UA:PBC has confirmed to Eurovoix.com that they will not be participating in Eurovision Young Musicians 2018 in Edinburgh.
Following discussions at the Ukrainian national broadcaster, UA:PBC has opted not to participate in Eurovision Young Musicians 2018. The broadcaster did confirm to Eurovoix that they remain interested in broadcasting this contest, with a view to returning to the competition in the future.
Ukraine made their debut in the competition in 2008 alongside Serbia. They were represented by Anna Fedorova but failed to make it out of the semi-finals. Ukraine withdrew from the 2010 contest before returning in 2012 where they were represented by Bohdan Ivasyk. Ukraine again failed to make it out of the semi-finals.
To date the following countries have confirmed their participation in the competition:
- Croatia
- Hungary
- Norway
- Poland
- Sweden
- United Kingdom
Eurovision Young Musicians 2018 will be held in Edinburgh at the Usher Hall. This is the first time since 2008 that Scotland has hosted a Eurovision event, the last being the final of the Eurovision Dance Contest. The 2018 contest will see the return of the semi-finals which will be held on August 18 and 19, with the final taking place on August 23.
Source: UA:PBC
What is Eurovision Young Musicians?
Eurovision Young Musicians has been held bi-annually since 1982. The contest was based on the format of The BBC Young Musician of the Year in the United Kingdom. Performers in the contest must be aged under 18 years and are selected by their participating broadcaster. Each performer performs a piece of classical music of their choice accompanied by the local orchestra. The winner is decided by a jury made up of classical music experts and talents.