EBU Open to Russia Hosting Eurovision Young Musicians

The Head of Live Events for the EBU Jon Ola Sand has stated that the broadcasting union will look at whether Russia can host the next edition of Eurovision Young Musicians.

Speaking to Russia-K following the victory of Ivan Bessonov in the final of Eurovision Young Musicians 2018, Jon Ola Sand has stated that the EBU is open to the nation hosting the competition. In comments to the broadcaster he said that;

Of course, now that Russia won this contest, we will discuss the possibility of holding it in Russia. I know how Russia can organise such events, they always take place at the highest level

This is the second Eurovision contest that Russia has expressed an interest in hosting following their victories in the respective contests. Following their victory in the Junior Eurovision Song Contest 2017 the Russian broadcaster started working on a bid to host the next edition of the contest in 2019. The next edition of Eurovision Young Musicians will be held in 2020.

Ivan Bessonov was named Eurovision Young Musician 2018 after he beat off competition from seventeen other talented performers. In the final the running order was as follows;

1. Birgitta Elisa Oftestad (Norway) – Elgar – Cello Concerto, 4th movement
2. Nikola Pajanović (Slovenia) – Tchaikovsky – Violin Concerto, 3rd movement
3. Indi Stivín (Czech Republic) – Stivín – Bohemian Suite for Double Bass, 2nd & 3rd movements
4. Mira Foron (Germany) – Sibelius – Violin Concerto, 3rd movement
5. Máté Bencze (Hungary) – Ibert – Concerto da Camera for Saxophone
6. Ivan Bessonov (Russia) – Tchaikovsky – Piano Concerto No 1, 3rd movement – 1st

For his victory he received a custom-made engraved trophy, a cash prize of €7,000, and the chance to perform with the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra in a season in the future.

Tonight’s victory is the first time that Russia has won Eurovision Young Musicians, with the nation having returned to the competition for the first time this year since 2010. Russia has now the Junior Eurovision Song Contest (2006, 2017), the Eurovision Song Contest (2008) and Eurovision Young Musicians (2018).

Source: Russia K