Leonid Bortkevich passes away

It's sad news for Belarusian art. The lead singer of Belarus' legendary Pesniary band Leonid Bortkevich has passed away. The performer of such hits as "Aleksandrina", "Byelorussia", "Birch Juice", "Veronica" was 71 years old. Leonid Bortkevich joined the celebrated Belarusian band in 1970 at the personal invitation from frontman Vladimir Mulyavin. In 1979, the singer was awarded the title of Honored Artist of the BSSR.