2nd Silver Lace interregional festival for ensembles and performers concludes in Ukhta

On April 25–27, Ukhta hosted the final round of the 2^nd Silver Lace interregional festival for amateur ensembles and performers from Gazprom Transgaz Ukhta.

The festival brought together 437 participants from 17 population centers of the Komi Republic and the Arkhangelsk, Vologda and Yaroslavl Regions. The contestants presented 85 performances ranging from folk, variety and ballroom choreography to instrumental music to folklore, classical, jazz, folk and pop vocals.

The corporate competition was a talent showcase for the employees, their families and the residents of the company’s area of operation. The jury included renowned artists and creative professionals who helped expand the festival’s program with informative master classes and meet-the-artist events.

During the two-day competition, the Ukhta Culture Center hosted both long-time participants in creative corporate contests and newcomers. Performances were remarkably diverse, running the gamut from folk dancing to accordion music, folklore sketches, Indian and Iraqi dance, hip-hop, modern pop songs, and classical vocals.

The top awards of the festival were handed out after the final gala concert that featured a variety of dazzling performances. The Grand Prix went to the Borkuntsy Exemplary Children’s Folklore Ensemble from the Nyuksenskoye Gas Pipeline Operation Center, the Russkaya Dusha (Russian Soul) People’s Folk Dance Ensemble from the Gryazovetskoye Gas Pipeline Operation Center, and to Evgenia Krimacheva from the Nyuksenskoye Center in the Young Artist category. The Yolochka (Little Pine Tree) Exemplary Children’s Dance Studio was given a diploma for artistic excellence. Ukhta’s Irina Kerenchuk received a special prize: a certificate for an internship at a state cultural and arts institution in the Komi Republic. A special prize from the head of Gazprom Transgaz Ukhta went to the Kapriz (Caprice) choreographic team from the Myshkinskoye Gas Pipeline Operation Center.

“Stars never divert from their course. Our artists and jury members have proven that rule. Those who remain committed to their profession, their calling and their art are always rewarded with success. When people long for artistic expression, greatness is the last thing on their minds, as they do what they love and share their passion with the audience. Thank you for the passion and creativity that you gave us in the three days of the festival!” said Alexander Gaivoronsky, Director General of Gazprom Transgaz Ukhta, in his speech at the gala concert.

The Silver Lace festival helps preserve and deepen the multi-ethnic culture of Russian regions, as well as creates the environment for supporting, advancing and promoting the activities of creative ensembles and performers in the areas where the company runs its business.