St. Joseph’s College Chamber Boys’ Choir – Hong Kong
Conductor: Christopher Cheng
Categories A – C – D
St. Joseph’s College Chamber Boys’ Choir was formed in 2017. The choir aims at performing more advanced music, collaborating with other schools, and participating in local and international choral programmes. The choir achieved two silver awards in the 8th and the 9th Winter Choral Festival, and two gold awards in 2019 and 2020 Hong Kong Inter-School Choral Competition. In Hong Kong Schools Music Festival, the choir captured the first in Intermediate Boys’ Choir – Chinese (2018), the second in Senior Boys’ Choir – Foreign Language (2018), the second in Senior Mixed Choir – Chinese (2018), the first in Senior Boys’ Choir – Foreign Language (2019), the first in Senior Mixed Choir – Chinese (2019), the second in Senior Boys’ Choir – Chinese (2019), the second in Senior Mixed Choir – Foreign Language (2019), and the second in Intermediate Mixed Choir – Foreign Language (2019).Members of the choir had exchange programmes with Taipei Municipal Jianguo High School, and Musashino High School, Tokyo, and visited Trinity College Dublin.
Gita Pracalita IT-PLN Choir – Jakarta – Indonesia
Conductor: Janet Larasati Widyaningrum
Category E
Gita Pracalita’s IT-PLN Choir was formed in 2002. The choir aims to improve students artistic creativity in the field of sound art and participating in local and international choir competitions. This choir achieved 1st Winner for Male category and two Gold awards for Female and Mixed choir categories, also achieved Silver award in the Folklore category– The 16th Malaysian Choral Eisteddfod 2018. In 2019, The choir achieved a Gold award in the Religions Music category – 7th Satya Dharma Gita Choir Festival 2019. In the same year, Gita Pracalita’s IT-PLN achieved Gold award in Folklore category. The choir also achieved Winner categories in Music of Religions and Mixed Youth. Gita Pracalita’s IT-PLN won Grand Champion – Jogjakarta Choral Orchestra Folklore Festival 2019. In 2020 Gita Pracalita’s IT-PLN achieved the 1st Winner for the Sacred Music category– The 2nd Bandung Choral Society World Virtual Choir Festival 2020.
Female Chamber Choir Kallitechnimata – Keratsini/Pireaus – Greece
Conductor: Maria Michalopoulou
Category D
The Female Chamber Choir Kallitechnimata was founded in September of 2015 and consists of women from 18 years above, who are trained in the female polyphonic song. The choir has intense artistic action by participating in events and festivals in Greece and abroad. In 2016 the choir represented UNESCO in the international choir festival D.G. Kiriac at Pitesti of Roumania. In 2017 it took part in the International Choir Competition «Grand Prix of Nations – European Choir Games – Open Competition» in Riga, Latvia and won third place in its category. In 2018 the choir represented Greece in the International Choir Competition ‘Choral Festival and Competition Claudio Monteverdi’ in Venice, Italy and it won the bronze medal in its category. In February 2019 won the second prize – Silver medal for choirs ‘Dimitris Mitropoulos’ at the second panhellenic Competition ART & ART. Later this year, the choir was chosen by the DGAAP to take part in the international project ‘Breadline’. In July 2019 participated in the International Festival for church organ in Syros, singing with mrs. K, Ktona and also in the 15th Annual International Festival of the Aegean with mr. P. Timboris and the Pan European Philharmonia of Warsaw. In November 2019 won the silver medal at the Artiva International Choir Competition Festival. During the season 2020/21 the children/youth choir collaborated with the Department of Music studies of the Ionian University for the final conducting exams, class of mrs. Ch. Kalliaridou. In June 2021, in cooperation with the municipality of Piraeus, presented the video concert and CD ‘Women of ‘21’, in celebration for the 200 years since the Greek Revolution of 1821, directed by M.Mavrogianni. The choir colaborates with several symphonic orchestras as the ‘Children-Youth Symphonic Orchestra N. Patrikidou’ under the auspices of the Holy Archdiocese of Athens, the ‘Youth Symphonic Orchestra of Greece’ etc. The choir has performed in the Concert Hall of Athens and Thessaloniki, the Panathenaic Kallimarmaro Stadium, the municipal theater of Piraeus, the Vellidio Conference Center, the Conference Center ‘Melina Merkouri’ (Peace and Friendship Stadium), the Zappeio Concert Hall, ERT. ~ Coductor – Chorus master Maria Michalopoulou.
Paduan Suara Mahasiswa Universitas Hasanuddin – Makassar – Indonesia
Conductor: Anshari Sanusi
Category D
Paduan Suara Mahasiswa Universitas Hasanuddin (PSM UNHAS) was founded in 1978 which was marked by its participation in the Indonesian Student Choir Festival in Jakarta by the Ministry of Education and Culture at that time, and then continued to develop into a Student Activity Unit (UKM) under the auspices of the Music Arts UKM in the 1980s – 1990s. and finally established itself on June 22, 1998 based on the Rector’s Decree. It consists of more than 100 students who are on duty for formal and non-formal events both for on-campus and off-campus events, making PSM as a Student Activity Unit which is quite important in the university environment.
Dames of Harmony – Kuala Lumpur – Malaysia
Conductor: Tan Shi En
Category F
Dames of Harmonia is a new all-female vocal ensemble based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, founded by Terrence Ling Hung Shu in 2021. Dames is ladies in French and Harmonia is harmony in Greek. The ensemble aims to create harmonious female voices through singing and elevate choral performances through choral music education.
Associazione Coro Polifonico ‘La Rocchetta – Renzo Pagani’ – Palazzolo sull’Oglio – Italy
Conductor: Davide Bottarelli
Category B
The Associazione Coro Polifonico ‘La Rocchetta – Renzo Pagani’ is one of the most significant socio-cultural-artistic organisations in the town of Palazzolo sull’Oglio, operating both nationally and internationally. It is a member of the Union of Italian Choral Societies and has developed collaborative relationships with various organisations, and music centres. Its recordings have been used for soundtracks of films and documentaries (broadcast by RAI-TV), for anthologies of poetry on cassette and sacred representations. The choir is present in the Fonit Cetra, Ondastudios, Ondavideo and Ondasound catalogues in Milan. The choir has been invited to take part in international choral festivals and has been proposed by cultural institutes operating abroad on behalf of Italy. The Choir has had the opportunity and the privilege of performing in various European cities, where it has brought its artistic message, gaining success everywhere. Awarded in several competitions, the choir has subsequently performed in productions at St. Peter’s in the Vatican, the Teatro Grande in Brescia, the Teatro A. Ponchielli of Cremona, the G. Verdi Theatre of Fiorenzuola and the G. Verdi Hall of the Conservatory of Milan. The choir is based at the San Fedele auditorium in Palazzolo sull’Oglio, Brescia. The choir’s director and founder was Maestro Renzo Pagani, who recently passed away. Since 2015 the Artistic Director and Choir Master is Davide Bottarelli. Mrs. Evita Pedrali is the President of the Association. The aims of the Association are the study and dissemination of musical culture. The type of choir is mixed: 50 choristers of different ages, cultures and professions, whose training is of an amateur nature. The repertoire includes classical and modern polyphonic compositions, sacred and secular, academic and liturgical compositions for choir, organ and choir, for soloists, choir and orchestra.
Cor Yesu Youth Choir – Malang – Indonesia
Conductor: Agustinus Wahyu Permadi
Category F
Cor Jesu Youth Choir was founded in 2014 as a forum for extracurricular activities at SMAK Cor Jesu Malang. By upholding the values of SERVIAM, Cor Jesu Youth Choir strives to cultivate, develop and preserve their talents and abilities in singing. Also to introduce the values of discipline and culture in Indonesia to the world. Since its establishment, this choir has been led directly by Agustinus Wahyu Permadi as music director and conductor. To improve the students’ singing ability and at the same time to show their existence, this choir always participates in various international competition and concerts every year. Their achievements include: 1st place Virtual Choir category in World Youth Choral Festival and Competition 2021, Jeju – South Korea; 1st place Youth Choir Category in 3rd World Virtual Choir Festival 2021; 1st place Teenager Choir Category in 8th Bali International Choir Festival 2019; 2nd place Pop Jazz Category in 8th Bali International Choir Festival 2019; Special Jury Award : Most Engaging Performance in Bali International Choir Festival 2019; 2nd Place and Grand Prix finalist Equal Voices Category in Singapore International Choir Festival 2018; Gold Medal Folklore Category in Airlangga University Choir Competition 2018; Best Equal Choir in Airlangga University Choir Competition 2018; 3rd Place Senior High School Category in Penabur International Choir Festival 2017; 3rd place Teenager Choir Category in Bali International Choir Festival 2016; 3rd place Teenager Choir Category in Bali International Choir Festival 2015.
Paramabira – Jakarta – Indonesia
Conductor: Rainier Revireino
Categories B – E – F
Paramabira Choir was established on November 26, 1990 as a Student Activity Unit at Bina Nusantara University. With Rainier Revireino as music director, Paramabira has the objective to strive for excellence in vocal and choral techniques. The group has been awarded several national and international achievements which inspire them to give better performances from time to time. In 2010, Paramabira received The Best Interpretation for Compulsory Song and Selection of Program at The 24th Praga Cantat International Choir Competition and Festival. Two years later, Paramabira also won first place in the 1A (Renaissance) category, fourth in the 1D category (28th Century), second in the 1C category (19th Century), and The Winner of 24th Grand Prix at the Seghizzi Singing Choral Competition. In 2017, the group also ranked second in Equal Voices and Mixed Choirs at 14 de-IKV Maasmechelen in Belgium.
Qingdao Experimental School Choir – Qingdao – China
Conductor: Tingting Ding
Category C
Established last year, Qingdao Experimental School Choir is a very new and active choir with music lovers in the school. They find any chance to train, sing and have a lot of fun together. Under the support of school leaders and parents, the choir is happy to participate in the international choral festivals to learn and exchange with other choirs!
Guangzhoushi Huashi Fuzhong Panyu School Snowflake Chorus – Guangzhou – China
Conductor: Na Liu
Categories C – D
Guangzhoushi Huashi Fuzhong Panyu School Snowflake Chorus is a high school mixed chorus in Guangzhoushi Huashi Fuzhong Panyu School. Singers are replaced every two years. The current choral members are composed of 53 talented students of music lovers in the second year of high school. The members of this choir were selected and trained by Teacher Liu Na in September 2020 till now. The meaning of “snowflake” means that every student is like a crystal, clear and little snowflake, full of spirituality, to form an unparalleled beautiful scenery together! It is worth mentioning that the piano accompaniment of our school’s chorus has been performed by our student. Please enjoy two song “I like ” and “Sing a folk song to the party”.
Teachers’ Chorus of Zhanjiang Peninsula – Zhanjiang – China
Conductor: Mingliang Yang
Category B
Established in 2018, Teachers’ Chorus of Zhanjiang Peninsula is a teacher’s choir supervised by the Zhanjiang Municipal Education Bureau and under the guidance of the Zhanjiang Choral Society, with more than 100 members today from teachers of the city. The chorus aims to build a high-quality choral team, and play a leading, demonstrative and radiating role on the development and popularization of choral education and teaching in the schools of the city, and even the development and improvement of the choral art there. Since its establishment, the choir has participated in various choral performances and competitions at various levels for many times. It has won the gold medal of the 13th ‘Hundred Songs Ode to China’ (Zhanjiang Division) Choral Competition in Guangdong Province; the first prize of the 10th China Charm Campus Choral Festival; Second- level choir through online evaluation in the 15th China International Choral Festival; Gold Award (first place) in the 14th ‘Hundred Songs Ode to China’ (Zhanjiang Division) Choral Competition in Guangdong Province.
Tianhe Student Choir – Gansu – China
Conductor: Ying Li
Category C
The Tianhe Student Choir was founded in the Northwest Normal University Secondary School. The Northwest Normal University Secondary School is a well-known high school in China for its ‘Inspiring and talented students’. ‘Diligence, prudence, honesty, courage and outstanding development’ is the goal pursued by the teachers and students at Northwest Normal University secondary schools. The school has always attached great importance to the development of students in a high-grade liberal education and has continuously encouraged and promoted the comprehensive and individual development of students. Among the numerous activities of the students’Association, the Tianhe chorus is well loved by the students and has won many honors. To popularize the art of choral singing, the school has set up an elective course of choral singing, the training of choral singing is routine, and 10-12 choral works are completed in one semester.
Colorful Childhood Choir of the Second Experimental Primary School – Beijing – China
Conductor: Mengna Huang
Categories B – C
Colorful Childhood Choir of the Second Experimental Primary School in Chaoyang District, Beijing. The choir currently has 44 people, each of whom can use positive and full emotions to participate in learning and training, gradually forming an elegant, harmonious singing style, but also a better enrichment of the group members’ after-school cultural life. Through unremitting efforts, the choir won the second prize of the 18th Beijing Chaoyang District Choir in 2014, the first prize of the 19th Beijing Chaoyang District Choir in 2016, the Gold Award of the 19th Beijing Art Festival Chorus Show, the 2017 World Youth Chorus Festival – the Gold Award of the Hong Kong Folk Song Group, the Silver Award of the Children’s Voice Group A, and the 21st Student Art Festival Of the 2018 Beijing Chaoyang District. The Conductor, Huang Mengna, is a master’s student in music from China Media University, graduated in July 2013 at Chaoyang District Second Experimental Primary School. For 8 years, he has been involved in the teaching and management of the school choir, loves the art of choral singing, and has a steady conductor who demonstrates a wide range of adaptability and track richness, as well as the accuracy of different styles of work. Lead the school “colorful childhood choir” won all kinds of international, municipal, district choir competition gold medal.
Choir of Hangzhou Green Town Yuhua Hope Town School – Hangzhou – China
Conductor: Yuan Wei
Category C
Established in 2019, the Choir of Hangzhou Green Town Yuhua Hope Town School is a children choir full of fresh blood, with the average age of its members at 10 years old. With the Motto ‘Pursuing practical results, appreciating oneself and delighting others’, they train very hard, with their soul to perform beautiful music and art, and feel the charm of music in the chorus. The choir participates actively in the Yuhang District Primary and Secondary School Choral Festival, the Green Town Yuhua Group International Culture Festival and Competitions. The choir tries their best to improve themselves.
Panyu Xinghai Children’s Choir – Guangzhou – China
Conductor: Wei Qin
Categories A – C – D
Panyu Xinghai Children’s Choir, founded in March 2006, Mr. Qin Wei as the conductor. We are committed to building a children’s Choir under international specifications. The choir helps the members to get great improvement in the overall quality of musical expression, appreciation and creativity through efficient systematic trainings, which fully exerts the educational functions of a choir. In these years, the choir held frequently concerts and workshops and was reported many times by the radios, televisions, and news media reported. In July 2014, in the 8th World Choir Games held in Latvia we won a gold medal of category children’s choir in the championship competition. In July 2016, in the 9th World Choir Games held in Sochi we won three gold medals in the championship competition. In October 2018, in the Canta Al Mar festival Choir international held in Spanish we won three gold medals in the championship competition. In July 2019, in the Asia pacific choral summit 2019 held in Hong Kong we won the best interpretation of folklore.
Shenyang Radio and Television Children’s Choir – Shenyang – China
Conductor: Jiaqi Liu
Category C
Shenyang Radio and Television Children’s Choir was established in 2014. In the past seven years, it has had a strong influence at home and abroad. It has participated in many worlds’ choral competitions and large-scale performances at home and abroad. It won the Gold Medal of the 10th Brahms International Choral Competition in Germany in 2015, the 9th World Chorus Competition Championship in 2016, and the 7th Corfu International in Greece in 2018.
China Welfare Institute Children’s Palace Pu Jiang Youth Center Choir – Shanghai – China
Conductor: Dahong Wang
Category C
Pujiang Children’s Choir, Pujiang Children’s Activity Center of China Welfare Association, established since 2013, has developed into a multi-level standard echelon with vocal music enlightenment, chorus improvement and work singing class. The team combines individual ability and team ability development, on the one hand, focusing on solid vision, rhythm, singing methods and other basic singing ability to provide performance stage. In recent years, it began to continuously strengthen original song creation, explore personalized development mode, hire Chinese and foreign conductors to guide the chorus to professional chorus performance ability, to professional stage at home and abroad. Choir is one of the first member units to successfully apply for Shanghai Student Chorus Alliance in 2013. Choir conductor: Wang Dahong. Piano accompaniment: Li Ting. In recent years, major activities in the competition: in 2019, ‘Tribute to the New Era’ participated in the gold medal of the original program ‘Little Partner’ in the National gala tour of Primary and Secondary School Teachers and Students; in 2019, the choir participated in the first Shanghai Youth International Art Festival chorus performance ‘Big Partner’ and ‘Xian Nanduo’, and won the team winning award; in September 2019, the choir was invited to participate in the ‘China Charity Day’ organized performance of ‘Me and My Motherland’ by the Civil Affairs Bureau; in 2019, the choir was invited to participate in the ‘Times Child Star’ hosted by the Singapore and Hong Kong Musicians Association and won the honorary title of ‘Gold Education Base’ of the Art Education Team; during the severe outbreak of novel coronavirus in 2020, the original anti-epidemic song ‘Heart to Heart to Welcome the Blue Sky’ participated in the online exhibition of ‘Fight the Epidemic for Love’ launched by Shanghai Students Chorus Alliance and won the city’s ‘Art Heart Anti-epidemic Award’; in May 2020, the choir participated in the June 1 ‘Our Festival’ chorus ‘My Motherland’ of 100 groups hosted by the China Media Group; in September 2020, the choir was invited to participate in the 30th Magnolia Drama Award Fair and Mid-Autumn Festival party song singing ‘Tingting Magnolia’ hosted by Shanghai Radio and Television Station and Shanghai Culture and Tourism Bureau; in July 2021, he participated in the 2021 ‘Glorious Banner, Singing the Chinese Dream Together’ organized by China Chorus Association, the 11th China Charm Campus Chorus Festival, and won the second prize of B group singing in primary school; in 2021, under the guidance of Shanghai Municipal Education Commission, we jointly launched by Shanghai Student Chorus Alliance in the series of ‘I Sing to the Party’ with all members of the Alliance. The original song ‘With Spring Wave’ won the Original Excellent Works Award and Ode Award. The song composed and created ‘Sing a Folk Song to the Party’ won the Excellent Performance award, and my activity center won the Excellent Organization Award.
Nine Trees Future Art Center – Dreaming Choir – Shanghai – China
Conductor: Zhuangbing Lin
Category C
Nine Trees Future Art Center – Dreaming Choir. Combining the art of chorus and stage performance, it brings together professional teachers, management, and professional children’s chorus education system from China and abroad. Concerts choir are held regularly. In 2020, we gave an opening song ‘Silent nigh’ for musical ‘The Little Prince’. In 2021 we sung traditional Shanghai folk song with famous singers Wang Weiqian, Dai Jun. Sung ‘Maybe’ with vocal band named Voice Force on the grand theatre in Nine tree future art center.
Taiyuan Experimental Primary School Happy Childhood Chorus – Taiyuan – China
Conductor: Jia Liu
Category C
The New Chorus of “Happy Childhood” of Taiyuan Experimental Primary School was established in March 2019. First three years since its establishment, the group has won the first prize of Taiyuan city for three times and the first prize of Shanxi Province for once. It also performed well in the “Echo of the World” Spring Festival Concert. The name “happy childhood” is derived from the educational concept of happy life of the school. Grasp the good time of childhood and use artistic activities like chorus as a kind of implementation of aesthetic education, so that children can feel the harmonious rhythm of beauty in the collective. ‘The best time of my life was in my childhood’ Liu Jia, the leader of the group, hoped that every member would gain not only beautiful singing, but also pure friendship and tireless pursuit of chorus art.
Yue Feng Choir Of Zhanjiang University of Science and Technology – Zhanjiang – China
Conductor: Mingliang Yang
Category B
Established in 2015, Yue Feng Choir of Zhanjiang University of Science and Technology is a youthful and energetic youth choir of college students. Since its establishment, the choir has insisted on strict training and innovation, especially in terms of sound skills, harmony, and artistic performance. Through the unremitting efforts of teachers and students and under their systematic training, they have formed gradually main characteristics of ‘sincere feelings, pure timbre, and full of tension without losing simplicity’. In recent years, the choir has repeatedly participated in many choral performances and competitions inside and outside the University and has repeatedly achieved good results! It won the first class choir (Gold Medal) in the 15th China International Choral Festival, the second prize in the 5th National University Student Art Performances and the first prize in the 5th University Student Art Performances in Guangdong Province.
Choir Varpelis – Kaunas – Lithuania
Conductor: Renata Mišeikiene
Category C
Varpelis (‘Bell’ in English) is a boy’s and youth choir as well as a music school in Kaunas, the second largest city in Lithuania. The choir was founded in 1960 and it has had its own singing school since 1989. Here the boys receive extensive training in singing, piano playing, conducting and music theory from an early age. The choir has won various competitions in Lithuania. Numerous concert tours were performed with great success in countries like Poland, Austria, Norway, the Czech Republic, Italy, France, Germany, US and Japan. The choir has earned appreciation and is widely regarded for its international co-operation and highly professional performances. The repertoire of the choir includes works by famous Lithuanian composers (Čiurlionis, Naujalis, Miškinis) and those by great European composers (Mozart, Bach, Schubert, Gounod). Lithuanian folk music arrangements also have a permanent place in the choir’s programs. K. Plančiūnas was the artistic director and conductor for many years until 2021, when R. Mišeikiene took over these leadership roles.
Female Chamber Choir Ozarenie – Moscow – Russia
Conductor: Olga Burova
Category C
The Female Chamber Choir Ozarenie («Inspiration») of the Moscow music society is a renowned music ensemble that focuses both on Russian spiritual and folk music as well as on European music of the XIX-XXI centuries. The chamber choir ‘Ozarenie’ is run by Olga Burova. The choir has been performing on stage since 1995. Among the choir singers there are students of Moscow music universities and colleges, young music teachers and choral music lovers. Olga Burova says that the name «Ozarenie» popped up at the very moment the choir was formed. The name of the choir appeared to be a perfect blend of ‘the searching thought and emotional flare’. The choir is remarkable for its unique sounding. The distinguishable sound is due to a deep understanding and good collaboration of the choir members as well as to rich vocal skills of the soloists. The principal ambition of the choir is to surprise and to regale audience. The choir is eager to inspire the listeners by its trailblazing music experiments like combining a cappella sound of traditional Russian folk songs and Armenian duduk; or a modern adaptation of Christian anthems accompanied by a Scottish bagpipe orchestra; or performing motion implementation of artistic and philosophic concepts in modern pieces of music by contemporary Bulgarian and Finnish composers. There are several concert programs that have been traditionally included in every concert season of the choir. Among them we can name ‘Sacred chanting of Russian Abroad (world premiere in 2014), ‘Dialogue of epochs: Renaissance – Nowadays’, ‘Slavonic choral mosaic’, ‘British and French choral music’, ‘British Christmas’. The choir is an active member of the European and national choral communities. In 2003 the choir became a member of the European Choral Association – Europa Cantat (ECA-EC). In 2013 the choir joined the All-Russian Choral Society. The chamber choir «Ozarenie» initiates and successfully runs joint artistic projects in intensive collaboration with the leading European orchestras, composers and conductors among which there are Werner Pfaff (Germany), Denes Szabo (Hungary), Pavel Lukaszewski (Poland), Bob Chilcott (United Kingdom) and others. The choir is a regular participant of various significant music events such as conferences, festivals, workshops, masterclasses etc. The choir took part in ‘Cantemus 2007’ (Hungary, 2007), ‘Virgo Lauretana’ (Italy, 2002, 2014), ‘Alpe Adria Cantat’ (Italy, 2000, 2009), Worcester International Festival for Young Singers (WIFYS) (United Kingdom, 2013), The 1st and 2nd International Choral Methodical Assembly ChoirExpo (Russia, 2016, 2017) and others. The choir is a participant of the official program of the 11th World Choral Symposium WCSM (Spain, 2017). The choir ‘Ozarenie’ has performed in more than 11 countries. It has won several prestigious awards both in national and international competitions. Among awards obtained there are: International Choral Festival Kerkrade «CantaRode» (Kerkrade, Netherlands, 2018) – the Laureate of the 3rd degree; The 4th International Choir Festival ‘ InCanto Mediterraneo’ – 2015’ (Sicily, Italy) – the Grand Prix; The 4th International Choir Festival ‘ InCanto Mediterraneo’ – 2015’ (Sicily, Italy) – the Laureate of the 1st degree; The International Festival of Academic Choirs ‘IFAS’ (Czech Republic, 2012) – the winner in the nomination ‘Female choir’; The International Festival of Academic Choirs ‘IFAS’ (Czech Republic, 2012) – the winner of the Special Prize for interpretation of compulsory composition; The All-Russia award ‘Professionals are the pride of Russia’ (Moscow, 2012) – the winner in the nomination ‘Great Professional Skills, Creative Achievements, and Significant Contribution to the Development of the Russian Culture’; The international competition of choral music ‘Rimini International Choral Competition’ (Italy, 2011) – the golden medal and a nomination winner; The VII International Festival and Competition ‘Moscow is the City of the World’ (Moscow, 2008) – the Laureate of the 2nd degree; The International Competition of Choral Music ‘Florilege vocal de Tours’ (France, 2006) – the 2d prize in the category ‘Choir of equal voices’. The IV International Competition of Choral Music (Moscow, 2004) – the Laureate of the 1st degree.
Children’s Choir of the Trento Music School I Minipolifonici – Trento – Italy
Conductor: Annalia Nardelli
Category E
The Children’s Choir of the Trento Music School I Minipolifonici welcomes pupils aged 9 to 15 who are strongly interested in choral singing. It performs in Italy and abroad with a vast repertoire of specific choral literature and works such as: “Brundibar”, “La Reginella in Esilio”, and also works composed especially for the choir: “La Leggenda dei Rododendri” and “Amelia che sapeva volare” by V. Massetti. The Choir has participated in the Fim Festival della Montagna, Trento, “Stolen Child” by Francesco Pisanu, a multimedia work dedicated to the children victims of war, TEDxTrento and the Festival Musica ‘900 with “Friday Afternoon” op. 7 by B. Britten. In May 2017 the choir participated in the Festival Piccoli Dialoghi Musicali organised by O.M.I of Turin and the Conservatorio Statale di Musica “G. Verdi” of Turin. In 2019 it wins the 1st Prize at the VI Choral Competition in Riccione and in June 2020 it takes part in the Virtual Junior Choir Festival of A.N.D.C.I. In July 2021 it wins the 1st Prize with cup at the XII “Gianni Rodari” Competition. The Choir has been directed since its inception by Prof. Annalia Nardelli and Prof. Luca Pernice has been added to conduct it.
Chamber Choir Cantabile – Rogaška Slatina – Slovenia
Conductor: Andreja Došler
Categories C – D – E
The colourful rainbow of sounds of the Chamber Choir Cantabile is composed of young Slovene girls aged from 15 to 19, who are proud to preserve the love for singing especially Slovene songs. From various places and schools, we meet in singing sessions, where we share harmony in music and friendship. We celebrated our first year and half of our activities with enviable successes. With the desire to spread the Slovenian song around the world, we applied for the International Competition of Singing Choirs “CANTA AL MAR”, which took place in October 2018 in Calella. We competed in the F – folklore category, where we presented six Slovene songs in the Ambrož Čopi performance and won the golden diploma and 3rd place in the mentioned category. In November 2018, we presented ourselves in Radlje ob Dravi at Sozvočenje, a regional competition where we received a cash prize for the purchase of music. We were also one of the three award-winning choirs, who received recognition for an interesting composition and explanation of the programme. In March this year we were accepted into the international competition Aegis Carminis, which was first organized in Koper – Slovenia. Even though we were the least numerous choirs, we received a gold plaque with a quality vocal technique. Our last performance was held in Venice at the Claudio Monteverdi competition in 2019 right before the lockdown. We won golden diploma and overall, second place in the whole competition. We are proud to say we sing with love and joy. Our main attributes are friendship and how we connect in songs and become one with our conductor. We want to show the world what youth, strong will and hard work can do.
Academic Choir of the Lublin University of Technology – Lublin – Poland
Conductor: Elzbieta Krzeminska
Categories B – E
Lublin University of Technology Academic Choir was established in 1975. Elzbieta Krzeminska has been the Conductor and Director of Music since 1987. The Group consists of Lublin Technical University students, graduates and staff as well as students of other Lublin universities. The repertoire embraces wide variety of sacred, jazz folk songs of different cultures and oratorio pieces. The Choir participated in various prestigious national and international festivals, very often with great success: Academia Cantat ‘89 (Poland), Eurotreff ‘89 and ‘94 (Germany), Cant Coral ‘90 (Spain), Oskarshamn ‘93 (Sweden), Riva del Garda ‘96 (Italy) – Golden Diploma and Conductor Prize Winner, Rhodes ‘98 (Greece) – awarded the Bronze Medal, Grado ‘01 (Italy) – Golden Diploma, Winner of the Mixed Choir Category and Conductor Prize Winner, Oristano ‘03 (Italy – Sardinia), Coimbra ‘05 (Portugal), Bratislava ‘07 (Slovakia) – Golden Band and Conductor Prize Winner, Cantate Croatia ‘09 (Croatia), National Festival of University Choirs “Swiety Krzyz 2014” (Poland) – First Prize, 5th International Choir Competition and Festival “Cançó Mediterrània 2015” – Lloret de Mar (Spain) – two Golden and Silver Diplomas, 1st International Choir Competition “Adratic Pearl” in Dubrovnik (Croatia) in 2019 – two Golden Medals, 8th International Festival of Choral Music in Eišiškės (Lithuania) 2021 – 1st Prize, “Musica Orbis Prague Festival 2021” – Gold Medal. The Group has given concerts in most European countries. Since its very beginning, the Choir has been very much involved in the cultural life of the Technical University and the city. Owing to the cooperation with orchestras, such as the Lublin Philharmonic, Baltic Philharmonic and Torun Chamber Orchestra, the Choir had an opportunity to perform the following musical works: G. Rossini’s Stabat Mater, L. van Beethoven’s Symphony no. 9, A. Vivaldi’s Gloria, M.A. Charpentier’s Te Deum, J. Haydn’s Stabat Mater and Nelson Mass, J.S. Bach’s Wachet auf and Weihnachtsratorio, C.Orff’s Carmina Burana, G. Mahler’s Symphony no. 2 & 8, W.A. Mozart’s Coronation Mass, Requiem, Grand Mass in C minor, G. Puccini’s Messa di Gloria, W. Kilar’s Exodus, Angelus and Missa pro pace, G.F. Handel’s Messiah and Dixit Dominus. Good reviews of these performances were the result of great interpretations conveyed by conductors like: Sir David Willcocks, László Heltay, Krzysztof Missona, Wlodzimierz Szymanski, Zygmunt Rychert, Jerzy Salwarowski, Tadeusz Wojciechowski, Ruben Silva, Wojciech Rodek and Slawek A. Wróblewski. The Choir has so far recorded four albums. The strongest attribute, notwithstanding the high artistic level, is the special bond between the members, who after many years of creating wonderful music together remain close friends for a long time.
Tabasalu MA-MU Young Childrens Choir Harjumaa – Estonia
Conductor: Piret Puusta
Category C
Tabasalu MA-MU Childrens Choir and Tabasalu MA-MU Young Childrens Choir was established in autumn 2011 from girls of mathematics-music joint classes at Tabasalu School. In choir participates girls at age from 7 to 12 year`s. In addition to singing in choir, girls also have block flute lessons. The purpose of the choir is to value our cultural heritage, traditions and introduce our cultural diversity. The choir`s music teacher and the conductor is Piret Puusta. The MM-MU choirs have attended in several project based concerts, song festivals and concerts. For example choir has participated in the 26th Estonian Song and 19th Dance Celebration (Tallinn, Estonia 2014); in 6th International Festival of Choirs and Orchestras (Venice and Jesolo, Italy 2015), The International contest ‘Sea Sun Festival’ (Lloret de Mar and Costa Brava, Spain 2016), The International Festival competition tour ‘Legends of the Mediterranean’ (Llorete de Mar, Spain 2017), 12th Youth Song Celebration „Here I`ll Stay’ (Tallinn, Estonia 2017), 2nd ‘Lorenzo de Medici’ International Choral Festival’ (Firenze, Italy 2018), International Choir Contest ‘A Golden Voices of Montserrat’ (Montserrat, Spain 2019), 27th Song and 20th Dance Celebrations „My Fatherland is My Love’ (Tallinn, Estonia 2019).
Una Voce – Columbus – USA
Conductor: Jeanne Vohlgamuth
Category A
Una Voce of Columbus Children’s Choir. Conducted by Artistic Director Jeanne Wohlgamuth and comprising students in ninth through twelfth grade, the singers of Una Voce possess the technique and artistry to perform with word-class ensembles such as the Columbus Symphony Orchestra. Una Voce has had the honor of performing in some of the most prestigious national venues, including the White House. On the international stage, Una Voce has performed in Germany, Russia, Italy, France, Canada, Austria, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Slovenia, and Spain. Singers from Una Voce traveled to Barcelona, Segovia, and Grenada Spain in June 2014, where they performed at the prestigious International Festival of Music and Dance of Grenada. During the summer of 2017 Una Voce traveled to Austria and Hungary where they engaged in a collaboration/concert with the Vienna Boys’ Choir and served as a demonstration/performance choir for the 29th International Kodály Choral Symposium. Members of Una Voce have been featured on ESPN, and NBC4, singing the National Anthem for thousands of spectators. Closer to home, Una Voce were honored to join the Columbus Youth Symphony Orchestra for a joint concert at Carnegie Hall during the summer of 2018.
New World Singers – Columbus – USA
Conductor: Jeanne Vohlgamuth
Category C
The New World Singers of Columbus Children’s Choir. Praised as “rare, radiant, and beautiful” by composer Nick Page, the New World Singers of Columbus Children’s Choir are no strangers to the public arena. Conducted by Artistic Director Jeanne Wohlgamuth and comprising students in sixth through twelfth grade, the New World Singers possess the technique and artistry to perform with word-class ensembles such as the Columbus Symphony. Columbus Children’s Choir has had the honor of performing in some of the most prestigious national venues, including the White House. On the international stage, the New World Singers have performed in Germany, Russia, Italy, France, Canada, Austria, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Slovenia, and Spain. The New World Singers traveled to Barcelona, Segovia, and Grenada Spain in June 2014, where they performed at the prestigious International Festival of Music and Dance of Grenada. During the summer of 2017 the New World Singers traveled to Austria and Hungary where they engaged in a collaboration/concert with the Vienna Boys’ Choir and served as a demonstration/performance choir for the the 29th International Kodály Choral Symposium. NWS has been featured on ESPN, and NBC4, singing the National Anthem for thousands of spectators. Closer to home, New World Singers were honored to join the Columbus Youth Symphony Orchestra for a joint concert at Carnegie Hall in June 2018. In 2010, 2019, and 2021 they were awarded The American Prize in Choral Performance in the youth choir division. This summer they will embark on a performance based tour to Wales and the United Kingdom where the hope to compete in the 2022 Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod, a competitive festival of music in Wales. This year marks the 26th season of Columbus Children’s Choir, and while much has changes since it inception, CCC’s commitment to its community and artistic excellence remains the same. Columbus Children’s Choir serves 500+ students and teachers with educational offerings including educator workshops, master classes, clinics, and our longstanding programs for children in kindergarten through twelfth grade—all with the mission of fostering the personal growth of children through meaningful experiences in music education and vocal performance.
Ottophony – Kuala Lumpur – Malaysia
Conductor: Darrel Chan
Category E
Ottophony, founded in 2017 at Young Choral Academy, consists of a group of young talented singers who share a common passion for making music together. They began life as a vocal quintet, making their debut at the MIA Ladies Chorus Fund Raising Concert in 2017. Since then, they have developed as a vocal octet and was featured in Young Malaysian Go Classics Vol. II where they premiered Ken Ho’s arrangement of Rolling In the Deep, and was Guest Performer in SJK(c) Davidson Choral Exchange in 2018. Ottophony has competed in the 2018 Hong Kong International Music Festival in the category Vocal Ensemble, where they achieved a Gold Award, and also achieved a High Distinction in the ABRSM Choral Assessment Exams in 2018.Last year, the group embarked on a tour, performing in several high schools in the southern region of Malaysia. They also performed with two renowned Singaporean choirs, Voce Men’s Chorus and Voce Ladies Chorus and were also invited to Singapore to sing in Sacred Polyphony 2 Festival, performing alongside Creatus Chamber (Singapore) and the Byrd Consort (Australia). Recently, Ottophony performed in a staged production of Karl Jenkin’s work Adiemus together with Gaudeamus Youth Choir, choreographed by Kenny Shim and been invited to perform at the Hungarian Embassy’s Gala Dinner celebrating 50th anniversary of Hungary and Malaysia diplomatic relations. In 2020, Darrel Chan, young conductor who has studied in the UK, has been appointed as the Artistic Director of the group.
Beijing Normal University Zhuhai Campus “Boundless Love” Choir – Zhuhai – China
Conductor: Duomi Liu
Category B
Beijing Normal University Zhuhai Campus Boundless Love Choir. Established in March 2021, Beijing Normal University Zhuhai Campus Boundless Love Choir is a university folk choir with students who love music. With four voices soprano, alto, tenor and bass in the choir, students use spare time to rehearse worldwide choral works including classical choral works and a cappella choral works. Since its establishment, the choir has been committed to improving the musical ability of non-music major students through choral rehearsal, spreading diverse music cultures, then more students can enjoy music and sing together.
Guangzhou No.16 Middle School Choir – Guangzhou – China
Conductor: Xing Xing
Category C
Guangzhou No.16 Middle School Choir. Since its establishment in 1983, Guangzhou No.16 Middle School Choir has won excellent results in various culture festivals and competitions in international and national levels including in Guangdong, Guangzhou, Yuexiu. They have performed in various large-scale cultural and sports event, National Day celebrations, in Xinghai Concert Hall and TV stations. They won praise from all walks of life. The choir has successively won many titles including Guangzhou high-level art group, Guangzhou excellent choral unit, Guangzhou excellent choir and Guangzhou excellent art troupe.
GZHU Student Art Ensemble Choir – Guangzhou – China
Conductors: Hongtao Wang and Li Gong
Category A – B
GZHU Student Art Ensemble Choir. Established for 19 years, GZHU Student Art Ensemble Choir is one of the oldest societies of Guangzhou University. The choir with four voices: soprano, alto, tenor and bass sing a wide range of Chinese and foreign songs, including a cappella in the scope of their study. Since its establishment, the choir has been committed to promoting non-music major students of music lovers to sing and learn basic music theory, to receive professional music education, and experience the beauty of music in a balanced three-dimensional harmony. By using their voices, they sing songs and express their feelings.
La Vie Young Chorus of Hangzhou Caihe NO.2 Primary School – Hangzhou – China
Conductor: Ming Zheng
Category C
La Vie Young Chorus of Hangzhou Caihe NO.2 Primary School is a school-level choir with students in grades 3-6. The chorus adheres to the school education philosophy, promoting students to enjoy music in the chorus, experience the happiness in the world of music. In 2020, the chorus has won the first prize in the choral competition in Jianggan District Elementary and Middle School Students Culture Festival, and the first prize in the choral competition in Hangzhou Elementary and Middle School Students Culture Festival. Besides, in 2018, the choir went to Austria and performed at the United Nations headquarters in Vienna, the Golden Hall in Vienna, and local churches etc. For this year’s theme event ‘Ideal Illuminates China’ planned and organized by the State Administration of Radio, Film and Television to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China, the chorus sang ‘Eight Sisters’.
Liwan Children’s Choir of China – Guangzhou – China
Conductor: Huikun Li
Categories C – D
Liwan Children’s Choir of China has grown rapidly in recent years and has become one of the excellent children’s chorus brands in our province. With its fresh and pure timbre, changeable style of music, interpretation of love stronger than sound and expressive performance form, it has formed a unique and charming singing style, and has won more than 10 gold awards in top competitions at home and abroad for many times. Since 2014, it has been held in: ‘the 12th China International Chorus Festival’, ‘the 9th German John Brahms International Chorus Competition’, ‘the 9th Olympique world chorus competition’ and ‘the first Maastricht International Chorus Festival ‘Won five international gold medals in the 11th world peace Chorus Festival and other international competitions; He was invited to participate in the choirs concert of ‘harmony of southern Guangdong’, which represents the highest level of chorus in Guangdong Province, and important performances in various provinces and cities, and won high praise and social reputation in the industry.
Shenzhen Pingshan Foreign Languages School Children’s Choir – Shenzhen – China
Conductor: Xueni Zhang
Categories C – D
Shenzhen Pingshan Foreign Languages School Children’s Choir. Established in February 2017 and currently with more than 70 members, Shenzhen Pingshan Foreign Languages School Children’s Choir adheres to the mission of ‘promoting traditional Chinese culture and singing songs from all over the world’, building a complete and outstanding choral team. In recent years, as ‘excellent demonstration group’ in the district, the choir has won the gold medal in the municipal choral competition and the first prize in the district choral competition. They participated in exchange performances in Shenzhen and Dongguan.
Qinghai Embroidery Industry Association Suolonggu Cultural Tourism Co.Ltd Stupid Boy Choir – Qinghai – China
Conductor: Xiaohua Su
Category A
The Qinghai Embroidery Industry Association Suolonggu Cultural Tourism Co.Ltd Stupid Boy Choir was established in September 2018. At the beginning of its establishment, the first session was composed of more than 40 boys from the first grade to the second grade. Now it has developed to the third session. There are 67 members and one leader, Feng Jianxin (principal). Two deputy heads: Wu Wenbin and Feng Boxuan (students), one conductor Su Xiaohua (teacher), one art director Cang Haiping (special invitation), one piano accompaniment Li Jinhu (teacher), one vocal director one Lei Hai (special invitation). Since its establishment, the chorus has participated in many provincial and municipal competitions and various performances and has achieved outstanding results and has been well received by all sectors of society. In December 2018, the three-voice chorus “You at the same table” rehearsed in the Qinghai Province Youth and Children Vocal and Instrumental Chorus Competition to commemorate the 40 years of reform and opening up won the gold medal in the middle school group singing competition; January 2019 participated in Xining, Qinghai Province TV station “New Era. New Boys” Children’s TV Spring Festival Gala; January 2021 rehearsed a cappella “The Descendants of the Dragon” participated in the Xining TV “Children’s Heart Ode to the Party. Dreams Flying” Children’s TV Spring Festival Gala; May 2021 My original musical work “Blue Embroidery” sung by the choir participated in the online participation of the 11th World Peace Chorus Festival and won the Bronze Award. I won the Outstanding Conductor Award; more than 40 students won the Peace Angel Award.