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Choirs
CHILDRENS' CHOIRS Lautitia Children’s Choir - Hungary, Debrecen Children Choir Perezvony – t Petersburg, Russia Sanghai Youth Choir - Sanghai, China
YOUTH CHOIRS Cantilon Chamber Choir – Edmonton, Canada Vörösmarty Girl's Choir – Budapest, Hungary
EQUAL VOICE CHOIRS Cantemus Youth Choir - Chisinau, Moldova Female Choir of the Béla Bartók Institute os Music, University of Miskolc - Miskolc, Hungary
VOCAL ENSEMBLES AND CHAMBER CHOIRS Amici Cantates - Debrecen, Hungary The University of Houston Concert Chorale - Houston, US Imusicapella - Fmus City, The Philippines Riverside City College Chamber Singers - US, California Сhamber Choir "Petersburg's serenades" - St Petersburg, Russia
MIXED CHOIRS Ankara Polyphonic Coirr - Ankara, Turkey Art Sonus - St Petersburg, Russia The University of Houston Concert Chorale – Houston, US University Choir Lille Muko - Copenhagen, Denmark Chamber Choir of Mirea - Russian Technological Iniversity – Moscow, Russia New Dublin Voices – Dublin, Ireland Oñatiko Ganbara Abesbatz – Spanyolország, Pola de Siero Riverside Főiskola Kamaraénekesei – US, California
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 BBCC 2018
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CHILDRENS' CHOIRS
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Lautitia Children’s Choir Hungary, Debrecen | |
Conductor: Nemes József
The choir is affiliated to the Saint Ephrem Primary School in Debrecen. Established in 1959, it has been named Lautitia Children’s Choir since 2006, when József Nemes took over as conductor. They regularly participate in concerts given by the Debrecen Kodály Philharmonic Orchestra and in performances of the local Csokonai Theatre. They also serve the Greek Catholic Church and the city of Debrecen. Their winning the European and World Choir Championships is especially noteworthy. They have also been awarded prizes by the National Council of Choirs and the prize „For Excellence” by the county of Hajdú-Bihar. In 2017 they received 1stprize in their own category at the 16th Budapest International Choir Competition. Also in 2017, they were given 2nd prize in Preveza, Greece. In 2018 they attended the 15th Concorso Corale International Choir Competition in Italy, where they came in 1st in their category. It should, however, be emphasized that the Lautitia Children’s Choir has become a community in which everybody loves and respects the other members. For them common creative work means constant challenge in their everyday life.
Competition programme:
Semi-final Josu Elberdin: Ikusten duzu Péter Tóth: Mesedoboz - Kobold a polcon Arr. Michael Barrett: Indodana
Final Péter Tóth: Mesedoboz - Gurula gurula Veljo Tormis: Lauliku lapsepoli Josu Elberdin: Cantate Domino
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Children Choir Perezvony St Petersburg, Russia | |
Conductor: Larisza Jaruckaja
The concert choir "Perezvony" (Chimes) was formed in September 2008. It consists of schoolchildren of 4-9 classes of the choral department of the M. Glinka Children’s Arts School of St Petersburg. Director and conductor of the "Perezvony" is Larisa Yarutskaya, winner of international competitions. Over the years the group has repeatedly become the winner of international festivals and competitions.
Awards: Gold diplomas at International and Russian festivals: 2010 — Shaoxing, China, St Petersburg, Russia; Petrozavodsk, Republic of Karelia. 2011 — St.Petersburg, Russia; Krakow, Poland. 2012 — Neerpelt, Belgium. 2013 — Daugavpils, Latvia; Moscow, St.Petersburg, Russia; Turku, Finland. 2014 — Petrozavodsk, Republic of Karelia; St.Petersburg, Russia. 2015 — St.Petersburg, Russia. 2016 — Sochi, Russia. 2014 — St Petersburg, Russia (two awards) 2015 — Vologda, Moscow, St.Petersburg, Russia. 2016 — St Petersburg (two awards), Moscow Russia 2017 — Moscow, Russia; Mogilev, Belarus.
Competition programme:
Elődöntő Krzysztof Penderecki: Sanctus Benedictus From the Mass V. Polyakov: Bogorodice Devo raduysya
Döntő Arvo Pärt: Zwei Beter Sergey Pleshak : Vague dreams | |
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Sanghai Youth Choir Sanghai, China | |
Conductor: Lin Fang
The Shanghai Municipal Education Commission founded SYC in 2012 to represent the highest level of youth choir singing in Shanghai. The singers join SYC through audition. SYC have distinguished and caring teachers, whose aim is: - to develop excellent singers through choral and musical training in a good learning environment; - to make children enjoy music and make choral music part of their life.
Choral competitions: 9. „Singing World” Russia 2013 1st Prize, Folklore Music 2nd Prize, Children’s choirs 2nd Prize, Modern music 3rd Singapore Int. Choir Competition 2016: Gold diploma, Folklore and Gold diploma, EqualVoices.
Conductor Lin Fang Deputy director and conductor of Shanghai Youth Choir, Some of his concerts and workshops: Aug 2014: Concert, Helsinki, Finland Apr 2015: Concert, Turkey May 2017: Workshop, Chongqing, China Jul 2017: Concerts, Barcelona and Viladecans, Spain Awards&Prizes: 2016: Conductor prize Educational background: 2006: graduated from Shanghai Conservatory Of Music 2006-2008 studied with Geshun Ma 2017- studies with Uffe Most
Competition programme:
Semi-final Hua Lin: The Wild Goose Jaakko Mäntyjärvi: Pseudo-Yoik Lite Michael Bojesen: Gloriai
Final Yuchuan Wen: The Lullaby Marie-Claire Saindon: Le Train d'hiver Knut Nysted: Hosanna |
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YOUTH CHOIRS
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Cantilon Chamber Choir Edmonton, Canada
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Conductor: Heather Johnson
The Cantilon Chamber Choir is one of Canada’s leading children’s choral ensembles. Since its inception, the Cantilon Chamber Choir has been honoured with numerous awards, including 1st place (Children’s Choirs) in the 2017 National Competition for Canadian Amateur Choirs. The choir has competed twice in the Béla Bartók International Choral Competition (2014 – 2nd, Youth Choir; 2006 – 1st, Children’s Choirs & 1st, Youth Choirs) and in the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod in Wales (2011 – 1st, Youth Choirs). In 2007, the Cantilon Chamber Choir was proud to represent Canada in the European Broadcast Union’s Let The Peoples Sing (2nd).
The Founder and Artistic Director, Heather Johnson, holds a Bachelor of Music degree from the University of Lethbridge (Canada), Bachelor of Education and Master of Music degrees from the University of Alberta (Canada), and a diploma from the Kodály Pedagogical Institute in Kecskemét. Heather tours and records frequently with both the Cantilon Chamber Choir and her women’s ensemble, Belle Canto.
Competition programme:
Semi-final Miklós Kocsár: Salve Regina Péter Tóth: Magnus, maior, maximus Jussi Chydenius: Kaipaava
Final Kelly-Marie Murphy: Alleluia Keith Hamel: Lullaby György Orbán: Lauda Sion | |
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Vörösmarty Girl's Choir Budapest, Hungary | |
Conductor: Bálint Gyombolai
The girls’ choir of MihályVörösmarty Primary and Secondary Musical School is based in Pestszentlőrinc, a district of Budapest. It was founded in 1991 by then head teacher Györgyi Járai-Bődi, and the late music teacher and choir master, Miklós Csík. His successor in the leadership position was Sándor Kabdebó The girls’ choir is a regular participant of the so-called ’Singing Youth’ concerts. They have been honoured with the ’Choir of the Year’ prize several times. Most recently, they have been noted for their remarkable achievements in international choir contests, e.g., in Celje (2009), Neerpelt (2010) and Graz (2011). The choir has been directed by Bálint Gyombolai since September 2012. Under his leadership the choir earned a Golden Diploma at the Youth Singing Contest as well as a Diploma of Merit in 2013. The ensemble won a 3rd prize at the Budapest International Choir Competition in 2015, where Bálint Gyombolai was awarded a special prize for conducting. The Vörösmarty Girls’ Choir lays a special emphasis on singing contemporary music: they have premiered seven compositions in the past two years.
Competition programme:
Semi-final Béla Bartók: Madárdal Béla Bartók: Isten veled! Margaret King: Aurora Péter Tóth: Gaudete
Final Péter Tóth: Dulcis Amor Francis Poulenc: Ave verum corpus György Orbán: Mundi renovatio | |
EQUAL VOICE CHOIRS
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Cantemus Youth Choir Chisinau, Moldova | |
Conductor: Denis Ceausov
The Cantemus Youth Choir was established in 2007. The choir was founded and since then has been led by Denis Ceausov. Cantemus consists of young people of 11-24, who enjoy choral music. The repertoire of the choir contains works by European, American and Moldavian composers from the Renaissance to our days. They have also participated in 15 international choral competitions and have been awardees for their outstanding performance, as, e.g. at the 56th International Choral Competition «Seghizzi» (July 2017 Gorizia, Italy) - 1st Prize in Romantic and Modern Music categories, Grand Prix Seghizzi 2nd Award Denis Ceausov (conductor of "Cantemus” ) Denis Ceausov graduated from the Academy of Music, Theatre and Fine Arts of Moldova. Apart from leading “Cantemus”, he works as second conductor of the Moldavian National Symphonic Orchestra. In 2011 he received a special prize as “best choir conductor” at the 29th International Youth Choir Festival, (Celje, Slovenia). In 2013 he was also awarded a special prize at the 52nd International Choir Competition "Seghizzi" (Gorizia, Italy).
Competition programme:
Semi-final Vladimir Ciolac: Miserere Albert Alcaraz: Rugen Erasoaldia
Final Ko Matsushita: Ave Regina coelorum Igor Iachimciuc: Dati-mi un trup, voi muntilor
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Female Choir of the Béla Bartók Institute os Music, University of Miskolc Miskolc, Hungary | |
Conductor: Zoltán Sándor
The ensemble was founded in 1987 as the training choir of the institute. It is an active participant of the music life of the city and its significant presence is proved by several radio recordings and performances (concerts, festivals) both in Hungary and abroad. Its a cappella repertoire spans from the Renaissance to the 21st century and it is often involved in performing oratories. The conductor is Professor Zoltán Sándor, also head of the Institute. The Choir first took part in an international competition in Fivizzano, Italy, in 2001, where it was awarded first prize both in the categories of female choirs and church music. In 2002 the Choir was awarded first prize in the category of equal voice choirs at the 20th Debrecen International Choir Competition. Since then it has been awarded a great number of prizes at various choir competitions in Europe.
Competition programme:
Semi-final Rihards Dubra: Laudate Rupert Lang: Cantate Domino Vic Nees: Ave Maria Péter Tóth: Gaudete
Final Ēriks Ešenvalds: O salutaris hostia János Vajda: O lux Guido Messore: Tre sentenze Nr. 3. Petr Eben: Catonis moralia - I. Preludio
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VOCAL ENSEMBLES AND CHAMBER CHOIRS
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Amici Cantates Debrecen, Hungary | |
Conductor: Dorottya Rácz-Nyíri and Balázs Porcsalmy
The Amici Cantates vocal ensemble was established in July 2017 in Debrecen. It mainly consists of current and former members of the Kántus, the choir of the Reformed College of Debrecen. Their aim is to demonstrate their proficiency in contemporary choral art and to participate in an event of such a high prestige as the Béla Bartók International Choir Competition. The members of the ensemble are employed in various occupations: pastors and students of theology, experts engaged in clinical medicine research, solo singers doctors, students of geoinformatics and music teachers. What connects them is the love of singing together and the commitment to choral singing. The ensemble also regard performing contemporary choral pieces at a high artistic level as their important task because they are convinced that they should be made organic part of modern liturgical practice. The ensemble is led by Dorottya Rácz-Nyiri, teacher of the Kölcsey Reformed Practicing Primary School in Debrecen and Balázs Porcsalmy, teacher of the Reformed High School and College of Lónyai Street in Budapest.
Competition programme:
Semi-final László Udvardy: Bájoló Ola Gjeilo: Northern Lights Levente Gyöngyösi: Szépen - IV. Ha én kedvesemről gondolkodom
Final Levente Gyöngyösi: Te lucis ante terminum György Orbán: Ave Regina Jaakko Mäntyjärvi: Four Shakespeare Songs - III. Double, Double Toil and Trouble | |
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The University of Houston Concert Chorale Houston, US | |
Conductor: Betsy Cook Weber
The choir is the University of Houston’s premiere large choral ensemble, which consists primarily of undergraduate students representing a variety of majors, including music. During the school year, Chorale sings 10 - 12 performances, with a repertoire from very early to recently-composed music. Chorale singers are busy making and directing music outside of the ensemble as well. Many Chorale singers are also active in the University of Houston's excellent opera program and many serve as staff singers in local church choirs. Dr. Betsy Cook Weber is Professor of Music and Director of Choral Studies. She is also active internationally as a conductor and lecturer. In 2013, Weber became the 1st woman to receive the Texas Choral Director Association’s coveted Texas ChoirmasterAward. She also serves as Director of the Houston Symphony Chorus. Before coming to the University of Houston, Weber taught vocal music in the public schools for thirteen years. The district where she taught was one of the first in the United States to embrace the music-teaching philosophy of Zoltán Kodály, which, of course, relies heavily on the folk-song collections of Béla Bartók and others.
Competition programme - Chamber choirs:
Semi-final Ben May: So Sweet David Ashley White: In the Smokeless Air Paul Mealor: Upon a Bank With Roses Set About
Final Pärt Uusberg: Muusika Joshua Shank: Grass-Green Pillow Hans Schanderl: Bazar
Competition programme - Mixed Choirs:
Semi-final Ivo Antognini: I Am the Rose of Sharon Carlos Cordero: This Sky Budi Susantos: Gloria Patri
Final Ugis Praulins: Crucifixus (Missa Rigensis) Stephen Paulus: Splendid Jewel Urmas Sisask: Benedictio
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Imusicapella Imus City, The Philippines | |
Conductor: Tristan Caliston Ignacio
Formed in 2002, Imusicapella is a church choir based at the Our Lady of the Pillar Parish in Imus City, Cavite, Philippines. The choir regularly sings at the Imus Cathedral and St. Peregrine Chapel. They have competed and won 1st prizes in international choral competitions in Arezzo, Italy (2015); Tours, France (2011); Spittal, Austria (2015); Takarazuka, Japan (2017); Busan, South Korea (2012); Mainhausen (2011) and Lindenholzhausen (2005 & 2011), Germany; Montreux (2007) and Neuchatel (2003), Switzerland; Sopot, Poland (2005) and San Luis Obispo, California, USA (2007). The founder and conductor of the choir is Tristan Caliston Ignacio. He is the winner of the 2015 Günther-Mittergradnegger Preis for the best interpretation of a contemporary choral work in Spittal, Austria; the 2011 Conductor's Prize at the 6th HARMONIE Festival in Lindenholzhausen, Germany and the 2007 Pro Musica Viva Maria Strecker Daelen Preis, the Conductor's Prize for the best interpretation of a contemporary choral work in Marktoberdorf, Germany.
Competition programme:
Semi-final Morten Lauridsen: Ov’e,lass, il be viso? Z.Randall Stroope: Conversion of Saul Nilo Alcala: Dayo Dayo Kupita Final Pēteris Vasks: Mate Saule Joed Balsamo: Gloria Laus et Honor Francisco Feliciano: Pamugun | |
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Riverside City College Chamber Singers US, California | |
Conductor: John Byun
The Riverside City College Chamber Singers have performed at the ACDA in Tucson 2010 and Santa Barbara 2014, at the NCCO national conference in Fort Collins 2011 and Portland 2015 and at the CASMEC conference in San Jose, CA 2016. The Chamber Singers have competed nationally and internationally taking first place at the California International Choral Competition 2011, The Eisteddfod Choral Competition in Wales 2009, and at the Choral Competition in Spittal, Austria 2015. They often have opportunities to perform with special guest artists and as chorus for the Star Wars in Concert. John Byun received his Bachelors of Music in Vocal Performance from the University of California, Irvine and his Masters in Choral Conducting from California State University, Long Beach. He is the director of Choral and Vocal Activities at Riverside City College. Mr. Byun is also the artistic director of the Temecula Valley Master Chorale. He has been the guest conductor for several district honor choirs.
Competition programme:
Semi-final Ivo Antognini: O gloriosa domina Richard Burchard: Ecce dedi verba mea Jake Runestad: Alleluia
Final Ambrož Čopi: Cantate Domino Eric Whitacre: I carry your heart with me Audi Susanto Yohanes: Gloria Patri | |
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Сhamber Choir "Petersburg's serenades" St Petersburg, Russia | |
Conductor: Jegor Loszev
The Saint Petersburg Serenades chamber choir was formed in 1991 at the faculty of music of the Herzen Pedagogical University. The ensemble took its name from a series of choir miniatures by Alexander Dargomyzhsky. In 1996 the Saint Petersburg Serenades was given professional status. In 2014 the mansion of Tepper de Ferguson (teacher of music and singing at the Imperial Tsarskoye Selo Lyceum) was transformed into a concert hall for concerts by Saint Petersburg Serenades. Since then, the creative life of the community has been filled with events. In 2015 the choir won the first prize at the 14th "The Singing World" in the category of chamber choirs. In 2016 they won the Grand Prix of this festival. Yegor Losev was born in 1984 in Leningrad. He is a graduate of the Glinka Choral College, and the Saint Petersburg State Conservatory. From 2003 to 2007 he was master of the choir of students of St. Petersburg State University, and from 2007 to 2016 he taught conducting at the Glinka Choral College. Since 2013 Yegor Losev has been the conductor of the chamber choir Saint Petersburg Serenades.
Competition programme:
Semi-final Michael Ostrzyga: Iuppiter Yuri Falik: Poèses by Igor' Severyanin - IV. Intermezzo Yuri Falik: Poèses by Igor' Severyanin - VI. Narodnaya (folk) Ilya Demutsky: Three choruses for poems by Russian poets - II. Zashumela, razgulyalas' v pole epogoda... (Made a noise, walked out bad weather in the field)
Final Nicolai Dranitsyn: Psalm 103 "Lobe den Herrn, meine Seele” Sergey Ekimov: Three Poems of Marina Tsvetaeva - II. Blessed Svetlana Nesterova: The cycle of pieces for the choir to the poems of Russian poets of the 20th century "To the Unknown God" - II. Each before God naked ...
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MIXED CHOIRS
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Ankara Polyphonic Coir Ankara, Turkey | |
Conductor: Nilgun Tuzkaya
The Ankara Polyphonic Choir was established by Prof. MuzafferArkan in 1965 as the Radio Children’s Choir. It consisted of wholly amateur members. Renamed as the Ankara Youth Choir in 1973, it attended the International Choral Competition in Arezzo, and was the first choir to represent Turkey in the country’s history. Since its establishment the choir has demonstrated a high artistic standard at international festivals as well as competitions in Italy, Germany, Bulgaria, England, Belgium, Holland, Spain, Austria, France, Poland, Cyprus, and Hungary, by winning the Grand Prix nine times as well as coming in second and third. The ensemble came to be called The Ankara Polyphonic Choir in 1985. Today, their aim is to keep Prof. Muzaffer Arkan’s memory alive. They have worked as an ensemble of the Ankara Polyphonic Music Association since February 2012. The conductor is Nilgun Tuzkaya, daughter of Muzaffer Arkan. It has an extensive repertoire from the Renaissance to the present, including both Turkish and international choral pieces.
Competition programme:
Semi-final İlhan Baran: Eylül Sonu Ola Gjeilo: Northern Lights Alexandru Paşcanu: Chindia Ernani Aguiar: Salmo 150
Final Turgay Erdener: Ninni Kodály Zoltán: Túrót Eszik a Cigány Z. Randall Stroope: Cantate Domino
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Art Sonus St Petersburg, Russia | |
Conductor: Vera Slasnaya
This non-professional choir was established in 2008. It has given performances since 2009 and is constantly involved in various local and international festivals and competitions. The first time the choir was awarded the diploma "For the best performance of a contemporary composer" at the 6th International Forum of student choirs "Paparats Kvetka - 2011" (Belorussia, Minsk, 2011,). In 2012 they won the first prize in the category of mixed choirs at the international chorus competition in Istanbul, Turkey. The repertoire of the choir includes music of the Renaissance and the Baroque periods, folk music, spiritual music and works of modern composers. Vera Slasnaya, conductor She graduated as a choral conductor from the Rimsky-Korsakov State Conservatoire of St.Petersburg in 2015. In 2008 she founded the “Art Sonus” choir. In 2011-2012 she conducted master-classes of Russian ecclesiastical music in Aarhus, Denmark, and in Minsk (2016). She is regularly chosen “best conductor” at choir competitions. Since 2010 she has worked in Rimsky Korsakov Music School of St.Petersburg. In 2011 she founded “Offenheit” - a choir of students.
Competition programme:
Semi-final Benjamin Britten: Five Flower Songs - op 47 Nr. 1. To Daffodils Dmitry Smirnov: The Only-Begotten Son (fragment from the praying songs) Ludo Claessen: Sanctus Stephen Leek: Kungala
Final Br. Ingi Porteisson: Rausi Riddarinn Peter Tuchkov: O,captain! My captain!.. Dmitry Smirnov: From the trefoil “The old villa” Arvo Pärt: Lobet den herrn, Alle Heiden (zwei slawische psalmen) n.1 psalm 117. Giedrius Svilainis: Sodai, Sodai, leliumoi
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The University of Houston Concert Chorale Houston, US | |
Conductor: Betsy Cook Weber
The choir is the University of Houston’s premiere large choral ensemble, which consists primarily of undergraduate students representing a variety of majors, including music. During the school year, Chorale sings 10 - 12 performances, with a repertoire from very early to recently-composed music. Chorale singers are busy making and directing music outside of the ensemble as well. Many Chorale singers are also active in the University of Houston's excellent opera program and many serve as staff singers in local church choirs. Dr. Betsy Cook Weber is Professor of Music and Director of Choral Studies. She is also active internationally as a conductor and lecturer. In 2013, Weber became the 1st woman to receive the Texas Choral Director Association’s coveted Texas ChoirmasterAward. She also serves as Director of the Houston Symphony Chorus. Before coming to the University of Houston, Weber taught vocal music in the public schools for thirteen years. The district where she taught was one of the first in the United States to embrace the music-teaching philosophy of Zoltán Kodály, which, of course, relies heavily on the folk-song collections of Béla Bartók and others.
Competition programme - - Chamber choirs:
Semi-final Ben May: So Sweet David Ashley White: In the Smokeless Air Paul Mealor: Upon a Bank With Roses Set About
Final Pärt Uusberg: Muusika Joshua Shank: Grass-Green Pillow Hans Schanderl: Bazar
Competition programme - Mixed Choirs:
Semi final Ugis Praulins: Crucifixus (Missa Rigensis) Stephen Paulus: Splendid Jewel Urmas Sisask: Benedictio | |
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University Choir Lille Muko Copenhagen, Denmark | |
Conductor: Jesper Grove Jørgensen
The University Choir Lille MUKO is amongst the best classical choirs in Denmark. Based in Copenhagen, the choir has existed since 1967 and consists of 30-40 skilled and ambitious singers. Lille MUKO strives to continuously explore compositional music in various contexts. Their trademark is the interpretation of lyrical Danish songs. Contemporary classical music is also a high priority for the choir. They often sing first performances of new works by Danish composers. Since its foundation, Lille MUKO has participated in numerous competitions and tours around the world. Through recordings and its activities, Lille MUKO continuously seeks to acquaint the world with especially Danish and Scandinavian choral music. Over the years, Lille MUKO has released a number of recordings, frequently played on the Danish radio. The present conductor Jesper Grove Jørgensen has been at the helm of Lille MUKO for 30 years, and continuity in musical direction has ensured conservation and refinement of the choir’s praised expression and sonority.
Competition programme:
Semi-final Sven-David Sandström: Four Songs of Love - III. Awake, o North Wind Vagn Holmboe: The Wee Wee Man Ildbrando Pizzetti: Due Composizioni corali - Il. Giardino Di Afrodite
Final Stephen Chatman: A Magical Machine Matti Borg: Landskab - VIII. Til Majdag forer jeg hjem min brud Frank Martin: Songs of Ariel - III. Before you can say "Come and go" Per Nørgård: Wie ein Kind - I. Wiiegenlied | |
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Chamber Choir of Mirea - Russian Technological Iniversity Moscow, Russia | |
Conductor: Ivan Szamojlov
Under the direction of its founder, Ivan Samoilov, the choir has become a prize winner of many competitions - Champion and Gold Medalist of the 2nd European Choir Games (Germany, 2015), Gold Medalist of Grand Prix of Nations (Germany, 2015); silver medalist of the 8th World Choir Games (Latvia, 2014), silver winner of 5th World Choir Games (Austria, 2008). The artistic director and conductor, awardee of international competitions, is Ivan Samoilov, graduate of the Tchaikovsky State Conservatory. The Chamber Choir regularly performs solo concert programs, both in Russia and abroad. They sing music composed for chamber choirs as well as large-scale opera and symphonic works by Johann Sebastian Bach, Mozart, Rachmaninoff, Fauré, Orff; etc. Since June 2009 the Chamber Choir has annually organized the International Choir Assembly "Golden Crane".
Competition programme:
Semi-final Jakub Neske: Mironczarnia Rihards Dubra: Stetit angelus Jake Runestad: Alleluia
Final Z. Randall Stroope: The conversion of Saul Alexey Davidovich Machavariani: Doluri Laura Jekabsone: Div dujinas | |
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New Dublin Voices Dublin, Ireland | |
Conductor: Bernie Sherlock
Internationally acclaimed New Dublin Voices is a leading Irish chamber choir. Founded by award-winning conductor, Bernie Sherlock, in 2005, NDV strives to present programmes that are fresh, innovative and exciting. The choir takes pleasure in exploring the music of living composers and has given over 50 world premieres. NDV has won prizes at major competitions in Ireland, France, Hungary, Germany, Finland, Spain, England, Latvia and Italy, including the Grand Prix at the 2nd International Baltic Sea Choir Competition in Latvia, 2017. In 2013, they became the first Irish choir to win a place in the European Grand Prix for Choral Singing. NDV has previously been invited to perform at some of the world’s most prestigious choral festivals: 37th Musiqueen Morvan, France (2012), 9th European Festival of Youth Choirs, Switzerland (2014), 23rd Festival des Chœurs Lauréats, France (2015), and the 2nd World Choral Festival, USA (2016). In December 2017, they released their fourth CD, consisting of Christmas music by Irish composers and arrangers.
Competition programme:
Semi-final John Hoybye: Jubilate Deo Zoltán Kodály: Ode for Music Ivo Antognini: Canticum Novum
Final Goffredo Petrassi: Nonsense 1 Seán Doherty: Under-song Josep Vila: Salve Regina | |
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Oñatiko Ganbara Abesbatza Pola de Siero, Spain | |
Conductor: Aitor Biain
Oñatiko Ganbara Abesbatza is a mixed voice choral group founded in the 1994, on the initiative of 12 youths from different choirs. Since then, the group has grown to its current number of thirty-some choir members. The group was founded under the direction of Gorka Cueva, duties that were taken over by Esteban Urzelai (1996-2009) and then by Aitor Biain, who is the current choir director. Their repertoire includes all types of works from the 16th century to the present; they cover polyphonic works as well as folk music from various countries, spirituals, gospels. Basque folklore also forms a major component of their programs, as are works by contemporary composers. For more than two decades, the choir has participated in many competitions, being awarded numerous prizes. Main highlights: - First prize in the "15th National Choral Competition Antonio Jose", Burgos (Spain), October 2016; - Second prize in the category of Mixed Voices at the International contest "Fondazione Guido d'Arezzo", Arezzo (Italy), August 2015.
Competition programme:
Semi-final Josep Vila i Casanas: Salve Regina Knut Nysted: Peace I leave with you Randall Stroope: The conversion of Saul
Final Arvo Pärt: Bogoroditsie Djevo Ēriks Ešenvalds: Stars Michael Ostrzyga: Iuppitter
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Riverside City College Chamber Sngers US, California | |
Conductor: John Byun
The Riverside City College Chamber Singers have performed at the ACDA in Tucson 2010 and Santa Barbara 2014, at the NCCO national conference in Fort Collins 2011 and Portland 2015 and at the CASMEC conference in San Jose, CA 2016. The Chamber Singers have competed nationally and internationally taking first place at the California International Choral Competition 2011, The Eisteddfod Choral Competition in Wales 2009, and at the Choral Competition in Spittal, Austria 2015. They often have opportunities to perform with special guest artists and as chorus for the Star Wars in Concert. John Byun received his Bachelors of Music in Vocal Performance from the University of California, Irvine and his Masters in Choral Conducting from California State University, Long Beach. He is the director of Choral and Vocal Activities at Riverside City College. Mr. Byun is also the artistic director of the Temecula Valley Master Chorale. He has been the guest conductor for several district honor choirs.
Competition programme:
Semi-final Allan Rae: Keltic Song Kevin Memley: O magnum mysterium Hyo Won Woo: Gloria
Final Julian Reisenthel: Kia wore upendo (Ubi Caritas) Ivo Antognini: Alleluia
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