“Armonia”,
Preveza, Greece – Mixed (adults) section
Conductor:
Anelia Stefanova
It was founded in 1969 by a group of people from Preveza
with love for choral music and with the aim of promoting choral music in this
small provincial city. Since then, the choir has traced a brilliant march both
in Greece and abroad. All these years it has performed in and organized
innumerable concerts all over Greece, but also abroad (Ireland, Sweden, France,
Spain, Switzerland, Austria, Italy, Czech Republic, Serbia, Slovakia, Poland, Portugal,
Hungary, Croatia, Bulgaria, Libya, Turkey, Cyprus), while it has taken part in
several national and international competitions, winning 9 first prizes, 4 gold
medals, 5 second prizes, 9 silver medals, 3 third prizes and 7 bronze medals.
Furthermore, it has realized premieres of works and collaborated with
well-known soloist and orchestras. Its most recent achievement was winning the
first place and silver medal in the International Choral Competition in
Bratislava, Slovakia in July 2016. Since September 2016, Mrs Anelia Stefanova
is the director of the choir, taking the place of Mr Valentin Stefanov, who had
been the conductor of ‘’Armonia’’ and artistic director of ICFP for more than
20 years, has had a great role in choral things in Preveza as well as the rest
of Greece and whom we consider to be our friend.
“Armonia”,
Preveza, Greece – Children’s sections
Conductor:
Anelia Stefanova
The children’s Choir ‘’Armonia’’ was founded in 1983 by
the conductor Mr Andronikos Kourouklis and it is a section of the Choral
Society ‘’Armonia’’ of Preveza. Other conductors of the choir who greatly
contributed in its brilliant course and success were Mr Stavros Solomos and Mr
Valentin Stefanov. Since 1994, the choir has been directed by Mrs Anelia
Stefanova. During its existence the choir has been awarded 2 first, 2 second
and 2 third prizes in International Choral Competitions (Bulgaria, Italy,
Switzerland, Hungary) and it has also been awarded twice as the best Greek
Children’s choir in the International Choral Festival of Athens. It regularly performs
in festivals both in Greek and abroad, while it has participated in premieres
of works and cooperated with renowned orchestras and soloist. Its most recent
achievements was its selection as the representative choir of Greece in the 15th
Easter Festival of Moscow, Russia in April 2017, which was under the auspices
of the President of Russia, Mr Vladimir Putin as well as the Archbishop of All
the Russians, Mr Alexios. At present, the choir consists of 150 children, aged
from 7 to 17 years old and its divided in two groups: Choir for very young
children, 7-10 years, Concert children’s choir.
“Canta
Chiara”, Berlin Germany
Conductor:
Carsten Schultze
“Canta
Chiara” was founded in 2002 by the older girls of the “RundfundkKinderchor” (children's
choir). They mainly sings a-capella music for girls' choir and women's choir as
well as sinfonic choral music. It has taken part in different projects and concerts
with the 'Berliner Sinfonieorchester' (Sinfonic Orchestra of Berlin) and it has
performed in Latvia, Estonia, France, Norway, Austria, Israel, Italy, Poland etc.
It recently won the 1st
price in the international
choir competitions in Krakow (Poland) in 2014 and Neerpelt (Belgium) in 2016.
Cantabile Chamber Choir,
Panciu – Vrancea Romania
Conductor:
prof. Andrei-Igor Manovici
The choir began its activity in 2003, initially, as an
alternative to formal education of the Ioan Slavici Theoretical High School
from Panciu. Since 2009 it has participated in competitions and festivals in
their country and abroad and they have won numerous medals and prizes (Fyrom,
Iasi, Vrancea, Brazi, Buzau). Its most recent success was the Gold Diploma
at the International Choral Competition in Chișinău, Republic of Moldova, in
October 2016. At the moment, the choir consists of 25 members, aged between 14
and 25 years. The Founder and the conductor of the choir is Andrei-Igor Manovici.
"Cantus Domini"
Male Choir, Bucharest Romania
Conductor:
Archdeacon PhD. Prof. Răzvan - Constantin ȘTEFAN
The
"Cantus Domini" male choir was established at the initiative of some
music loving people - young men of theological and/or musical education. The type of music interpreted is mostly sacred,
but the repertoire of the musical group is manifold, containing both
traditional folklore Romanian music, and international music (both sacred and
profane). Since its
establishment, the choir has been directed by Archdeacon PhD. Prof. Răzvan - Constantin Ștefan, and under his leadership they have
built a notable record:
The Grand Prix, Albena,
Bulgaria, 2011.
Two silver medals, Cincinnati - Ohio, United States of America, 2012.
Silver medal 1st European Choir Games
edition – Graz, Austria, 2013.
First Place – medal and Cup for the Male Choir category, Istanbul,
Turkey, 2014.
First
Prize and Trophy, Râmnicu-Vâlcea, Romania.
Gold
Medal, Youth choirs of equal voices section, Silver Medal for the Chamber
choirs section, Saint Petersburg, Russia, 2015.
The
Audience Award Saint Petersburg, Russia, 2015.
Children´s
choir "Radost", Prague Czech Republic
Conductor:
The
children’s choir Radost Praha was established in 1961 by choirmaster Vladislav
Souček. Founded as the school choir of the primary school in Korunovacni
Street, it functioned under the auspices of the House of Children and Youth in
Prague 7 for many years; since 1994 it has been part of the children’s art
school in Simackova Street in Prague 7. They have performed in many countries
throughout Europe (Belgium, Croatia, Denmark, England, France, Germany, Greece,
Hungary, the Netherlands, Latvia, Lithuania, FYROM, Poland, Portugal, Russia,
Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Switzerland); they regularly participate in
international competitions, bringing home major awards (Bratislava,
Cantonigros, Llangollen, Tours, etc.). Radost collaborates with Czech Radio,
Czech Television, and the State Opera in Prague. Its repertoire encompasses all
stylistic periods and numerous genres. It has recorded several CDs and
regularly premieres the works of contemporary composers (for example Eliška,
Cilkova, Emil Hradecky or Pavel Jurkovic).
Its most recent successes:
1st prize, Neerpelt, Belgium, 2014
3nd
prize (Excellent), Montreux, Switzerland, 2015
4 first
prize and Grand Prix, Kaunas, Lithuania, 2016
Choir
"Makrygiannis" of Arta, Greece
Conductor:
Theodoros Grammatikopoulos
The mixed choir “Makrygiannis” was founded in 1980
simultaneously with the establishment of the Cultural Association of Arta
“Makrygiannis” and was one of its first sections. Its repertoire consists of
works by pre-classic, classic and contemporary Greek and foreign composers and
traditional folk songs. They have participated in numerous choral festivals and
concerts both in Greece and abroad, such as Cyprus, Germany, Slovakia,
Bulgaria, Norway, Switzerland, Hungary and Turkey always receiving EXCELLENT
reviews by specialists of the choral art. The performance of the Coronation
Mass, k.317 by W. A. Mozart in April of 2016, is a milestone in their recent
history; a work for choir and soloist, with the participation of members of the
State Orchestra, under the direction of Theodoros Grammatikopoulos, who has
directed the choir since 2008.
Choir of
Town Garwolin, Poland
Conductor:
Radosław Mitura
The
choir of Garwolin is a Polish amateur choir under Radoslaw Mitura’s direction. It
was established in April 2007 and consists of 45 amateur singers from Garwolin
area, the town located near Warsaw, the capital city of Poland. Popularizing
choral music in the local community and representing the town at various
concerts, contests and festivals in Poland and abroad are the main purposes of
the choir. This group gladly and actively takes part in Garwolin’s cultural
life, providing musical setting during the most important cultural events.
Apart
from a variety of sacred music works, the choir also performs patriotic and
folk songs, as well as the light music standards. For its members, the choir is
an exceptional opportunity not only to improve their cultural and musical
education, but also to make friends with other people from Poland and all over
the world.
The most
important achievements of the choir are the following:
Silver
medal, 38th International Choir Festival of Songs, Olomouc, Czech Republic,
2010
Silver
Diploma, International Choir Festival, Ohrid, Fyrom, 2011
1st
place during Mazovian Audition in National Festival Carols, Bedzin, Poland,
2011
2nd
place during the final of National Festival Carols, Bedzin, Poland, 2012
2nd
place, International Choir Festival “Canco Mediterrania” (Catalan Music
category), Lloret de Mar, Spain, 2012
1st
place, International Choir Festival (Sacred Music category) “Canco Mediterrania”,
Lloret de Mar, Spain, 2012
Silver
Line, National Festival Carols, Bedzin, Poland, 2013
1st
place, International Festival Carols “Kolednicze Serce Polskie”, Wisniew,
Poland, 2014
Golden
Line, IX Festival of Choral Music “Mater Misericordie”, Zabki, Poland, 2014
"Chorus
Egrensis", Aš Czech Republic
Conductor:
Alexandra Benešová
The
mixed choir CHORUS EGRENSIS was established in 2000 in Aš, Czech republic, as the continuing
of the choir Tosta Aš. Its members, aged 18 and up, come from Aš, Cheb,
Františkovy Lázně, Trojmezi and Pomezi – the westernmost part of the Czech
republic. The choir has performed at concerts in the Czech republic as well as
abroad, and cooperated with a number of renowned artists but also with a few
other friendly ensembles. Furthermore, they realise a concert tour in their
country or abroad annually. A significant role in the choir activities is given
each year to the concert project called “Singing of the Three Countries”. It
involves the choirs from Aš, Rehau and Olešnice, that is from Bohemia, Bavaria
and Saxony, who have been meeting each year since 1990 on this occasion. For
this reason they have been awarded the Euregia Ergensis 2008 prize. Its
repertoire consists of both spiritual and secular compositions, folk songs,
spirituals and gospels, dance music as well as songs of other musical genres.
Classic
and Modern Mixed Choir of the Conservatory “Athena”, Athens Greece
Conductor:
Dimitra Hanou - Argyropoulou
The
Classic and Modern Mixed Choir of the Conservatory “Athena” was established 8
years ago. It has participated in Choral Festivals, charity events and great
music concerts. Its most important feature is their love for music, but also
their great sense of solidarity. Its repertoire consists of greek and
international modern and classic music works.
Youth Choir “Elefteria”,
Chisinau Republic of Moldova
Conductor:
Zarina Iutkina
Once music becomes the main factor of attraction, it
unifies people for ulterior performing of great melodies , which comes from the
heart. This is the way the amateur Youth Choir Elefteria started its activity
on October 1st in 2013, affiliated to the Society of Hellenic
Culture ‘’Elefteria’’. For more than three years, it has successfully
participated at the national and sacred celebrations of Hellas and in the
festival of the expanded meeting of the Coordinating Council of the 5th
SAE Periphery. It was awarded at the International Diplomatic Christmas
Fair(Ucraine,2015) and won the bronze medal at the 34th
ICFP(Preveza,2016).It puts on ethnocultural and sacred music , but its
repertoire also includes folk and classical music. Its Founder and Leader is
Nataly Shulikay and its conductor is Zarina Iutkina.
“Emanuil”,
Valjevo Serbia
Conductor:
Vanja Dragojlovic
It was
founded in April 2014.only one month after its founding at the May Music
Festival in Bijeljina, the choir has been awarded a silver medal. The next
year, at First Choir Festival in Valjevo, they won first prize in the category
of chamber choirs. After that, the choir was awarded as the best choir in its
category, and also as the best choir of
the Festival in Bijeljina (Grand prix, with a maximum of 100 points). In
April 2017, at the Choir Festival in Valjevo, “Emanuil” won the
prize of the Absolute winners of the festival. Since it was founded, the choir
has been conducted by Vanja Dragojlovic.
The Estonian TV Concert Choir, Tallinn Estonia
Conductors:
Külli Kiivet, Silja Uhs
The Estonian television concert choir was formed in
August 2011 when the former children’s and young children’s choirs of Estonian
Television were joined to form a united Concert Choir. The choir’s repertoire
includes classical choral works from all around the world and also folk and pop
music arrangements. Most of their programme is complemented by choreography
(choreographer Regina Rebane). The choir has performed the most recent works of
several Estonians composers both in their country and abroad (e.g. Piret Rips,
Rein Rannap, Priit Pajusaar, Tauno Aints etc.) It has cooperated with the
Estonian National Symphony Orchestra, Estonian National Youth Symphony
Orchestra, XXI Century Orchestra, Tallin Chamber Orchestra, string quartet
Prezioso, Estonian National Male Choir and the Vienna Boys' Choir etc.
Furthermore they have premiered works and they have performed for the Estonian
Television. They have participated in
several competitions both in Estonia and abroad winning numerous prizes some of
which are: (2003 and 2008 festival competition of Estonian Young Children’s
Choirs), (2006 International Children’s and Youth Choir festival ‘’Hong Kong
2006’’), (2008 Gold Medal and 1st Prize at the 36th
International Choir Competition ‘’Festival of Songs Olomouc’’, Czech Republic),
(2010 Champion of the world choir games in Shaoxing, China), (2012 festival
competition of Estonian Children’s Choirs), (2015 Istanbul International Chorus
Competition and Festival , 1st places in Children’s and Folk
catecory ), 2017 XV International Choir Competition ‘’Tallinn 2017’’ (2nd
place in Children’s category)
"Jitřenka",
Červený Kostelec Czech Republic
Conductor:
Eva Kubečková
The chamber choir
Jitřenka was established by Eva Kubečková in 2009. Its
members are ex members of the children’s choir "Červánek" of
the Elementary artistic school Červený Kostelec.
They realized concerts at
Christmas or at Easter. They have sung for the television. They have performed
in Czech Republic, Slovenia, Poland and Switzerland.
They have participated in
several international competitions winning:
1st price in Llangolen,
Great Britain, 2009
Gold medal in Pattaya,
Thailand, 2010
1st price in St. Petersburg, Russia, 2014
Junges
Vokalensemble, Hannover Germany
Conductor:
Prof. Klaus-Jürgen Etzold
The
mixed choir Junges Vokalensemble Hannover was founded in 1981 by its artistic
director Prof. Klaus-Jürgen Etzold. The choir consists of about 50 singers.
Many of them are active and former students of the University of Music, Drama
and Media Hannover, but other professions are represented as well. All singers
are united by their wide choral experience and their joy in singing challenging
works together. The broad repertoire consists of both a cappella music and oratorios
from Monteverdi to Penderecki.
Many
compositions were broadcasted on radio stations or published on CD. The choir
has recorded 15 CDs and performed several world premieres, e.g. by Świder,
Sixten and Penderecki. In 2010 the choir received the ECHO KLASSIK award for
the CD "Glaubenslieder", the highest prize for CD recordings in
Germany. The choir has realized many concert tours in Europe, but also to
Egypt, Mexico, Russia, Israel, China, Venezuela, Turkey, the Philippines,
Singapore, USA and South Africa. They have
successfully participated in international choral competitions and won
several prizes. The participation in festivals and competitions gives the
singers the chance of becoming acquainted with new works and other choral
traditions.
Chamber girls choirs of Kiev Secondary Specialised Music
School named after M. Lysenko, Kiev Ukraine
Conductor:
Julia Puchko-Kolesnik
Chamber girls choirs of Kiev Secondary Specialised Music
School named after M. Lysenko consists of girls, aged from 9 to 17 years old,
who get music education so as to become choral conductors in the future. The
choir ‘s repertoire is comprised of national and foreign sacred music,
arrangements of folk and ritual songs, classic and modern works. It has
cooperated with other choirs, participated in varius events and festivals in
their country and abroad (Czech Republic, Italy, Russia, Ukraine, Austria,
Lithuania,) and it has also released 4 CDs. Some of their recent achievements
are : ( Golden Angel, 2nd and 5th International
competition of Christmas Music, Krakow, Poland in 2011 and 2014 respectively) ,
( 1st place, 28th International Choral Competition Franz
Shubbert, Vienna, Austria,2012) , (Grand Prix, International Choral Competition
W.A. Mozart, Prague, Czech Republic, 2013) , (Grand Prix and winner in 3
categories, 22nd International Choir Competition ‘’Cantate Domine’’
, Kansas, Lithuania, 2014) , ( Grand Prix, International Competition ‘’Praga
Christmas’’ , Prague, Czech Republic, 2015).
"Lautitia" Children Choir, Debrecen Hungary
Conductor:
József Nemes
"Lautitia" Gyermekkar was established in
1959 by Kissné Weiser Katalin. The group has been conducted by József Nemes
since 2006, who was also a member of the choir. The choir has participated in
several Hungarian and international choir competitions in the past 57 years,
winning many prizes. They participate in Kodály Filharmónia in Debrecen, and
Csokonai Theatre and they also serve for the Greek Catholic Church and city of
Debrecen. We would like to emphasize the European- and World Choir
Championships, the prize of KÓTA and the Prima prize of county of Hajdú-Bihar.
The most important thing is that in "Lautitia" Choir family everybody
loves and respects each other and the effort for common creation means a constant
challenge for its members.
"Lautitia" Mixed
Youth Choir, Debrecen Hungary
Conductor:
József Nemes
"Lautitia" Mixed
Youth Choir was established in 2008 by the old students of the elementary
school, between the age of 14-19. They have participated in several
competitions and festivals, but the most important were
the European Choir Championship,
the XV Budapest
International Choir Competition where they won the third prize in mixed youth
choir category,
the National Kodály Zoltán
Choir Competition where they won the Grand Prix, and
the Polifinico Guido D’
Arezzo International Choir Competition where they won Grand Prix.
Their enthusiasm and
dedication to artistic work have been brought from the Children’s Choir,
insisting on the high quality of "Lautitia" and singing for their own
and the audience’s pleasure.
Male
choir “Silvicola”, Kekava Latvia
Conductor:
Aivars OPINCĀNS
Latvian
Male choir “Silvicola”was founded in 1980. The name of the
choir comes from a latin word meaning “inhabitant of the wood; a forester”. The
participants of the choir are non-professional singers, working mostly in
forest industry. The choir is unique because of its way of working: 8 ensembles
work with the repertoire independently in different regions of Latvia. Once per
month the ensembles come together and, after an intensive rehearsal, they give
a concert. Altogether the choir has sung 419 songs in 312 concerts. In the
choir’s repertoire there are songs of different genres – Latvian folk songs and
songs written by Latvian composers. The main theme of the songs is nature.
Recently the choir has added fragments of operas to its repertoire. The choir
has performed in all regions of Latvia as well as abroad – Lithuania, Estonia,
Russia, Germany, Czech Republic, Wales and Sweden. It has also taken part in
international festivals in Italy, England, Slovakia, Argentina, Portugal, USA
(2015), Trinidad and Tobago (2016). By choir ranking score the choir has
achieved the third position among all Latvian male choirs.
Mixed
Choir "Epilogi", Limassol Cyprus
Conductor: Angelina
Nicolaidou
The
choir was founded in March 2000 and numbers approximately 50 members. It has
participated in a variety of events both in Cyprus and abroad (Greece, Italy,
France, Hungary and Austria). Within the framework of international
partnerships with other choirs, members of the choir have participated in
workshops and concerts in countries such as Hungary, France, Italy, the Czech
Republic, United Kingdom and Poland. The choir has appeared with significant
choirs and orchestras from Cyprus and abroad. A part of the choir, together
with the “Epilogi Youth choir” took part in the presentation of important
works, such as “Carmina Burana” by Carl Orff (at the “KYPRIA” Festival, with
the “Concert Orchestra” from Budapest), “Sunrise Mass” by the contemporary
Norwegian composer Ola Gjielo, with a string orchestra (at the “RIALTO” Theatre
in Limassol), and the “KYPRION SYNAVLIA” in Vienna, Austria, in December 2014.
Its repertoire includes classical works from the Renaissance up to the 20th
century, works of contemporary Cypriot and Greek composers, as well as
adaptations of Cypriot traditional music and traditional music from different
parts of the world. Since April 2009, Mrs Angelina Nicolaidou has been the
conductor of the choir as well as the Artistic Director of “Epilogi Cultural
Movement of Limassol”.
Mixed
choir “Hadzi Ruvim”, Valjevo Serbia
Conductor:
Milica Stepanovic Baba-Milkic
Mixed
choir “Hadzi Ruvim” was founded by church parish in 1993. Since 2009, its
conductor has been Milica Stepanovic Baba-Milkic. The choir has performed at
various festivals in Romania, Hungary, Germany, Czech Republic and Greece….
Main
achievements:
Silver
medal in May Music, Festival of Bijeljina (5 successive years)
1st
prize in the category of spiritual music, International Choir Festival of
Trnava, Slovakia, 2006
4ht
place, Church choir Festival of Hajnowka, Poland, 2010
The
choir has recorded three discs, and regarding their 20th
anniversary, its monography was published.
New
European Choir of Cultural Association "Agapi", Perea GREECE
Conductor:
Eleonora Kalaitsidou-Glykidou
The New
European Choir was founded in 2009. It has performed at choir festivals
organized by various municipalities in Greece, and also at the annual OTE
festival. The choir sang at two music & dance performances at the
Thessaloniki Concert Hall, namely “Cinderella” and “The Fragile Nutcracker”. In
July 2015, “AGAPI” choir won 1st Prize (Modern & Jazz category), 1st Prize
(sacred music category), 2nd Prize (Mixed choir category) at the 19th “ANTONIO
VIVALDI” choir competition in Karpenisi, Greece, and the title of “Best
Festival Choir”. In 2016, the choir prepared a tribute to Russian composers for
the “Russia-Near & Far” event,, and also performed the Christmas oratorio
“Artavan, The Fourth Wise Man” by V. Glykides. In July 2016, “AGAPI” choir won
the “Golden Diploma” at the Laurea Mundi Budapest choir competition, in the
Category “Pop, modern and jazz”. In April 2017, it was awarded the Best choir
Audience Award at the 7th World Festival on Musicals of Thessaloniki
(non-competitive). Since its establishment, the choir’s maestro is Mrs Eleonora
Kalaitsidou-Glykidou.
The children’s choir “Polyphoniki Choir of Patra”, Patra Greece
Conductor:
Aretousa Nikolopoulou
The children’s choir “Polyphoniki Choir of Patra” was
founded in 1983 as the second section of the respective organisation. It has
realized more than 200 concerts in Greece and abroad, participating in choral
events and international festivals and winning numerous prizes. It has
cooperated with well-known composers and soloists as well as with famous
choirs, but also with the Orchestras of the city of Patra. Furthermore, it has
performed in a concert of ERT, which was broadcast live by the National Radio.
Its more recent achievements are : 1) 1st
prize and gold medal ( children’s choirs) and 2nd prize and silver
medal (folklore) and Special Prize for the best performance of work by
contemporary composer, 1st choir competition of Florence, Italy.
2012. 2)1st prize and gold medal (classic works for children’s
choirs), 4th International choir Festival, Istanbul, Turkey, 2014.
3) Gold Diploma, 1st International Choir Competition of Kalamata,
Greece, 2015. The choir is directed by Mrs Aretousa Nikolopoulou while Mrs
Marina Milona is playing the piano.
"Sašáci",
Aš Czech Republic
Conductor:
Alexandra Benešová
The
Sašáci choir is a youth choir from Aš, the westernmost town of the Czech
Republic, a border town with Germany. It was founded in 2001 by its conductress
Mrs. Alexandra Benešová, Master of Arts, at the local High school and the
Textile Secondary school. Today this choir numbers about 20 members, aged
between 11 and 18 years old. It is a part of the group called DPSA – the
children’s singing choirs of the town of Aš. Its repertoire is wide ranging
from spiritual to secular music, folk and dance music as well as other genres.
They
perform at various cultural occasions organized by the local schools, churches,
the municipality and other cultural organizations in their region, but also in
the capital city of Prague, or other cities in the Czech republic, as well as
in the nearby Germany. Finally, they have realized tours in France (2004),
Japan (2005) and Spain (2015).
Sct.
Peders Youthchoir, Randers Denmark
Conductor:
Karsten Blond
The
choir was established in 1996. Already from the beginning the choir was known
for its remarkable quality. It has participated in numerous festivals and
competitions, winning several prizes. Some of them are:
First
prize, Children’s choirs competition, Denmark, 2004, 2007 and 2009.
Golden
Diploma, 10th International Choral Competition, Budapest, 2005.
Golden
Diploma, Youth Choir Competition, Prague, 2011.
2nd
prize in 2012 and 1st prize in 2015, in the category of equal voices
for youth choirs, Competition of Sacred Music, Bratislava
"Stimmbänder",
Basel Switzerland
Conductor:
Imogen Jans
In the
year 2003, a circle of friends got together to form the choir Stimmbänder. The
initially small group grew to become a choir of thirty, building a repertoire
of works of the Renaissance (Desprez, Monteverdi, Schutz), the romantic era
(Brahms, Mendelssohn, Fauré) and of the 20th century (Distler, Tischhauser,
Whitacre). Further focal points are swiss folksongs and arrangements of popular
music. Including their country’s musical heritage and their own musical
histories in their concert programs, allows them to present the works of the
great composers in a more authentic and personal way.
Besides
the yearly concerts, the choir has had two major appearances at Bscene, their
city’s Pop Music Festival, singing newly composed arrangements of pieces by
popular regional bands. Stimmbänder has also organized larger projects
involving choirs of all ages, sung at the Stimmen Festival Lörrach and recently
performed the premiere of the composition “Nachts im Hotelzimmer” for choir and
metronomes by the swiss composer Martin Gantenbein. Taking
part in the Preveza International Choral Festival is an exciting and new
experience for Stimmbänder – being the first choir festival away from home.
The International Utopia & Reality Chamber Choir
Conductors:
prof. Ragnar Rasmussen & prof. Urša Lah
The International Utopia & Reality Chamber Choir –
two, at first glance incredibly distant ideas that become interdependent
through creative activity and through the human tendency to change, this things
that seemed unimaginable become true. Utopia & Reality Chamber Choir is an
international choir established in 2011 by two conductors, Ragnar Rasmussen
from Norway and Urša Lah from Slovenia. They have joined talented young singers
from different countries in performing contemporary choral music. The aim of
the project is to perform on a high artistic level, to encourage singers to
think about the role of art in the society today, to explore different ways of
affecting audiences and to develop young singers through establishing a strong
role of the individualin the group. Encouraged by their excellent singing
companions, every young singer rapidly increases their singing capacities,
grows in the role of performer and also develops a sense of tolerance towards
different nations through learning about their singing traditions. The choir
has regular gatherings; these are usually connected with festivals where
singers perform after intensive rehearsing period. Beside the common rehearsals
both of the conductors rehearse with the individuals by the help of modern
technology, using Skype/FaceTime. The result of the project ‘s success is their
participation ( as invited choir) in numerous festivals all around the world
(International Choral Festival in Beijing, China, International Choral Festival
‘’VOCE!’’ in Italy, International Choral Festival in City of Derry, Northern
Ireland Simfonic Voices in Koper, Slovenia, St. Petersburg, Russia, etc.)
Υouth
choir "Svitych" of the Gogol State University at Nizhyn, Nizhyn
Ukraine
Conductors:
prof. Lyudmyla Shumska and prof. Lyudmyla Kostenko
The
youth choir Svitych of the Gogol State University at Nizhyn (Ukraine) was
established in 1993. Its members are students of different university
departments, young university teachers, schools teachers of the city. The name
of the choir is symbolic: it comes from the Ukrainian word svitych meaning a
huge candle, a torch, a celestial body as well as Man who stands up for truth,
freedom, education. The choir’s aim is the formation of spiritual and national
self-awareness of young people in an independent Ukrainian state.
Artistic
merits:
The
choir was a winner of the National Ukrainian Choral Contest in 1997, 2011,
2013; the gold medal winner of the First International Choral Olympiad Linz –
2000; a prize winner of international contests and festivals in Austria (2000),
Belarus (1995, 2008), Greece (2011),
Italy (1998, 2008, 2010, 2012,2016), Germany (1999, 2001,2007), Poland
(1998, 2003, 2015), Serbia (2006), Turkey (2005), Hungary (1995, 1996), France
(2009, 2013, 2014). It also boasts recordings of choral music for the National
Radio Company of Ukraine (1995, 1996, 1999, 2002, 2006, 2009, 2014),
participation in Ukrainian national festivals, scientific conferences, state
concerts, etc.
Youth Choir "Scherzo", Nowy Sącz Poland
Conductor:
Andrzej Citak
“Scherzo”
Youth choir of the 1st Secondary school in Nowy Sacz was established in 1987. It’s
a mixed choir, gathering 45 youngsters of local schools, aged 14-19 years old.
The choir’s repertoire includes mainly Renaissance and contemporary music. It
has realized concerts in Germany, Italy, France, England, Spain, Norway and
Ukraine. Some of its successes are:
Golden
and silver prize, National Competition, Bydgoszcz
3nd place, International Festival, Neerpelt
2nd place,
International Competition, Lloret de Mar
1st
place and special prize, Musical Impressions Festival, Bydgoszcz
5 golden
, 7 silver and 4 bronze statuettes and the Grand Prix, “Schola Cantorum”
Festival, Kalisz
1st
place, National Tournament “Legnica Cantat”
The
ensemble was honored with the Nowy Sacz 700th anniversary Medal and the
Malopolska Region Medal. It has recorded 6 CDs. It is a member of “Pueri
Cantores”
Yermasoyia
Municipality Choir, Yermasoyia Cyprus
Conductor:
Solonas Kladas
The
adult mixed choir of the Municipality of Yermasoyia was founded in 2003 with
the aim of cultivation and transmission of musical culture as well as promotion
of both the Cypriot and the greek song within and outside the Municipality. It
currently numbers more than 50 members while they have performed in various
events of the Municipality of Germasogeia and also they have participated in
several choral festivals in Cyprus and abroad. Some of them are concert for the
October 28th national anniversary organized by the Greek Community in Prague in
2008, the event for the 50th anniversary of the Republic of Cyprus in Litochoro
on October 1st, 2010, tribute to M.Theodorakis and M.Hadjidakis in Monemvasia,
2011, etc.
Particularly
important was their participation in the premiere of the opus Oresteia of
Aeschylos by Yannis Xenakis in the International Cultural Festival “Kypria
2012”. Since 2006, the choir is directed by Dr. Solon Kladas.
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