Melodies of Light
| Melodies of Light Festival | |
|---|---|
| File:AAAAAAAA Common Logo for Melodies of Light (2015-present) | |
| Also known as | Mirhaimian Realm Music Festival |
| Genre | Music competition |
| Created by | Mirhaimian Realm Broadcasting Union |
| Presented by | Various presenters |
| Country of origin | Mirhaime |
| Original language | Various languages |
| Production | |
| Production locations | Imperial Theatrics Complex, Ymirodraeth |
| Running time |
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| Production company | Mirhaimian Realm Broadcasting Union |
| Distributor | Kanel Keffrysek na Mirhaime Skago Keffrysek na Mirhaime |
| Release | |
| Picture format | |
| Original release | February 1953 – present |
| Chronology | |
| Related shows | |
The Melodies of Light Festival, officially the Mirhaimian Realm Music Festival and commonly known as just Melodies of Light, is a songwriting competition organised annually by the Mirhaimian Realm Broadcasting Union (MRBU) featuring participants representing Mirhaimian Grand Dominions. It is one of Mirhaime's longest-running annual TV music compeition - having continuously run since 1953. As the upper echelon of a greater musical and cultural program, the process of selecting representatives for each Grand Dominion includes many more smaller competitions from state-to-dominion level, with the winner of each to submit an original song to be performed on live television and radio, transmitted to the broadcaster (traditionally the MRBU), representing their home Dominion in both their performances as well as casting votes for others Dominions' songs to determine a final winner.
Unlike other awards when its first edition began in 1953, Melodies of Light sets itself apart as a competition intended for new songs, not to award to previous successes and hits such as, namely, the Darensa Hymns for theatrics, hymns, and songs, or Karsac Motions for films and television piecs and others grouped under the Mirhaimian Realm Broadcasting Union (MRBU).
The first edition of Melodies of Light, held between 3 February to 6 February 1953 coincided with the rapid growth of the home television in Mirhaime as, by the time of its inception, many Mirhaimian households have in their possession televisions sets capable of displaying images in clearer details than before in live broadcasts. Melodies of Light impressed audiences across the country thanks to its staging, and the participating of an impressive cast of songwriters with its first winner, Ythar Leker later going on to become one of the most successful Mirhaimian artists of the 20th century with more than 158 million records sold inside and outside of Mirhaime. Since, all editions of the festival has been broadcasted live on KKM-affiliated channels with its radio edition being handled by broadcaster SKM.
Ultimately, the songs in the top three are awarded. Alongside the standard awards given to winners, other special awards are also a part of the program such as the Critics' Award which was created in 1992 to honour the passing of longtime Aeterite judge Aeron Markais.
Each participating Dominion contributes one original song, no longer than three minutes, to be played live by a soloist or ensemble of no more than six people, all of whom must be at least 16 years old. Based on the opinions of a gathered group of music industry professionals and the country's viewing public, each Dominion awards 1-8, 10 and 12 points to their favorite songs, with the song collecting the most points being crowned the winner. Alongside the competition, there are other performances, such as a specially commissioned opening act, an interval act, and special appearances by artists and other celebrities. Recently, the Mirhaimian entry for the Urthvision Songfestival was selected using the Melodies of Light approach. Several of the best-selling music artists in Mirhaime have competed in past editions and some of the best-selling singles in the country's history having received their most first prominent performances on MoL stages.
Despite having gained popularity with the viewing public in Mirhaime and beyond, the contest has frequently drawn criticism, mostly for its artistic merit and a purported political undertone. Despite this, however, Melodies of Light has proven itself to be platform for the advancement of culture in Mirhaime with a variety of different styles. It has also coincided, and, indeed contributed in the emergence of a more moderate, and progressive Mirhaimian pop-culture scene which puts a heavier emphasis on its multicultural aspects, also garnering it wide support and an active fanbase both at home and abroad. Since its conception, Melodies of Light has had a significant influence on Mirhaime's modern pop culture. As a result, starting with the 1972 Edition, the office of the Lewydh of the Mirhaimian Realm has formally supported the competition, further establishing its status and reputation in the nation.