Season 2023

Six participants from the Czech Republic were selected from the applicants, two from Slovakia, one from Italy and one from Greece. After a week of preparation with an orchestra, music workshops, rehearsals with a voice consultant and stylists, they sang a solo song and several joint songs during the final evening, accompanied by the Bon Art Pops Orchestra under the baton of Felix Slováček Jr.

The winner of this year’s event was 12-year-old Max Behenský from Hrádek, who took away not only a wonderful experience, new experiences, but also a cheque worth 4000 euros. “It was a big dream of mine to reach the final of the Bon Art Junior Fest international singing competition. Standing on the stage of the Hybernia Theatre with a great orchestra, who wouldn’t want to experience that. I am very grateful for this opportunity. Winning means a lot to me. It is the result of my work, my efforts and a confirmation that if you follow your dreams, they can come true. But I know that I have not become a star and that I have to keep working on myself. I would definitely recommend the competition to everyone. I’m sticking to the idea that everything should be tried. Because if you don’t, you might regret it. It’s not about the gold medal, because everyone is a winner here. It’s the experience that counts and the fact that the competitors inspire each other.

I’m very happy to have been among people who enjoy what I enjoy. I liked the fact that everyone was able to enjoy not only their own result, but also the success of others. We were able to support each other and experience those huge emotions together. I would like to thank everyone for the opportunity you gave me. The whole competition was a great experience for me and I will never forget it.”

The whole week of preparation and the final night was also unforgettable for 14-year-old Italian finalist Malaika Msigwa from Turin, who summed up her participation in the competition as follows:
“From the beginning, I felt welcomed by both the group of finalists and the organisers. It was really nice to see people who share the same passion. Singing with the orchestra was so beautiful, it was like being in a dream. On this occasion I understood how to do a professional festival. When I was at the airport I felt sad because I didn’t want to leave this incredible place, which made me even more aware of what my goals are and who I would like to have next to me. Thank you so much for this experience.”
The whole evening was hosted by Jan Čenský and Patricia Kaňok Fuxová. In addition to the contestants, the evening also featured musical guests – Bára Basiková, Lenny, Vesna, the vocal group Skety and others.

Michaela Anna Dobrovolná, Miloslav Zýka, Bára Basiková, Lenny, Michael Prostějovský, Richard Liegert, Petr Kutheil and Felix Slováček were the members of the jury that chose the absolute winner of this year’s competition.

And what does singer Lenny think about the project that gives a chance to young talents?

“I think that this festival gives young singers a great opportunity to perform in front of a real audience, which is not always an easy “test”, and they also have the opportunity to showcase their talent in front of a jury of professionals. For many talents, this can be an amazing stepping stone to further future success.”

Bon Art Junior Fest is organised by Moonlight Production, which was the licence holder for the 2016-2021 edition of the well-known international competition for young singers Sanremo Junior for the Czech and Slovak Republics. In 2022, Moonlight Production founded Bon Art Junior Fest, opening the way to success for other singing talents.

The final night of the next edition of the Bon Art Junior Fest will take place at the Hybernia Theatre in Prague on 23 October 2024.

The first edition photo gallery