The Banjalučanke Women’s Chamber Choir will participate in the 23rd International Choir Competition “Venezia in Musica,” taking place from October 23 to 27 in Venice and Caorle, Italy, bringing together choirs from nine countries.
Choir conductor Mladen Matović told Srna that Banjalučanke has maintained its professionalism and artistic excellence for half a century, successfully overcoming challenges while preserving and promoting both traditional and contemporary choral music.
He emphasized that the upcoming competition in Italy represents another opportunity for the ensemble to maintain its high standing on the international stage.
“The choir’s long history is not the only evidence of the importance of Banjalučanke to Republika Srpska and BiH. Its significance is also reflected in the distinctive way it preserves and presents our cultural heritage,” Matović said.
Returning to Venice after 15 years
Considering the number of participating countries, the quality of the competing ensembles and the reputation of a competition with more than two decades of tradition, Matović described the opportunity to represent Banja Luka and Republika Srpska as a great honor and privilege.
“After a full 15 years, the Banjalučanke Choir is returning to the competition in Venice, where we won a gold medal and took first place in the women’s choir category back in 2011,” Matović recalled.
The competition will feature choirs from Germany, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Croatia, Romania, Poland, South Korea and Italy, alongside Banjalučanke.
International jury to evaluate performances
Banjalučanke will perform a carefully selected repertoire featuring works by prominent domestic composers.
The competing ensembles will be evaluated by an international expert jury consisting of distinguished composers, conductors and choral music specialists: Battista Pradal from Italy, Maria Fürntratt from Austria and Aarne Saluveer from Estonia.
The competition will take place in the impressive Cathedral of St. Stephen, renowned for its exceptional acoustics, providing a prestigious setting for the participating choirs.
Source: RTRS
