A land of talent where stars are born

A land of talent where stars are born
For the fifth time, a children's festival has been held in New York City, filled with light, warmth, and the belief that every child is a talent destined to shine. The festival is hosted by the incomparable model, actress, and television and radio host Irina Dmitrakova.
The Land of Talents festival truly lives up to its name. This year, the stage featured a finalist of the TV show "The Voice," a winner of the TV show "Main Stage - X Factor," a winner of Igor Krutoy's "New Wave" festival, the owner of the unique voice of Sardor Milano, the magnificent students of the Sardor Milano Stars Academy, and, of course, our most talented children, who sang, performed pantomime, and did everything possible to make their songs a miniature performance. These are children whose parents and grandparents pour their hearts into them. The festival opened with the United States national anthem, performed by Lia Binkevich, a student of the Sardor Milano music studio.
The festival participants are lucky children. They live in America, a country with unique conditions for the development of talent. If there's a desire to learn, the opportunities are open. Our parents understand: no matter how expensive it may be, after school, children need to take dance, music, vocal, math, and sports classes to get them away from the influence of the streets. It's no coincidence that so many of our children are among the participants in gifted programs. This is gratifying and very significant. We hope that programs for gifted and talented children will continue to operate in New York.
The Oceana Theatre hall welcomed the young artists on a real American professional stage with delight – the applause never stopped.
It was a concert of the highest caliber—you don't often see such professional programs: a medley in memory of Caruso performed by Sardos Milano, arias from The Phantom of the Opera performed by his student; and what a joy it was to hear the voices of such wonderful vocalists—Sofia Kantorovich (teacher Tatiana Desiena), Sofia Digileva, Gabriela Weinstein, Mia Palamarсhuk, Aleks Gold, Karina Belyavskaya, Amira Brodskaya, Stella Beder (Still Love You), Lukas Sikharulidze, Isabella Zak, Karina and Susan Belyaeva—to name a few. Bravo!
The number "Without a Suitcase" featuring the Geniusz sisters deserves special attention. Yulia has hosted the wonderful children's radio program "Zvezdochka" (Little Star) for many years—an invaluable contribution to the development of young talent. Even if the children don't become professional singers, they will forever remember the radio performance, this concert, and, of course, their performance on a major professional American stage.
I'd especially like to acknowledge the guests of the Maaser Center—the wonderful intellectuals who came to support the inimitable Irina Dmitrakova, who prepares special events for them, where they sing, dance, and model fashion like true artists. Lyudmila Gladkovitzer, Tatyana Shapovalenko, Eva and Tolik Kougolets, Zhenya Zaturanskaya, and other culturally talented individuals were honored guests of the festival. I'd also like to express my gratitude to Alla Rafailova, Director of the Maaser Adult Day Care Center, where Irina Dmitrakova serves as Program Director, for her assistance and support in organizing the festival.
Special thanks to Boris and Inna Volshtein. Boris is a wonderful doctor, surgeon, and a man who has saved many children's lives. He is always there when children need help.
A huge thank you to everyone who helped make this miracle happen: Assembly member Mikhail Novakhov for the certificates awarded to the talented teachers who trained these brilliant singers. I thank Sima Karetnaya, Crowned Queen Mother of the Igbo people, Nigeria, and Foreign Service Officer, Special Supervisor for Health and Diplomacy at the US State Department, for her ongoing support of children's projects.
Marina Lagunova