GOLD MEDAL AND CHAMPIONSHIP TITLE FOR “BANJALUČANKE” IN FINLAND

The Women’s Chamber Choir “Banjalučanke” achieved another major international success by winning a gold medal and claiming first place in the traditional music category at the recently concluded “NORDIC VOICES COMPETITION” international choral contest.

PHOTO: Glas Srpske

Organized by the World Choir Association INTERKULTUR, the competition was held from May 14 to 18 in the Finnish city of Lahti.

Under the artistic direction of composer, conductor, and professor Mladen Matović, “Banjalučanke” performed as the only representative of Republika Srpska and Bosnia and Herzegovina at this prestigious licensed international competition. The festival brought together 22 choirs from Estonia, Finland, Türkiye, the United States, China, and Sweden through both competitive and gala performances.

IMPRESSIVE VENUE AND WORLD-CLASS JURY

The competing choirs were evaluated by an international jury composed of renowned choral music experts: Marlin de Bo, Mia Makaroff, and Ben Parry. The artistic director of this year’s competition was celebrated Swedish conductor Fred Sjöberg.

The event took place in the magnificent Sibelius Hall, considered one of Europe’s finest acoustic concert halls. The choir from Banja Luka performed selected compositions by distinguished domestic composers, while solo performances were delivered by Žaklina Gligorić, Jelena Vulin, and Marija Popović. Instrumental support was provided in two compositions by pianist Mladen Janković and percussionist Andrej Pektović.

In addition to the competition performances, “Banjalučanke” also delivered two highly acclaimed gala appearances during their stay in Finland. At the invitation of the festival’s Artistic Council in Lahti, the choir performed at the prestigious “Nordic Night” gala concert alongside renowned choirs from the United States, Finland, and Sweden. A day later, they also appeared at the official winners’ concert of the competition.

MLADEN MATOVIĆ: THIS TITLE HAS SPECIAL VALUE

“We are extremely happy and proud that we managed to continue the continuity of high-quality international performances on the world choral scene. Our category featured the largest number of choirs, which makes this victory even more significant for us,” said Matović.

He publicly congratulated all members of the ensemble for another outstanding presentation of their culture and art, emphasizing the dedication, love, and effort invested in what has become the choir’s 21st international award.

Matović also highlighted the importance of performing in Sibelius Hall, describing it as a unique artistic experience, while the positive reactions from audiences, fellow conductors, and jury members will serve as additional motivation for the choir’s future projects.

Following a short break, “Banjalučanke” will continue their concert and competition season with performances marking World Music Day, recording a new compact disc, and participating in an upcoming competition in Venice.

AMONG THE WORLD’S BEST CHAMBER CHOIRS

Over the past fifteen years, the choir has achieved the most significant results in its history. Their collection of awards includes gold medals won at competitions in Linz, Amsterdam, Venice, Malta, Budapest, Barcelona, Magdeburg, Kalamata, Riva del Garda, and Rome.

The ensemble also earned two Olympic silver medals at World Choir Games held in China and the United States, while their greatest achievement remains winning three consecutive Olympic gold medals at the World Choir Olympics in Riga, Sochi, and South Africa.

Thanks to these accomplishments, the Women’s Chamber Choir “Banjalučanke” has been included on the official INTERKULTUR – Musica Mundi ranking list of the Top 50 Chamber Choirs and Vocal Ensembles in the world.

The choir is also the recipient of prestigious social recognitions and honors, including the Golden Coat of Arms of the City of Banja Luka and the Order of Njegoš, Second Class, awarded for contributions to the promotion of culture and the arts.

The participation of “Banjalučanke” at the competition in Finland was supported by the Office of the President of Republika Srpska and the City of Banja Luka.