to the concert venue as well as famous London landmarks, such as: Hyde Park, Kensington Gardens, the Royal Albert Hall, Natural History Museum and etc.

Early bird discount (to be paid by 20 December 2019) £500 for participants & accompanying persons.
After this date the price of the special package will increase to £550 & £540.
** The Early Bird discount is not valued for the Special invitation issued to participants which offers a £50 free accommodation in London.

It's not compulsory to purchase the whole package offer from the organisers however it will be advisable to avoid extra costs incurred by the participant. As per request of the participant we can organize transfer to and from the hotel to the airport/ train station and an individual program of your stay in London. Travel expenses to / from UK and travel insurance are the sole responsibility of the participant.

Сontacts

Organisator: “Musica Nova” International Music Academy

Administrator: Mrs. Evgeniia Illova
Tel: +44 (0) 7765 845489 | +44 (0)7832341745 | +44 (0) 2078330502
E-mail: starsofthealbion@gmail.com

CEO: Ms. Evgenia Terentieva-Jakubowski
President of the World Association of Performing Arts United Kingdom Section (WAPA)
Winner of a “Queen’s Award” from the British Council
Laureate of international piano, singing, composition competitions
Laureate of the Gold Franz Kafka Medal (Czech Republic)
Concert musician: singer, pianist, composer, educator
Dip Dist St. Petersburg Conservatoire (Russia), DipGSMD, HonLGSM (UK)

Stars of the Albion
Musica Nova Academy office
88 Cromer Street London WC1H 8DG, United Kingdom
www.starsofthealbion.org.uk и www.musicanova.org.uk

Founder and Executive Producer

Evgenia Terentieva

Pianist, singer, composer

Evgenia Terentieva

Pianist, singer, composer

Pianist, singer, composer, winner of international competitions and prestigious awards. She adjudicates at several international competitions in Great Britain and Europe. In 2011 Evgenia was awarded Gold Franz Kafka Medal for her outstanding contribution to the world culture and a “Queen’s Award” from the British Council. She is the CEO and an executive producer of Musica Nova, the International Academy of Music, and “Stars of the Albion” festival-contest in London.

Singing

David Serero (USA) Chair

Baritone and Actor

David Serero (USA) Chair

Baritone and Actor

Baritone and Actor, has received international recognition and critical acclaim from all over the world. He was honored in the WHO’S WHO America for having demonstrated outstanding achievements in the Entertainment world and contributed for the betterment of the contemporary society. www.davidserero.com

Ron Tom (United Kingdom)

Legendary producer, manager

Ron Tom (United Kingdom)

Legendary producer, manager

Legendary producer, manager: Sugarbabes, All Saints, Mark Morris on Gabrielle Sinead O’Conner West London Notting Hill Road metamorphosis records, worked with all the major labels: Sony, EMI, singed as a writer, artist development and consultant, studio owner.

Rossi Yordanova (Bulgaria)

Vocal coach, composer, songwriter, producer, conductor

Rossi Yordanova (Bulgaria)

Vocal coach, composer, songwriter, producer, conductor

Vocal coach, composer, songwriter, producer, conductor, a founder of the Contemporary Music School "Studio Musika", preparing rock and pop singers, international jury member.

Erika Said (Malta)

Director of Erseb Productions

Erika Said (Malta)

Director of Erseb Productions

Erika is the Director of Erseb Productions, a company in Malta who have given rise to several talented singers from a young age. She herself is a singer and also an actress, Erika has been a Jury Member in several International Competitions. Erika is the Director of "Arpeggio International - Singers Competition", held in Malta every year in May.

Olga Druzhinina (USA)

Vocal coach, pianist, director

Olga Druzhinina (USA)

Vocal coach, pianist, director

Natalia Skapets (Republic of Belaruss)

Producer, vocal coach, director of educational centre, composer

Natalia Skapets (Republic of Belaruss)

Producer, vocal coach, director of educational centre, composer

Founder and director of the educational and production centre, Magister of pedagogy, composer and producer. Founder and director of the International Performing Arts Festival «Зорныя кветкi». A member of the international festival association (WAFA).

Olga Gelfand (Israel)

Pianist, producer, organiser and adjudicator

Olga Gelfand (Israel)

Pianist, producer, organiser and adjudicator

Olga Gelfand is a pianist, producer, organiser and jury member of international concert projects and festivals. She is a Chairman of Association "Moscow" (Israel) and a member of Coordinating Council of Russian-speaking Compatriots of Israel.

Alfia Karimova (Kazakhstan)

The prima of Astana Opera Theatre

Alfia Karimova (Kazakhstan)

The prima of Astana Opera Theatre

Alfia Karimova is the leading soloist of Astana Opera, Honored Artist of Bashkortostan, winner of about 30 international and All-Russian competitions, winner of “The Opera Ball Award-2015”, jury member of international competitions, teacher, toured in Europe, Asia, America, and CIS countries.

Athenα Savvidou (Greece)

Voice coach, pianist, director of music school

Athenα Savvidou (Greece)

Voice coach, pianist, director of music school

International voice coach, pianist, director of music school in Perea, Thessaloniki. Her students are winners of prestigious international festivals and awards.

Armando Ghukasyan (Armenia)

President & Founder of WAPA WORLD, Armenia national ballet association, CID International Dance Council of Armenia, producer, choreographer.

Armando Ghukasyan (Armenia)

President & Founder of WAPA WORLD, Armenia national ballet association, CID International Dance Council of Armenia, producer, choreographer.

President & Founder of WAPA WORLD, Armenia national ballet association, CID International Dance Council of Armenia, organiser of international festivals in more than 30 countries. Received an international recognition and prestigious medals and awards for an outstanding achievements in the world culture.

Instrumental

Melanie Spanswick (UK) Chair

Pianist, author, teacher, presenter, adjudicator

Melanie Spanswick (UK) Chair

Pianist, author, teacher, presenter, adjudicator

Melanie Spanswick is a pianist, author, teacher, presenter, and adjudicator. She graduated with a Master’s degree in Performance Studies from the Royal College of Music in London. Her performances include appearances at the major UK concert halls; a solo recording and broadcasts on major radio channels.

Constance An Chi HSIEH (China)

Violinist, tutor, adjudicator

Constance An Chi HSIEH (China)

Violinist, tutor, adjudicator

Constance AN CHI HSIEH taught at the Central Conservatory of China (the Academy of Continue Education), gave master classes across Asia, and several times was invited by the organization of China Talent Professional Ability Test and Talented Professional Competition of Asia to Chair the adjudication board of string department.

Evelina Batey (Malta)

Director of European Centre for Arts, pianist, producer

Evelina Batey (Malta)

Director of European Centre for Arts, pianist, producer

Molly Rebecca Da Gama (UK)

Classical composer, producer

Molly Rebecca Da Gama (UK)

Classical composer, producer

Dance, Vocal and Instrumental Ensemble, Musical Theatre

Katrina Vasilieva (Russia) Chair

Dancer, actress, choreographer

Katrina Vasilieva (Russia) Chair

Dancer, actress, choreographer

After graduating at the top of the class at the Dancing Academy, Katrina performed in the biggest theatres across the world as a principal dancer of Moisseyev Dance Company. She later appeared in the first ever Russian TV commercial, Pop Videos and was working in London's West End.

Irina Mironova (United Kingdom)

Choreographer

Irina Mironova (United Kingdom)

Choreographer

Irina Mironova – choreographer, founder and director of the Kalinka Dance School in London.

Shalva Kavtaradze (Georgia)

Choreographer and artistic director of ensemble “Pesvebi”

Shalva Kavtaradze (Georgia)

Choreographer and artistic director of ensemble “Pesvebi”

Aaron Dwyer (United Kingdom)

Creative Director, Choreographer, Teacher, Founder & CEO of the London Dance Company

Aaron Dwyer (United Kingdom)

Creative Director, Choreographer, Teacher, Founder & CEO of the London Dance Company

Choreographed many productions (Billy Elliot, R.E.N.T, Spring Awakening etc.). Established the London Dance Company to provide a one stop professional dance company to cater for any event or demand, and making dance accessible to everybody.

Olga Tkhruni (UK)

Choreographer, teacher

Olga Tkhruni (UK)

Choreographer, teacher

After graduation as a classical dancer from the Vaganova Academy of Russian Ballet she danced at the Kirov/Mariinsky Theatre for 22 years. She is a qualified dance teacher from the Royal Ballet School (RBS) in London.

Sandra Lisovskaya (Ukraine)

President of the international festival “STAR CHILDREN”

Sandra Lisovskaya (Ukraine)

President of the international festival “STAR CHILDREN”

President of the international festival “STAR CHILDREN”, a cavalier of the world order the “CREDO AD ASTRA”, a member of jury of international festivals in Greece, Georgia and Montenegro-choreographer-producer.

Dmitriy Devdariani (Georgia)

Stage director, producer, actor

Dmitriy Devdariani (Georgia)

Stage director, producer, actor

Armando Ghukasyan (Armenia)

President & Founder of WAPA WORLD, Armenia national ballet association, CID International Dance Council of Armenia, producer, choreographer.

Armando Ghukasyan (Armenia)

President & Founder of WAPA WORLD, Armenia national ballet association, CID International Dance Council of Armenia, producer, choreographer.

Performance in Fine Art & Photography

Natalia Kolosova (UK) Chair

Theatre critic, PhD

Natalia Kolosova (UK) Chair

Theatre critic, PhD

Natalia is theatre and opera critic and teacher of drama and theatre history. She is the author of the first dissertation in Russia about Lev Dodin and his Maly Drama Theatre and a book about the opera singer Vladimir Galouzine, written in English. Natalia has contributed numerous theatre reviews to Russian and International journals.

Pavel Soro (UK) Chair

Photographer

Pavel Soro (UK) Chair

Photographer

Owner at www.pavelsoro.com and www.sorofilm.com

Gulnara Mahmudova (UK)

Artist and illustrator

Gulnara Mahmudova (UK)

Artist and illustrator

Independent artist and illustrator from an Eastern European background of the Republic of Azerbaijan. Specialising in fine art, with lots of experience in the art industry, Gulnara has now become an art teacher. Having held multiple exhibitions in the past years, she is now planning on showing her latest work in the upcoming one.

Natalia Jezova (UK)

Artist

Natalia Jezova (UK)

Artist

Natalia Jezova is a UK based artist. Born in Russia but has spent the last twenty years working in the UK. She communicates in a wide variety of media including photography, film and installation. Natalia's art has been exhibited internationally, and addresses cultural memory, identity and gender issues.

Dmitriy Devdariani (Georgia)

Stage director, producer, actor

Dmitriy Devdariani (Georgia)

Stage director, producer, actor

Rebecca Driffield (United Kingdom)

Figurative and portrait painter

Rebecca Driffield (United Kingdom)

Figurative and portrait painter

Rebecca Driffield is an international award - winning figurative and portrait painter based in Paris, France.

Testimonials

Stars of the Albion Grand Prix 2019

…As an adjudicator for the British and International Federation of Festivals (BIFF), I get to hear a vast number of young and more mature performers. I normally adjudicate the piano classes, but as a generalist adjudicator, it’s not unusual to judge some instrumental classes too. Increasingly, I’m invited to judge competitive festivals which are not affiliated to BIFF. Last Saturday was one such occasion.

The Stars of the Albion Grand Prix is a popular competition organised by founder and executive producer Evgenia Terentieva (pictured to the left). It’s been a great pleasure to be involved with this event for four of its six-year history.

I chaired the instrumental jury which was held at Peregrine’s Pianos, situated in Gray’s Inn Road. We totalled four judges; alongside me were Rebeka Molly De Gama (U.K.), Snezhana Polshronova Karnolsky (Bulgaria), and Constance An Chi Hsieh (China). Performers were either pianists or violinists, and the categories were all age related. Many of the performances were superb and the overall standard was extremely high.

The selected repertoire, generally a free choice, was mostly standard fare. Whilst it’s always lovely to hear old favourites, for future competitions, I would encourage young players to explore more Contemporary repertoire. Some performers were clearly just beginning their musical journey, and whilst extremely competent and confident, were still in the process of learning to perform, and others were already well established young players; there was also a category for adult amateur musicians too. The overall class winners performed at the final Gala concert.

I really enjoyed working with several jury members because I appreciated the feedback from fellow adjudicators. Whilst we tended to agree on who should win, it’s useful to gain insight into a fellow musician’s thoughts regarding certain aspects of playing and performing. And as I often adjudicate alone, it’s a real pleasure to work closely with others in this respect.

Stars of the Albion Grand Prix provides an important opportunity for young musicians and artists from across the world. All those who took part did so because they valued the chance to be heard and evaluated by a professional jury. Over the past few years, Evgenia Terentieva has organised and developed one of the most vibrant and artistically satisfying competitive events in London for emerging artists, and long may this continue. www.starsofthealbion.org.uk

Melanie Spanswick, 10.03.2019 | Posted in https://melaniespanswick.com/2019/03/10/stars-of-the-albion-grand-prix-2019/

"Play to see" International theatre reviews

Stars of the Albion Festival

The closing gala concert of the winners of the IVth International Performing Arts Festival and Contest Stars of the Albion, which took place at the Rudolf Steiner Theatre on February 19th, was a spectacular finale to a three-day celebration of talent. It united young and mature performers from all around the world: participants from Brazil, Portugal, Japan, Greece, Spain, Malta, Bulgaria, Germany, Russia, Armenia, Georgia, Latvia, Ukraine, Kazakhstan and the United Kingdom all gathered in London to demonstrate their various talents.
Never before had the festival welcomed such a great diversity of performers who enriched each other with the opportunity to explore the cultural traditions of different countries, expressed in the universal language of music and dance. The level of the performers was very high, as most of them were already winners of international competitions.
The festival was organised by the International Music Academy Musica Nova, under the patronage of the World Association of Performing Arts and with the support of the Embassy of the Russian Federation in the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and Rossotrudnichestvo in UK. The programme of the festival, apart from the competition itself, consisted of excursions, discussions and concerts. The festival opened at Rossotrudnichestvo in UK on February 17th with a beautiful solo concert by the opera singer Alfia Karimova (Kazakhstan), Honoured Artist of the Republic of Bashkortostan, and by the winner of international competitions Evgenia Terentieva (Great Britain).
The final gala concert of the winners at the Rudolf Steiner Theatre impressed the audience with its unique atmosphere, due to the unusual lighting with the use of projection and graphics and original music. The whole show looked very modern and in tune with major music festivals broadcast on TV, as the singers, musicians and dancers performed in the space created by the projection of planets, galaxies and stars, reminding us constantly of the main theme of the festival and contest. One of the most poignant moments was when eighty-five of the participants filled the stage holding the multicolured flags of their countries: this became a powerful metaphor of the unity of divided nations.
The performers were mainly quite young and were charming in their enthusiasm and professionalism. The warmest appreciation was given to the inspirational dancers from the Russian groups Solnyshko, Kazachok and Cherry Orchard, as well as from the Gypsy group Yagori. The smooth and lyrical dancing of the Georgian ensemble Pesvebi was very affecting and touching.
The vocal category was traditionally the strongest. Young female singers from different countries demonstrated great vocal technique and deep emotions. However, at times it seemed that the feelings they expressed in their songs were more suitable for older women. This is a major problem of the music industry and such competitions in general.
The Grand Prix of the festival was awarded to the nineteen-year-old singer from Armenia Mery Avetisyan, who won over the audience and the judges with her powerful and passionate rendition of Shirley Bassey’s song I Who Have Nothing. The most impressive classical singer was fourteen-year-old Alexandra Skachko, representing Great Britain, who brilliantly performed the famous and very complicated aria by Handel Lascia Сh’io Pianga; she was awarded 1st place in the second age category. Yury Verevkin, representing Russia, charmed the female part of the audience with his heart-warming performance of Russian romances and received 1st prize in the professional adult category. At the end of the concert the participants were given diplomas, memorable presents, trophies and money prizes; some of them also received invitations to other international competitions.
One of the most important and moving moments of the evening was when Evgenia Terentieva, the organiser of the project Stars of the Albion and singer, pianist, composer, teacher, producer and owner and founder of the International Music Academy Musica Nova, was awarded the Gold Medal of the World Association of Performing Arts for her outstanding contributions to world culture. This was a very well-deserved recognition of her mission to encourage and inspire young talents and to give them opportunities of a better future.

Natalia Kolosova, 21.03.2017 | Posted in http://playstosee.com/stars-albion-festival/

"Stars of the Albion" as a bridge between the cultures of Russia and Britain

On the 28 February a Gala concert of the 3rd international performing arts competition “Stars of the Albion. Maslenitsa” was held at the Rudolf Steiner Theatre in London. The project is addressed to the year of Russian language and literature between Great Britain and Russia. The festival and competition were organized by the Russian-British Academy "Musica Nova" with the support of the Embassy of the Russian Federation, Mission of Rossotrudnichestvo in the UK and Russian Community Council in the UK.
Only 45 contestants (soloists and ensembles) were selected to the 2nd Round. The audience was treated to talented vocal, instrumental and dance performances by young artists from Great Britain, Russia, Armenia, Georgia, Latvia, Lithuania, Spain and Italy. A warm welcome was given to artists performing Russian music.
Mr Oleg Smolin, a representative of the Russian State Parliament and the 1st Deputy Head of the Educational Committee, sent an official note of support addressed to the organisers of the “Stars of the Albion. Maslenitsa” project, to all those people, who create spiritual values.
All performances at the competition were judged by distinguished artists, musicians, singers, instrumentalists, composers and producers. The Patron of “Stars of the Albion. Maslenitsa” is the People's Artist of Russia, a president of the international singing competition “Amber Nightingale” in Kaliningrad, Russia, Maestro Valeri Aliev.
Gala concert of the festival was a grand and dynamic show.
Thanks to sponsorship of "Britain Business Consulting", the prize fund of the festival increased to £1250, and the laureats of the competition received diplomas, memorable gifts and prizes, including the Grand Prix for £500 received by Seraphim Murzyukov (Russia, Moscow).
Three laureats of the competition were nominated to represent Great Britain at the World Association for the Performing Arts competition in Armenia.

www.starsofthealbion.org.uk

"Anglia" Newspaper, 03.03.2016 | Posted in http://angliya.com

Where stars are born

On the 26th of May, in the Rudolf Steiner Theatre, winners and laureates of the second National Festival-Contest of Arts “Stars of the Albion” performed in a Gala-Concert and attended an award ceremony. The festival and concert were organised by the Russian-British Music Academy Musica Nova.
The concert ended with a grand dance and musical show in which young talents, creative collectives and invited guests participated.
The performances, from the folk dance “Kalinka” to the traditional Italian “Santa Lucia”, were filled with different emotions and left everyone in a positive mood. I’m still humming the tune of “Hallelujah”, which was performed by Ksenia Kazintseva, and I’m remembering the emotional performance by the young Alex Pilipenko of “Two In A Café” from the movie “17 Moments Of Spring”.
The concert had pieces by composers like Debussy, Rachmaninoff, Tchaikovsky, Davis and Correa for instruments like violin and piano. There were also acts from the vocal ensemble of the Russian school “ Znaniye”, the ensemble of Russian folk song “Souvenir” and the children’s choir “Solnishko”. Performances from the dance group “Beat Street Angels”, young collectives “Pesveni” and “Akhtamar”, as well as Jorrel Simons and Nicole Vrappi were just as exciting.
Councillor Seema Kumar, from the Ealing City Hall, also attended the concert. She expressed her awe and love for the Russian culture and invited everyone to visit the recently opened library in the centre of the district.
Almost 15 years ago, Evgeniya Terentieva created the only bilingual music academy in the UK, where people of all ages can get a quality music education, which is congruent with requirements from other schools. At the Musica Nova Academy, children from as young as three and a half years of age can start their first music lessons. Older children are taught in congruence with the eight grades of the national British system. Some even go on further and achieve their diplomas.
Lessons are taught by professional teachers with degrees from conservatoires. Every student is treated with respect and individuality as Musica Nova believes that anyone is capable of achieving their musical goals.
The academy congratulates their students who have participated in the second “Stars Of The Albion” festival: Marina Glukhova, Alexandra Skatchko, Katarzhina Kubyan, Anton Solodchenko, Jordan Aldridge, Michel Eppi, Aishvaria Rajkumar, Denis Sakhnovich, Janetta Balsevich, Polina and Alina Stelmukh, Alex Pilipenko and Michelle Kugel. Participants of the contest were specifically chosed by the organisers of the festival. They performed their original acts to a group of judges and an audience which frequently acknowledged them with loud applause and “Bravo!”.
All of the participants received memorable gifts. Winners received certificates and money prizes (which were sponsored by Britannia Business Consulting). Books about Russian cities and presents were given out from the partners of the event: The Mission of Rossotrudnichestvo in the UK and the Russian Embassy.
As a young mother I was glad to see that there exists a platform of opportunities for young talents. Such beginnings are in need of support!

"Anglia" Newspaper, 30.05.2015 | Posted in http://angliya.com

Blog Melanie Spanswick

Musica Nova Stars of the Albion Competition 2016

The Musica Nova Russian-British Music Academy has been a thriving music education establishment for many years. Situated in London, it was founded by Russian pianist, singer, teacher, composer and educator Evgenia Terentieva, who is also the CEO. Evgenia’s academy offers a broad spectrum of music tuition from instrumental lessons, to one day intensive courses, plus copious performance platforms for students, and taught in both Russian and English.
The Academy offers a yearly competition for all age groups with various performance classes, including those for pop, folk, classical music, and dance. The contest, known as Stars of the Albion Maslenitsa, took place on Saturday, and was held at the concert hall of the Mission of Rossotrudnichestvo, in Kensington High Street, London. I was fortunate to be invited as a jury member and it was an extremely interesting event. The panel consisted of twelve judges with members from the UK, Italy, France and a selection of Russian speaking countries.
There were three categories, or age groups, which were sub-divided into singers, instrumentalists and ensembles. Starting from the very young (the youngest competitor was five!), through to adult competitors, as well as a professional category. I was surprised by the diversity and breadth of performers, from Russian folk singers, to pop singers, classical singers, musical theatre singers, dancers, and a wonderful group of Russian folklore dancers from Leeds, as well as a collection of instrumentalists. Most of the performers were of Russian speaking origin, although there were a smattering of UK entrants. This is only the third year of the competition, and it is hoped that the event will attract an increasingly international group of participants.
Beautifully presented by Evgenia (pictured above), the large audience mostly consisted of family members and teachers. An important criteria was attire and general presentation, and there were some spectacular costumes and colourful dresses. The general standard was high, with several outstanding performances.
As the afternoon drew to a close, the judges had the difficult task of nominating winners. I have never before been a member of such a large jury panel, having previously worked on my own or with one or two colleagues. Let’s just say it took a long time! Eventually, prizes were awarded and some talented young players have been offered exciting new opportunities. Contests such as this provide the perfect foil for performers to develop and hone their craft, and they also offer a superb occasion to celebrate the many facets of the performing arts.

Melanie Spanswick, 01.03.2016 | Posted in https://melaniespanswick.com/2016/03/01/musica-nova-stars-of-the-albion-competition-2016/

Information

A World of New Talents

International Performing Arts Festival & Summer School

"A World of New Talents"

United Kingdom. London. 15 - 19 & 22 - 26 July 2019
Course structure: music (singing and instrumental), arts, performances.
Applications deadline: 1 June 2019

Our past international course and performing arts festival took place between 9 - 12 July 2018 at the Musica Nova Academy. It had a great success and a very positive feedback. Young artists perfected their technique, learned new compositions and created artistic works under the professional guidance of celebrity tutors. The participants visited London museums and theatres, enhanced their knowldege of British culture and English language. The festival program culminated with a spectacular Gala concert themed "Every Child is an Artist" dedicated to the International Children's Creativity Day at the representative office of Rossotrudnichestvo in the UK | Russian Cultural Centre with participants from UK, Russia, Latvia, China performing alongside with celebrity musicians, professors from Beijing String Academy (China) and Musica Nova Academy in London.

A World of New Talents. Registration form (Download)

Archive. Stars of the Albion

List of winners of the 2019
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