On August 20, the first official press conference of the International Music Contest “Intervision” was held at the TASS press center.
The speakers participating in the meeting with journalists were: Deputy Head of the Russian Presidential Directorate for Public Projects Alexander Zhuravsky; Director of the Department for Multilateral Humanitarian Cooperation and Cultural Relations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation Alexander Alimov; producer, composer, People’s Artist of Russia, member of the International Professional Jury of the International Music Contest “Intervision” for the Russian Federation Igor Matvienko; singer, Honored Artist of the Russian Federation, participant of the International Music Contest “Intervision” for the Russian Federation SHAMAN.
“We have invited participants from more than 20 countries from BRICS, CIS, Latin America, Asia, and Africa, as well as from the USA, to show through the prism of music how rich and diverse the world is,” noted Alexander Zhuravsky. “‘Intervision’ is not a political initiative, but a cultural and public one. And we believe that ‘Intervision’ will become a real celebration of the cultural code of each participating country.”
Alexander Zhuravsky is convinced that Russia, as the initiator of the revival of “Intervision,” will do everything to make the Contest an annual international event. “We are open to cooperation and are confident that this project will resonate with millions of viewers around the world,” the politician added.
Alexander Alimov considers “Intervision” an “extraordinary and landmark event in the cultural and information space.” According to the diplomat, the unprecedented attention to the project confirms that it is a format very much in demand by the world: “A format that unites, not divides, shows culture in all its diversity, and works towards the soft power of international cooperation.”
Media representatives from over 25 countries are expected to cover “Intervision” in Moscow. A modern Media Center will operate at the Skolkovo Technopark from September 19 to 21 for the media.
Igor Matvienko, who, together with colleagues from other participating countries of “Intervision,” will evaluate the contestants’ performances, explained how the judging will be organized.
“The winner will be determined by voting from the International Professional Jury, which will include one expert from each participating country. All jury members are authoritative representatives of national music industries and high-level experts. The judges will focus on the performers’ vocals, stagecraft, and the cultural uniqueness of the acts. The voting rules exclude jury members from evaluating their own country, which reduces the risks of conflict of interest. The order of the countries’ performances in the Contest final will be determined during a draw on September 12 at the National Center ‘Russia’,” Igor Matvienko shared with journalists.
Singer SHAMAN, who will represent Russia at the Contest, also spoke about the unifying role of “Intervision”: “This was a big surprise for me. Russia chose me. And I am aware of this responsibility. I perceive ‘Intervision’ not as a competition. For me, it is a celebration of creativity and cultural diversity. Music is the very language that is understood by everyone, even those who don’t know a single word in a foreign language. We have also embedded the idea of a universal message in all languages of the ‘Intervision’ participants into the concept of the music video for the song ‘STRAIGHT TO THE HEART’, which I will perform at the Contest.”
The “Intervision” final will take place in Moscow on September 20, 2025, at the Live Arena venue. Contestants from 21 countries from the BRICS, CIS, Latin America, Asia, and Africa regions, as well as the USA, will take part.