Armonia Choir

8th-10th July 2025

2nd International Choral Conductors' Competition of Preveza

2nd International Choral Conductors' Competition of Preveza
Following the success of its first edition, the 2nd International Choral Conducting Competition returns to Preveza as part of the 43rd Preveza International Choral Festival, from July 8 to 10, 2025. The competition offers a remarkable opportunity for young conductors to showcase their talent and artistic approach by leading distinguished choirs before an international audience and a renowned jury. Participants will be selected through a preliminary round and will have the chance to conduct two acclaimed ensembles: the Children's Section of the Choral Society "Armonia" of Preveza and the KGBL Chamber Choir of the Conservatorium of Music and Ballet Ljubljana. The competition is divided into two categories: A) Conductors of Mixed Adult Choirs, and B) Conductors of Children's Choirs. The contestants will be evaluated by an international jury of eight prominent choral experts from Asia, Europe, and America. The evaluation will be based on both technical and artistic criteria, and the competition will offer significant prizes and special distinctions, including invitations for international collaborations. The winner of the competition will be honored with the opportunity to conduct the renowned Taipei Philharmonic Chamber Choir in concerts held in Taiwan, as part of a special collaboration that highlights the international prestige of the competition. Preveza once again becomes a hub of musical creativity and innovation, hosting a new generation of artists in a high-level competition that brings together musical education, cultural exchange, and international cooperation. Participation promises inspiration, artistic growth, and professional development for all young conductors aspiring to leave their mark on the global choral scene.

JURY AND MARKS

1. Members of the Jury and Work of the Jury

The jury will consist of 8 esteemed members, choral music experts from Greece and abroad.

Demonstrative Choirs

KGBL Chamber Choir

The KGBL Chamber Choir is a distinguished vocal ensemble from the Conservatorium of Music and Ballet Ljubljana (Slovenia), conducted by internationally renowned choral conductor and composer Ambrož Čopi. Comprising around 40 young singers, the choir is dedicated to advancing vocal technique, exploring a wide and challenging repertoire, and reaching the highest artistic standards. It collaborates regularly with esteemed vocal coaches Edita Garčević Koželj and Tatjana Vasle. The choir's repertoire spans from Renaissance polyphony to contemporary works, with a special emphasis on promoting new choral music. It has commissioned and premiered numerous works by prominent composers, including Lojze Lebič, Tadeja Vulc, Damijan Močnik, Črt Sojar-Voglar, Peter Šavli, Andrej Makor, and others, positioning itself as a leading platform for young Slovenian composers. The KGBL Chamber Choir has earned significant recognition both nationally and internationally. It has received top prizes at major competitions, including the Grand Prix in Moscow (2016), first prize at the national competition "Naša pesem" in Maribor (2016), multiple awards in Tolosa, Spain (2017), and Cork, Ireland (2019). In 2023, it was awarded two gold prizes and the "Choir of the World" title. The choir has appeared at renowned festivals and concert venues across Europe and Asia, with performances in Sweden, Spain, Switzerland, China, Taiwan, Italy, Austria, France, Hungary, Malaysia, and Singapore. Notable appearances include the MITO Festival (Italy), Taipei International Choral Festival (Taiwan), and Florilège Vocal de Tours (France). The KGBL Chamber Choir has released three acclaimed recordings: *Credo*, *Timeless*, and *Ubi caritas et amor*. Through its artistic excellence and commitment to innovation, the choir continues to inspire audiences and foster the next generation of choral talent.

Preveza Children's Choir "Armonia"

The Preveza Children's Choir "Armonia" was founded in 1983 by the Choral Society "Armonia" of Preveza, and has since become one of the most significant centers for musical education and cultural creativity in Greece. Comprising children aged 8 to 17, the choir serves as an incubator for musical training and artistic development, actively contributing to the promotion of choral art. "Armonia" has received numerous distinctions in both national and international competitions, with participations and awards in countries such as Italy, Hungary, Poland, Bulgaria, and more. The choir has collaborated with esteemed conductors and composers, and its repertoire spans from Renaissance works to contemporary compositions, with a special focus on modern Greek and international music for children's choirs. It was twice recognized as the best Greek children’s choir at the International Choral Festival of Athens. In October 2023, it won the gold medal and 1st place at the 18th International "Gaude Cantem" Competition in Poland. In 2024, it was selected for the Eurochestries International Festival in France, where it collaborated with youth orchestras and performed 10 concerts showcasing Greek repertoire. The Preveza Children's Choir "Armonia" is a cornerstone of the International Choral Festival of Preveza and has played a decisive role in establishing it as one of the most important choral music festivals in Europe. Through its consistent artistic presence, the choir promotes values such as teamwork, discipline, expression, and cultural exchange. The choir is conducted by Anelia Stefanova, a conductor with extensive experience in leading children's and youth choirs. With dedication and a strong artistic vision, the Preveza Children's Choir "Armonia" continues to inspire both locally and internationally, conveying its passion for music through every performance.

APPLICATION

1. Participation

The competition is open for choral conductors born after 6th July 1990.

Competition is organized in two categories: Each conductor can apply for one or both Categories.

👉Category - A, MIXED CHOIR CONDUCTORS (three rounds):

  • Rehearsal with KGBL Chamber Choir - Renaissance Music (1st Round)
  • Rehearsal with KGBL Chamber Choir - Romantic and early 20th Century Music (2nd Round)
  • Public concert with KGBL Chamber Choir (3rd Round-Finale)

👉Category - B, CHILDREN'S CHOIR CONDUCTORS (one round):

  • Rehearsal with 'Armonia' Children's Choir of Preveza

Official language of the competition is English. The competition is open to a public audience (except for the afternoon rehearsal with the choir for the final concert). Competitors cannot attend the round in the hall if they are competing.

2. Application Materials

Deadline for application: April 25th, 2025.

Required documents:

  • CV (biography)
  • An interesting picture in high resolution
  • A DVD of a concert and a rehearsal - the choir conducted by the competitor.
  • The conductor must be clearly seen, from far away.
  • The recording should be at least 15 minutes long and not prior to July 6th, 2020.
  • Recommendation letter from a conducting professor, a reputable choral expert, or the national choral organization of the competitor's country.

JURY EVALUATION & COMPETITION STRUCTURE

1. Evaluation Criteria

Every member of the jury will evaluate the conductor with a numerical estimate of up to 100 points in each round. Considered when evaluating:

  • Manual technique of the conductor
  • Concept of the rehearsal with the choir
  • Interpretation
  • Contact with the choir

Each conductor will have a chance to speak with the jury members after the competition about their presentations and receive suggestions for their future work.

2. Category A - Mixed Choir Conductors Competition

The points from the 1st and 2nd rounds shall be added together. The top three candidates will participate in the 3rd round (Finals).

The performance in the finals will be evaluated as follows:

  • Jury: 80%
  • Choir: 20%

3. Declaration of Results

Category A - Mixed Choir Conductors

The names of the participants for the 3rd round will be announced two hours after the 2nd round ends. The final results will be announced after the Opening Ceremony of the International Choral Festival of Preveza on Thursday, July 10th, 2025.

The decisions of the jury are final. Appeals are not possible.

Category B - Children's Choir Conductors

The results will be publicly announced after the Opening Ceremony on Thursday, July 10th, 2025.

The decisions of the jury are final. Appeals are not possible.

COMPETITION SCHEDULE

💠 Category A - Mixed Choir Conductors (Three Rounds)

TUESDAY, July 8th, 2025

  • 9:00 a.m. - Arrival, registration
  • 9:30 a.m. - Draw of order and compositions for 1st and 2nd rounds
  • 10:00 a.m. - 1st Round Competition (KGBL Chamber Choir)
  • 6:00 p.m. - 2nd Round Competition (KGBL Chamber Choir)
  • 9:30 p.m. - Announcement of competitors for finals & draw for final compositions

WEDNESDAY, July 9th, 2025

  • 3:00 p.m. - 3rd Round (Finals) / Part 1 - Rehearsal with KGBL Chamber Choir
  • 8:30 p.m. - 3rd Round (Finals) / Part 2 - Concert with KGBL Chamber Choir

💠 Category B - Children's Choir Conductors (One Round)

THURSDAY, July 10th, 2025

  • 9:00 a.m. - Arrival, registration
  • 9:30 a.m. - Draw of order and compositions
  • 10:00 a.m. - One Round Competition ('Armonia' Children's Choir of Preveza)

💠 Prize Giving Ceremony

THURSDAY, July 10th, 2025 - 9:00 p.m.

Opening Ceremony of the International Choral Festival of Preveza & Prize Giving Ceremony for Choral Conductors Competition.

The organizer holds the right to make changes in the schedule according to the number of participants. Any changes will be communicated to participants.

AWARDS & MEDALS

DIPLOMAS

All participants will receive a diploma of participation.

💠 CATEGORY A - Mixed Choir Conductors

  • 🥇 1st Prize: 1,000.00 €, Gold Medal, and Diploma
  • 🏆 Taipei Philharmonic Chamber Choir Award - Invitation to conduct a concert in 2026/2027
  • 🥈 2nd Prize: 500.00 €, Silver Medal, and Diploma
  • 🥉 3rd Prize: 300.00 €, Bronze Medal, and Diploma

💠 CATEGORY B - Children's Choir Conductors

  • 🥇 1st Prize: 500.00 €, Festival Medal, and Diploma
  • 🥈 2nd Prize: 300.00 €, Festival Medal, and Diploma
  • 🥉 3rd Prize: 250.00 €, Festival Medal, and Diploma

Scoring System

The jury evaluates competitors with points from 0 to 80. The assembly evaluates from 0 to 20 points. The final round does not carry over previous scores.

  • 1st Prize: Minimum of 90 points
  • 2nd Prize: Minimum of 85 points
  • 3rd Prize: Minimum of 80 points

SPECIAL AWARDS

The jury may award the following special recognitions:

  • Special Award for the Most Inspiring Conductor
  • Special Award for Well-Thought-Out Pedagogic Approach
  • Special Award for the Most Promising Young Conductor (Born after July 2000)
  • Special Award for Best Performance of Contemporary Composition (Finals)
  • Special Award for Best Performance of Renaissance Composition (Finals)
  • Special Award for Best Performance of Romantic Composition (Finals)
  • Special Award for Best Greek Conductor

The jury may propose additional prizes.

THE CHOIR'S SPECIAL AWARD

The KGBL Chamber Choir will present a special practical prize for the most charismatic choral conductor at the Final Concert.

Taipei Philharmonic Chamber Choir (Taiwan)

Taipei Philharmonic Chamber Choir (TPCC) is a 30-voice chamber choir from Taiwan. Established in 1993 out of the 150-voice Taipei Philharmonic Chorus (founded in 1972), TPCC has performed internationally in over 40 cities across all continents.

The choir has participated in various International Choral Festivals, such as the International Chamber Choir Festival in Latvia (1995), the 4th World Symposium on Choral Music in Sydney, Australia (1996), Festival Vancouver (2000 & 2009), Asia-South-Pacific Symposium on Choral Music in Singapore (2001), the 6th World Symposium on Choral Music in Minneapolis/St. Paul, U.S.A. (2002), Oregon Bach Festival in Eugene, U.S.A. (2006), Zempléni Fesztivál and Cantemus Festival in Hungary (2007 & 2014), ACDA National Convention in Chicago (2011), Polyfollia Festival in Saint Lo, France (2013), Melbourne Festival in Australia and the Next Wave Festival in New York, U.S.A. (2017), among others.

In 2016, TPCC performed in the “Holy Mass and Canonization of Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta” in the Vatican. In 2023, TPCC was one of 10 international choirs featured in the World Symposium on Choral Music in Türkiye.

The current Music Director of TPCC is Dr. Yu-Chung Johnny Ku, with Professor Dirk DuHei as the Artistic Director. The choir frequently collaborates with internationally renowned conductors such as Helmuth Rilling, Maria Guinand, Gábor Hollerung, Jonathan Velasco, Theodora Pavlovitch, Fred Sjöberg, André Thomas, Jānis Liepiņš, Alexander Solovyev, and Ambrož Čopi.

TPCC's repertoire spans from renaissance to contemporary, including European classics, Asian compositions, and Taiwanese and Chinese heritage music. Since 1993, TPCC has commissioned and premiered over 200 new works. Their albums have been consistently nominated for the “Golden Melody Award,” winning “Best Album” and “Best Singing Performance” awards multiple times.

Dr. Yu-Chung Johnny Ku is the Music Director of Taipei Philharmonic Chorus and TPCC, as well as the Taipei International Choral Festival and Competition. He is an active conductor of choirs, orchestras, operas, musical theaters, and pop concerts. He has led performances, masterclasses, and lectures in over 20 countries and worked as Chorus Master for more than 50 operatic and choral-symphonic productions with the National Symphony Orchestra, National Taiwan Symphony Orchestra, and National Kaohsiung Center for the Arts.

Additionally, Dr. Ku has served as an adjudicator in international competitions such as the World Choir Games, World Choral Festival, Bali International Choral Competition, Singapore International Choral Competition, Penabur International Choir Festival, and Busan Choral Festival and Competition. He holds a D.M.A. from the College Conservatory of Music at the University of Cincinnati and a master's degree from Temple University.

Competition Program / Category - A, Choir Conductors

1st Round

Tuesday, July 8th, 2025, at 10:00 a.m.

Rehearsal with KGBL Chamber Choir (conductor Ambrož Čopi)

Renaissance music - Max. 8 participants

  • Each participant conducts the obligatory composition (no rehearsing) and rehearses for 20 minutes on a compulsory composition and one composition drawn by lot.

List of compositions:

  • Obligatory piece: William Byrd (1543–1624) - Ave Verum Corpus
  • Compulsory piece: Giovanni Gabrieli (1557–1612) - Jubilate Deo
  • Drawn by lot: Jacob Handl - Gallus (1550–1591) - Duo Seraphim OM 3/1 or Media Vita OM 1/65

2nd Round

Tuesday, July 8th, 2025, at 6:00 p.m.

Romantic music - Max. 8 participants

  • Each participant conducts the obligatory composition (no rehearsing) and rehearses for 20 minutes on a compulsory composition and one composition drawn by lot.

List of compositions:

  • Obligatory piece: Gabriel Fauré (1845–1924) - Cantique de Jean Racine, op. 11
  • Compulsory piece: Giuseppe Verdi (1813–1901) - Pater Noster
  • Drawn by lot: Hugo Wolf (1860–1903) - Im Stillen Friedhof or Johannes Brahms (1833–1897) - Ein Deutsches Requiem, op. 45

3rd Round - Finals

Wednesday, July 9th, 2025, at 3:00 p.m.

Each participant has 70 minutes to prepare two obligatory compositions and two additional compositions drawn by lot.

List of compositions:

  • Obligatory compositions: Giovanni Gabrieli - Jubilate Deo, Giuseppe Verdi - Pater Noster
  • 21st-century compositions (drawn by lot): Works by Tine Bec, Federica Lo Pinto, Andrej Makor, Klara Mlakar, Ambrož Čopi, Tadeja Vulc

Final Concert

Wednesday, July 9th, 2025, at 8:30 p.m.

Public concert with KGBL Chamber Choir. Each participant performs the two obligatory compositions and the two compositions drawn by lot.

Competition Program / Category - B, Children’s Choir Conductors

Round - Thursday, July 10th, 2025, at 10:00 a.m.

Rehearsal with ‘Armonia’ Children's Choir of Preveza (conductor Aneliya Hristova Stefanova)

  • Max. 5 participants
  • Each participant conducts the obligatory composition (no rehearsing) and rehearses for 20 minutes on the compulsory piece and one movement of Petite Mass drawn by lot.

List of compositions:

  • Obligatory piece: Konstantinos Matis (1979), arr. - TO MARGOUTHI (traditional Thrace, Greece)
  • Compulsory piece: Tasos Pappas (1926-1970), arr. - TESSERA PIMENIKA ASMATA (traditional Greek songs)
  • Drawn by lot: John Leavitt (1956) - Petite Mass (I. Kyrie Eleison, II. Gloria, III. Agnus Dei)

Financial Obligations

Application fee: 100 EUR (non-refundable), paid upon application.

Accommodation, food, and transportation costs are covered by participants.

Other Competitions