International Bard Song Day (22/12)

For many fans of art songs, in addition to annual festivals dedicated to this cultural phenomenon, among which the Grushinsky and Ilmen festivals are the most famous in Russia, there is also a holiday celebrated annually on December 22. It is called the Day of Author's (or Bardic) Song.

The holiday is unofficial, however, it has existed for 20 years. It is believed that it was first celebrated in 2000 on the initiative of Konstantin Shlyamov — archaeologist and songwriter. But the idea first arose back in 1985, after which it took almost a decade until its implementation, when Chita authors and performers gathered for a concert of bard songs. That’s when Art Song Day appeared, although it was only regional in nature.

In 1999, the idea of turning Art Song Day into an all-Russian holiday was further promoted. The following year, the organizers and first participants of the holiday (among whom were representatives of different countries) held a meeting via the Internet. The community of bards supported the idea, the holiday became an annual event, and over time acquired its own traditions.

The lack of boundaries for music and poetry, as well as deep common cultural traditions, made Art Song Day international. Performing authors from near and far abroad countries joined the celebration.

Returning to the tradition of the holiday, it is worth knowing that every year on December 22 at 16:00 Moscow time, everyone who feels involved in Art Song Day tries to perform Bulat Okudzhava’s song «Prayer». For many years now, many singer-songwriters, as well as musical groups, clubs and communities of art song fans from Russian regions and abroad, have been taking part in the celebration of Art Song Day.

The original song becomes a participant in playlists on various radio stations and primarily on Bard Radio (a 24-hour Internet radio station). In some regions, concerts or creative evenings are organized for the celebration. In Russia, similar events are held in more than 30 cities.

The organizers themselves emphasize that December 22 — is the shortest day of the year, and the long winter evening — is perhaps the best opportunity and time to gather friends and listen to your favorite songs, remember the names of departed bards, and remember new names.

«Good songs – good people» — is one of the unofficial mottos of the holiday, emphasizing its main idea in the best possible way.



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