VITEBSK, 27 May (BelTA) – The organizing committee of the 20th International Arts Festival Slavonic Bazaar in Vitebsk has increased the Grand Prix of the 20th international song contest Vitebsk 2011 from $10,000 to $15,000, BelTA has learned. Within the last ten years the main award remained unchanged. The first prize will increase from $6,000 to $9,000, the second prize will soar from $4,000 to $6,000, the third prize will boost from $2,000 to $3,000. Moreover, the laureates of the contest will be awarded a special prize Lyra and diplomas. Partaking in the 20th song contest Vitebsk 2011 will be 20 singers from 20 countries. Alena Lanskaya, 25, will represent Belarus. Awards of the 9th international children music contest Vitebsk 2011 will be the same. The Grand Prix winner will be awarded $5,000. The first, second and third awards will make up $3,000, $2,000 and $1,000 respectively. There are also special prizes and diplomas. n Partaking in the children music contest will be 23 young singers from 20 countries. Belarus, Russia, and Ukraine will have two entries each, in line with the contest’s provisions. Anya Atroshchenko, 10, and Sasha Nekhai, 9, will represent Belarus in Vitebsk.

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