Director: Julia Tomachkova The XVI. International Art Festival "WINTER STARS OF DRESDEN" is a prestigious international art festival and competition, which is held in Dresden - the capital of Saxony and the cultural capital of Germany, once named Florence on the Elbe for its architectural beauty. The XVI. International Art Festival "WINTER STARS OF DRESDEN" invites participants from all over the world at a time when the magical atmosphere of the past Christmas and New Year holidays still reigns in city. There is a unique chance to walk through the quiet streets of old Dresden, in a wonderful New Year's decoration, to buy souvenirs in the traditional Christmas markets and, of course, to visit the Dresden Gallery and Zwinger Palace. Famous German and foreign cultural and art workers are invited to be honored members of the international jury. The main message of the art festival and competition "WINTER STARS OF DRESDEN" is the search for new talents, "Dresden stars" among children and youth ensembles and soloists, establishment of international friendly and creative contacts, enrichment of the multinational culture on the basis of mutual respect for the cultural traditions of all the countries and nations of the world, popularization the children’s and youth creative work, sharing experiences and creative achievements of participants from different countries, improvement of professional skills and qualifications of teachers and leaders. Participation in the art festival "WINTER STARS OF DRESDEN" gives an opportunity to perform in the best concert halls of DRESDEN and to demonstrate creative results to the audience in Dresden! The brightest stars of Dresden take part in the GALA CONCERT OF THE WINNERS!!! General information: The XVI. International Art Festival and Competition "WINTER STARS OF DRESDEN" is determined for soloists, ensembles and groups of young performers from different countries of the world. The competitive program of the participants is approved by the Organizing Committee on the basis of applications received. The schedule of the competitive programme for all participants is determined in advance and depends on the age of the participants. All participants should prepare a competitive program within the time limits specified for each competitive discipline: 4 minutes for soloists, duets and small formations and 8 minutes for ensembles and groups. Participants of the XVI. International Art Festival and Competition "WINTER STARS OF DRESDEN" are divided in the following age categories: MINI KIDS - from 6 to 8 years CHILDREN - from 9 to 12 years JUNIORS 1 - from 13 to 15 years JUNIORS 2 - from 16 to 18 years ADULTS 1 - from 19 years to 25 years ADULTS 2 - from 26 years and older SENIORS - from 50 years and older MIXED groups The jury evaluates the skills of the participants during the competitive performance in each competitive discipline and in each age category in accordance with the 10-points evaluation systems. Results of the art competition and festival are being summed up by the end of all competitive performances. Awards: The Organizing Committee awards diplomas of participation, diplomas of Laureate of the 1st, 2nd and 3rd grades, Winner of the Grand Prix and festival medals to all participants. Ensembles and groups of 3 or more people receive one big cup or trophy of the festival and Diploma, soloists and duets receive one small cup or trophy of the festival and Diploma. The absolute Winner of the festival receives the Grand Prix of the festival and Diploma Grand Prix. All teachers, choreographers, group and ensemble leaders also receive the Diplomas of Festival. Program: 1st day, 03.01.2025 - arrival to Dresden, check-in at the hotel (after 15:00 p.m.) and accommodation. Optional: In the afternoon for organized groups with more than 40 people it is possible to organize guided walking sightseeing tour "DRESDEN CITY TOUR" around the historical center of DRESDEN (duration - 2 hrs/ for extra payment - 10 EURO per person). At 21:00 p.m. - organizing meeting of the group leaders, teachers and choreographers with the members of organizing Committee. Overnight in Dresden. 2nd day, 04.01.2025 - breakfast in the hotel. FESTIVAL DAY PROGRAMME: stage testing, sound check, general rehearsal. OPENING CEREMONY, performances of the participants. Art workshops and master classes. CLOSING CEREMONY, GALA CONCERT of WINNERS. Return to the hotel. Overnight in Dresden. 3rd day, 05.01.2025 - breakfast in the hotel. Check out from the hotel. Departure of the participants from Dresden. Participation and accommodation fee: 100 Euro per person - 2 BB in 3* hotel Every 25th person in the group is free of charge (24 paying participants + 1 free) EACH MEMBERS OF ART GROUPS - 15 EURO per participant / main discipline SOLOISTS and DUETS pay extra for SOLO / DUET participation - 50 EURO per person Participation fee includes: 2 overnights in DRESDEN in hotel cat. 3*on basis BB (buffet breakfast) Accommodation in TRPL and DBL/TWIN for group leaders, drivers and teachers REGISTRATION FEE FOR PARTICIPATING OFFICIAL LETTER OF INVITATION and other documents PERFORMACE IN COMPETITIVE AND FESTIVAL PROGRAMME DIPLOMAS, PRIZES and MEDALS Participation fee does not include: Transfer from hotel to the Concert Hall and back (for groups without own transportation) - quotes will be made according request Lodging CITY TAX of Dresden - obligatory for all people - 3 EURO Extra overnight in hotel - 40 EURO per person per night on BB (buffet breakfast) Extra supplement for SNGL accommodation: 60 EURO per person to festival price Dinner chef's choice 2-course in hotel - 23 EURO per person Travel expenses (transportation of participants to / from Dresden, travel insurance, entrance visa to Germany for participants from non-Schengen countries), transfers in Dresden and Germany, lunches and dinners, entrance tickets to sightseeing objects, tickets to public traffic, optional excursions Any group willing to participate must submit an Application form. Approved groups pay in advance a 10% guarantee fee, which is to be deducted at the final payment.