Natasha on ‘Pirogovsky Rassvet’ judging panel

Since 2011, the Pirogovsky Urban Settlement hosts the international festival that gathers together talented young people from the CIS countries and far abroad thus giving them the opportunity to learn more about Russia, its history, culture and nature, to show their artistic potential and share their creative achievements with the world.

The idea to organise an international pop music festival was not an up-to-the minute decision, but a carefully thought-over plan of Imperia Ltd., Russia-based event agency, headed by Leonid Kolobayev, who, having developed the detailed concept of the talent competition, introduced it to the Administration of the Pirogovsky Urban Settlement, Moscow Region. In 2011, thanks to the sincere interest and priceless assistance of Yury Ulanov, Mayor of Pirogovsky, the dream came true – the first ‘Pirogovsky Rassvet’ International Contest of Pop Singers took place.

Over the period of 2011 to 2014, it welcomed singers from 29 countries, with the contest geography covering the two hemispheres – from Brazil to Indonesia. All of them are experienced artistes, some – national pop stars, former participants to such globally popular talent competitions as X-Factor, Pop Idol and Eurovision.

Since 2012, it broadcast the show live over the internet; the last year’s edition was watched by some 30,000 viewers with 3,000-4,000 immediate spectators enjoying the show at the venue (Trud Stadium, Pirogovsky).

In 2014, ‘Pirogovsky Rassvet’ extended it status to a socially oriented event through the collaboration with the ‘Gift of Life’ Charity Foundation, that offers hope and practical care to children and young adults whose families cannot afford treatment for cancer and other life-threatening illnesses.

As the Contest aims at the development of international relations and the promotion of the Russian language and culture, we challenge our participants with singing one of their contest songs in Russian. The other song shall be sung in the official language of the country the singer represents. 

Contest performances are judged by an international panel of judges. It announced that the upcoming edition of the contest has a really strong main judging panel consisting of five reputable producers, composers and singers from different corners of the world:

Natasha Rathnayake, Sri Lankan superstar who, being an authentic female artist with a true story of struggle, battle and victory, empowers women in Asia to go beyond through her music and various social engagements

Marco Napoli, Italian producer, composer, writer and, above all, professional musical therapist;  director of Apm Progetto Musica, official representative of ‘Pirogovsky Rassvet’ in Italy and San Marino

Nijole Berezina, singer, producer and vocal trainer from Latvia, who opened the doors to the professional future before a good many today’s Latvian pop stars. Founder and organiser of the Aprīļa Pilieni International Contest, official representative of ‘Pirogovsky Rassvet’ in the Baltic countries

Michalis Antoniou, famous Cypriot composer, currently living in Qatar, official representative of Pirogovsky Rassvet in Cyprus and Greece. His latest musical project, The Passport To The World, a tribute to Michalis as composer, has united singers from over 30 countries

Mikhail Shabrov, Chairman of the Jury, song lyricist and cultural influencer, awardee of the Russian Authors’ Society for his significant contribution into the scientific and cultural development of the Russian Federation

Contest Director Leonid Kolobayev, Head of the Organising Committee Natalya Ramires Kribeiro and the Pirogovsky City Administration make their every effort to hold an unforgettable festive celebration and provide contestants with the most comfortable conditions of staying in Russia.