TEARific “SOUNDS OF CHRISTMAS”

Long a dream of T.E.A.R. founder and director, Leo Semenov, The Evangelistic Association of Russia is pleased to announce that it is now partnering with the Department of Education of the Smolensk Region of Russia to organize a first-ever Christmas music competition! The contest, open to vocalists and ensembles from all Smolensk Region orphanages, public schools, colleges, and universities, as well as from individuals, will be called “Sounds of Christmas.” The finals of the competition are scheduled for early January 2009, during the Russian Christmas season.

This is an unprecedented moment when a Russian governmental agency is not only supporting this project but allowing T.E.A.R. the freedom to introduce to the competitors and the public at large the message of hope and love contained within traditional Christmas hymns and carols, well-known and loved for centuries among Christian Evangelicals.

History
During over 70 years of mandated atheism in Russia, citizens were prohibited from even mentioning the birth of Christ publicly. Even since the dawn of political freedom almost 20 years ago, the rich music of Christmas has been performed mostly only within local church settings, or in rare concerts organized by various Christian groups outside the church.

Goal
T.E.A.R. has been given a unique opportunity to reach Russia for Christ by bringing Christian Christmas songs into the public arena. Thousands of Russian children, youth and even adults will be exposed to the beauty of the birth of our Savior as they read, memorize and perform these songs in front of a huge audience.

Logistics
The competitors will be divided into several categories: solo, duet, trio, quartet, choir and dance performances, with these being judged separately in three levels according to age. Participants will first be judged on a local level. Then the best of their recordings will be sent to our panel of judges in Smolensk City. The panel will select the finalists, who will arrive in Smolensk around the time of the Russian National Christmas celebration, January 7th, to compete live for 2 days. Once the winners in each category have been chosen they will perform at Smolensk’s largest concert hall in free concerts open to the public.


HOW CAN YOU BE A PART OF THIS EXCITING PROJECT?

Participation
T.E.A.R. would like to form a mission team to carry the prizes to Russia and participate in the final performances of this event. Musicians and vocalists are welcomed and encouraged to join us, but the invitation is for everyone interested, as there will be plenty of work to do. Our team will also visit some orphanages and deliver Christmas gifts to show the love of Christ to the orphan children. Tentatively the trip is scheduled for January 5-14, with the cost estimated at $2,195 per person with everything included. Please let Leo know as soon as possible if you would like to participate; it's time to order your passport if you need one!

Budget Needs for the Project
Prizes for the first place winners: (Four laptop computers, 20 digital cameras, small electronic computer games, large stuffed animals), rental of the central concert hall in Smolensk, administrative costs, office expenses, transportation, etc. Estimated cost of the entire project: $15,000

For more information or if you would like to participate in the "Sounds of Christmas" project, please, contact
Leo Semenov.