44th International Choral Festival of Preveza

Mol, Belgium Conductor: Jasmien Gys

The Female Chamber Choir Caloroso is one of the six choirs of the Caloroso choir family. The ensemble was founded in 2010 as a project choir, originally created to record a CD. In 2012, it continued with another important project, performing the world premiere of Bestiarium by Maarten Van Ingelgem and Karel Van Marcke. Since 2017, the women's ensemble has become part of Caloroso's regular weekly choir activities and appeared in the 15th anniversary concert of the choir family. In 2019, the choir gave its first adjudicated performance at Korenfestival Vlaanderen. In 2021, it entered its first competition, the World Choir Games in Flanders, where it won first place in its category. In 2023, the ensemble took part in its first international competition abroad, Sound Waves Linz, again winning first prize in its category and being invited to perform in the final. In 2025, it participated in the international choral festival CantaRode in Kerkrade, achieving an impressive 7th place. Since September 2020, the choir has been conducted by Jasmien Gys, a conductor, singer and educator. In 2025, she received the Most Promising Young Conductor award at CantaRode.

Zele, Belgium Conductor: Filip Haentjens

The women’s choir Makeblijde was founded in 1943 by Josee Standaert, whose dedication soon brought the choir national recognition. Under her leadership, Makeblijde became first laureate of the Radio School Choir competition, won the Golden Chord of the City of Brussels, and received a Summa Cum Laude first prize at the European Music Festival for Young People in Neerpelt. In 1983, Josee Standaert was succeeded by Annemie Moens, a professional vocal coach who further refined the choir’s vocal technique and musicianship. Since 1996, Makeblijde has been conducted by Filip Haentjens, marking a period of remarkable artistic growth and international recognition. The choir was awarded the title Choir of the Year 2005-2006, also winning the audience prize in the same competition. In 2008, it was promoted to the highest honorary division of the East Flanders Choir Tournaments, a distinction it has maintained ever since. Internationally, Makeblijde has received prestigious awards in Italy, Greece, Turkey, Spain, Lithuania and the Czech Republic. Recent highlights include two gold medals at the “Musica Orbis” competition in Prague in 2022 and double gold with category wins at the “Musica Eterna” competition in Rome in 2024, confirming Makeblijde’s position among Europe’s leading female choirs.

Gøta, Faroe Islands Conductor: Símun Hammer

Gøtu Kirkju Ungdómskór (Gøtu Church Youth Choir) was founded in September 2011 and is part of the local Lutheran church in the village of Gøta in the Faroe Islands. The choir consists of about 30 young singers, girls and boys, and its mission is to perform choral music at a high and engaging artistic level, while maintaining an active concert programme throughout the country. Since 2014, the choir has regularly sought artistic challenges beyond the Faroe Islands, participating in international choral events and festivals in Italy, Austria, Latvia, Sweden, Germany, South Korea and Denmark. Its appearances include the European Choir Games in Riga, the Helsingborg International Choir Festival, the Johannes Brahms International Choir Festival in Wernigerode, the World Choir Games in South Korea, the Summa Cum Laude Festival in Vienna and the European Choir Games in Aarhus. During these events, the choir has achieved several high rankings and honours. The choir is conducted by its founder, Símun Hammer, organist and cantor at the church of Gøta. He holds a Master of Church Music from the Royal Academy of Music in Aarhus, Denmark, and is also active as a concert organist, educator, composer and arranger of choral music.

Rome, Italy Conductor: Juan Camilo Vasquez Co-director / Pianist: Francesco Del Fra

Sincoro - Arcigay Choir is based in Rome, Italy, and was founded in 2019 within the LGBTQIA+ association Gay Center. Its creation grew out of a shared passion for choral music and the desire to establish an artistic space for expression, encounter and community-building for Rome’s LGBTQIA+ community. Over time, Sincoro has developed from a small emerging initiative into a well-established ensemble within the Italian LGBTQIA+ choral scene, distinguished by its diverse repertoire. The choir has performed on prestigious stages, including Teatro Brancaccio in Rome and Teatro Petroselli in Bari. It is a permanent member of Cromatica and has participated in the national festival dedicated to Italian rainbow choirs, as well as in Various Voices, the major European and international LGBTQIA+ choral festival. Sincoro has also taken part in numerous projects promoting equality, inclusion, rights and culture. Since 2024, the choir has been conducted by Juan Camilo Vasquez, a Colombian musician based in Italy. He studied at the Saint Louis College of Music in Rome and has developed a versatile artistic profile, combining vocal performance, songwriting, music production and pop/jazz choral arranging. His work with Sincoro is supported by co-director and pianist Maestro Francesco Del Fra.

Rome, Italy Artistic Direction: Jorge Arturo Higuera Rodríguez

Essence of Elements presents The Four Elements, a contemporary a cappella choral project inspired by Earth, Air, Water and Fire. The performance connects environmental awareness with human emotion and the body as a rhythmic instrument, incorporating body percussion, vocal textures, sound design and improvisational sections. The ensemble consists of six performers and is formed by students of the Saint Louis College of Music in Rome, Italy, representing the Pop (Vocals and Piano) and Composition & Film Scoring departments. Working collaboratively, its members contribute as singers, arrangers and creators. The repertoire includes original a cappella arrangements of international pop songs, alongside an original composition, combining pop, soul and jazz-influenced harmony with choral discipline. The project is artistically directed by Arturo Higuera, a Colombian composer, pianist and conductor based in Italy. His artistic work combines classical tradition with contemporary approaches, showing a strong sensitivity to narrative, atmosphere and the relationship between sound, image and emotion. The ensemble's participation in the International Choral Festival of Preveza takes place within the framework of the Erasmus+ Programme, following an open invitation accepted by the Saint Louis College of Music for the second time. The project offers students a valuable opportunity for artistic exchange, musical development and intercultural collaboration through one of Europe's leading international choral events.

Prishtina, Kosovo Conductor: Elikonë Hysaj Shala

The Children’s Choir “Okarina” was founded in 2014 in Prishtina, Kosovo, and has established itself as one of the most active and distinguished children’s choirs in the region. With numerous achievements and participation in major cultural events, both nationally and internationally, the choir has developed a strong artistic presence. A landmark moment in its history came in 2022, when “Okarina” performed Carl Orff’s Carmina Burana together with the Kosovo Philharmonic. Three years later, the choir returned to the stage for the scenic cantata Carmina Burana, this time in collaboration with the Kosovo Opera and the National Ballet of Kosovo, in a large-scale production involving more than 300 artists. In 2025, “Okarina” made history as the only children’s choir to perform in the opera Carmen. The choir has performed with acclaimed artists including Inva Mula, Rame Lahaj, Elbenita Kajtazi, and Flaka Goranci, and has appeared at festivals such as EtnoFest, the Rame Lahaj Opera Festival, and PriVocalFest. It is also part of the educational platform “Planet of Children” and contributes to EduOpera, the Kosovo Opera’s educational programme. The choir was founded and is directed by Elikonë Hysaj Shala, a soloist, educator, and artist with notable contributions to music and theatre, who has been a member of the Kosovo Philharmonic since 2005.

Chișinău, Moldova Conductor & Artistic Director: Dorin Bîtcă Founder & Executive Director: Nataly Shulika

Youth Choir Elefteria was founded on 1 October 2013 in Chișinău, Moldova, and has grown into one of the country’s most distinctive young vocal ensembles. The choir is shaped by artistic discipline, cultural dialogue, and its members’ shared passion for choral music. Since its establishment, Elefteria has taken an active role in concert life and international cultural exchange, with performances in Moldova, Ukraine, Romania, and Greece. Its repertoire includes sacred, folk, and classical works from various European traditions, with a strong focus on expressive interpretation, stylistic versatility, and vocal unity. The choir gained international recognition at the International Sacred Music Choir Competition in Preveza, where it received two bronze distinctions in 2016 and the Gold Award in the Chamber Choir category in 2017. These distinctions established a lasting artistic bond with the city. In 2026, Elefteria returns to Preveza with renewed energy, ready to begin a new chapter in its musical journey. The choir is conducted by Dorin Bîtcă, a graduate of the Academy of Music, Theatre and Fine Arts in Chișinău, where he earned a Master of Arts degree in Choral Conducting. His artistic journey is closely linked to Youth Choir Elefteria, first as a singer and now as its conductor and artistic director.

Bydgoszcz, Poland Conductor: Monika Wilkiewicz

The PRIMO Choir of Secondary School No. 1 in Bydgoszcz, Poland, was founded in September 1996 by conductor Monika Wilkiewicz, professor at the Academy of Music in Bydgoszcz. Since its foundation, the choir has developed an impressive artistic activity, giving more than 400 concerts in Poland and abroad and representing the city of Bydgoszcz in numerous provincial, national and international festivals and competitions. The ensemble has participated in major international choral competitions in countries such as Finland, Switzerland, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Italy, Spain, Hungary, Croatia and Bulgaria, receiving high distinctions, gold and silver diplomas, medals and prizes. In recognition of its artistic achievements, PRIMO has been awarded the Grand Prix three times and has received approximately one hundred awards and distinctions. The choir’s repertoire includes European a cappella choral music from the 16th to the 21st century, mainly works by Polish composers, as well as film music, patriotic and folk songs and popular music hits. Monika Wilkiewicz has been active in choral music since 1995. She conducts several distinguished ensembles and is widely recognized as a conductor, teacher, lecturer, juror and musical life animator. With her choirs, she has also presented premiere performances of works by contemporary Polish composers.

Częstochowa, Poland Director: Przemysław Jeziorowski

The Kla-sch Vocal Quartet of the Department of Music at Jan Długosz University in Częstochowa, Poland, is an ensemble formed by students of the UJD Department of Music who share a special interest in polyphonic singing. The members of the quartet continuously develop their vocal skills and deepen their knowledge of choral repertoire. Their repertoire includes a broad and diverse selection of classical music, both sacred and secular, as well as popular music. The ensemble regularly participates in student concerts and various university ceremonies, actively promoting the culture of choral music. Its current line-up has been active since February 2025 and consists of students Zuzanna Efemberg, Martyna Kobus and Kamil Dziomdziora. Kla-sch has performed extensively in Poland and abroad, including appearances in Ružomberok, Bratislava, Nitra, Lloret de Mar and Preveza. Among the quartet’s most notable achievements are the Second Prize at the International Interpretation Competition “Student Artistic Activity” in Ružomberok, the Silver Medal at the 28th International Choral Competition in Preveza, and the Gold Diploma at the National Christmas Carols and Pastorals Competition in Chełmno. For many years, the ensemble has been directed by Przemysław Jeziorowski, a conductor, academic teacher and graduate of the Academy of Music in Kraków, who currently serves as professor at Jan Długosz University.

Zabrze, Poland Conductors: Arlena Różycka-Gałązka & Waldemar Gałązka

Zabrze’s Youth Choir “Resonans con tutti” was founded in 1970 by Maria and Norbert Kroczek. For the past thirty years, the choir has been conducted by Waldemar Gałązka and Arlena Różycka-Gałązka, both of whom were apprentices of the founder and choirmaster, Norbert Kroczek. Both conductors were first involved with the choir as singers and later continued as instructors and conductors. They are graduates of the Karol Szymanowski Academy of Music in Katowice and have received numerous awards in the fields of culture and education. Resonans con tutti consists of nearly 90 choral music enthusiasts, mainly amateur singers aged between 15 and 30. Its repertoire includes both a cappella works and vocal-instrumental oratorio compositions from various musical periods. The choir performs approximately 40 to 60 concerts each year and serves as the representative choir of Zabrze, known as “The City of Industrial Tourism.” The choir and its conductors have received several state and ministerial awards, as well as top prizes at many international competitions, including those in Neerpelt, Rome, Preveza, Montreux, Tours, Rimini, Neuchatel, Lloret de Mar, Maribor, Ohrid and Riva del Garda. Through their performances, the singers of Resonans con tutti strive to promote choral music both in Poland and abroad.

Brașov, Romania Conductor: Mihaela Mureșan

The “Transilvania” Choir is composed of students from grades 9–12 of the “Tudor Ciortea” Music High School in Brașov, Romania. Since 2015, the choir has been conducted by Professor Mihaela Mureșan. Although it is a school ensemble, with members changing from year to year, the choir has succeeded in maintaining a high artistic level and has performed in Romania, Hungary and Serbia. The ensemble has achieved significant recognition in national and international competitions. Its distinctions include the Trophy at the International Christmas Carols Competition in Romania in 2022, First Prize at the “Gavriil Musicescu” International Festival in Iasi in 2023, as well as Trophies at the Sacred Music Festival in Botoșani and the International Choral Festival “Vivat Musica” in Bucharest in 2024. In 2025, the choir won First Prize at the National Choral Olympiad in Timisoara. The choir’s repertoire includes sacred, classical, and contemporary works, with a strong focus on expression, vocal unity, and stylistic versatility. Mihaela Mureșan graduated from the Faculty of Music in Brasov and holds a master’s degree in 20th-Century Music and Art. Since 2015, she has taught music theory and conducted both the “Transilvania” Choir and the “Cristale” Children’s Choir at the “Tudor Ciortea” Music High School.

Câmpulung Moldovenesc, Romania Conductor: Emil Forfotă

The Academica Bucovina Choir was founded in 2004 in Câmpulung Moldovenesc, Romania. It consists of approximately 35 members of different ages and professional backgrounds, including students, teachers and retirees, all united by their love of choral music. The choir is conducted by Professor Emil Forfotă, a music educator and conductor with long-standing experience in choral activity. He studied at the “Gheorghe Dima” Academy of Music in Cluj and has conducted school and amateur choral ensembles; he currently leads the Bucovina Male Choir and the mixed choir Academica Bucovina. The choir’s main objective is to promote the values of musical culture both in Romania and abroad. Despite its relatively short history, Academica Bucovina has taken part in numerous competitions, concerts and international festivals in countries such as Italy, the Czech Republic, France, Greece, Germany, Croatia, Spain, Turkey and Montenegro, receiving awards and distinctions. Every year, the choir also gives concerts of sacred music during Easter and Christmas in churches in Câmpulung Moldovenesc, Hunedoara, Târgu Mureș, Bistrița and other cities in Romania and abroad. Its artistic identity is founded on unconditional love for music and on the desire to convey a profound message through choral singing.

Novi Sad, Serbia Conductor: Vesna Kesić Krsmanović

The Novi Sad Jewish Community Choir “Hashira” was founded in 1993. The Hebrew word Hashira means “the song”, reflecting the ensemble’s mission to preserve and promote Jewish synagogal and folk music heritage. At the same time, the choir performs a wide variety of choral repertoire, singing in many languages, including Hebrew, Yiddish, Ladino, Serbian, Spanish, Latin, Italian, English and Basque. Throughout its artistic journey, the choir has received numerous awards at local and international festivals and competitions, with appearances and distinctions in Slovakia, Czech Republic, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Italy, Greece, Germany, Croatia and Slovenia. In 2016, the Choir of the Jewish Community of Novi Sad was awarded the Medal for Cultural Preservation by the Cultural Institute of Vojvodina, in recognition of its contribution to cultural heritage. A distinctive quality of the ensemble is the diversity of its members, who come from different national and religious backgrounds. Since 2004, the choir has been conducted by Vesna Kesić Krsmanović, who studied composition and conducting at the Music Academy in Belgrade and attended conducting masterclasses in Siena and Hungary. For more than twenty years, she has also conducted the Opera Choir of the Serbian National Theatre in Novi Sad.

Maribor, Slovenia Conductor: Uroš Jurgec

The Academic Choir Maribor has been active since 1964 within the cultural organization KUD Student and is one of the main bearers of student, youth and amateur culture in Maribor. In 2025, the choir welcomed Uroš Jurgec as its new artistic leader. The choir has achieved remarkable success in international competitions and festivals both in Slovenia and abroad. Among its many distinctions are first place in the mixed choir category at the “Bela Bartok” International Choir Competition in Debrecen in 2016, first place at the International May Choir Competition “Prof. Georgi Dimitrov” in Varna in 2018, and numerous awards at major festivals and competitions around the world. Further achievements include prizes at the Grand Prix Polifonico “Guido d'Arezzo” in Italy, the national competition “Nasa pesem” in Maribor, the “Seghizzi” International Competition in Gorizia and the International Competition of Choral Singing in Spittal an der Drau, Austria. Uroš Jurgec earned a master's degree in music from the University of Maribor. He began his conducting career in 2016 as a choir singer, later serving as assistant conductor and co-conductor before becoming the choir's artistic leader in 2025. He has received awards for conducting, programme selection, and performances of required and contemporary works.

Larrabetzu, Spain Conductor: Aintzane Garamendi Eguren

The Izar Argia choir was founded on May 22, 1995, in Larrabetzu, Bizkaia, in the Basque Country, as a children’s treble choir. It was established to teach, promote, and share traditional Basque choral music in the Txorierri region and beyond, both nationally and internationally. Today, the choir includes around 30 singers aged 11 to 21. Its repertoire covers a wide variety of styles and works in different languages, with Basque as its main language. The choir’s aim is to guide, advise and educate young people through music and culture, beginning within the Larrabetzu Music School. Since its foundation, Izar Argia has been a member of the Bizkaiko Abesbatzen Elkartea - Bizcay Choral Association. The choir has taken part in concerts and festivals in the Basque Country and abroad, including the European Music Festival for Young People in Neerpelt, Belgium, and the Spring Festival in Montecatini Terme, Italy. The choir is conducted by Aintzane Garamendi Eguren, a teacher at the Larrabetzu Music School since 1998, specializing in piano, music theory and choir. Her work is guided by the desire to transmit choral music to young people and to keep Basque songs and culture alive through singing.

Katerini, Greece Conductor: Olga Matthaiou

The Choir of the Association of Primary Education Teachers of Pieria was founded in 2012 and is an amateur choral ensemble based in Pieria, Greece. Its aim is to achieve a refined artistic result in every performance, through collective effort, cooperation and a shared love of music. Over the years, the choir has developed into a creative community, supported by local conductors from Katerini who are dedicated to music, culture and education. Throughout its artistic journey, the choir has given numerous concerts featuring Greek art songs and traditional repertoire in Greece, mainly in Pieria and Thessaloniki, as well as abroad, with appearances in Istanbul and in the Greek-speaking regions of Apulia, Italy. It has also presented successful music-theatre productions in Katerini, including Erotokritos and Digenis Akritas, which were later performed in other cities. The choir has participated in many cultural events organized by the Municipality of Katerini, the Primary Education Directorate of Pieria and various cultural associations throughout the region, as well as in choral festivals in Velventos and Nafplio. Since 2025, the choir has been conducted by Olga Matthaiou, a musicologist and music educator, graduate of the Department of Music Studies of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, with postgraduate studies in music and education. She has extensive experience in teaching music and in the founding and conducting of children’s, school and adult choirs.

Livadia, Greece Conductor: Iro Panagiotopoulou

The Mixed Choir of Levadia Erkyna was founded by citizens of Levadia with the aim of cultivating music and enhancing the spiritual, artistic and cultural life of the city. It is a four-part mixed choir with a broad and constantly evolving repertoire, including polyphonic works of Western art music, songs and melodies from around the world, spirituals, gospels, rock and other contemporary genres, as well as works by important Greek and international composers. Throughout its long artistic journey, the choir has participated in numerous choral festivals in Greece and abroad, while also organizing choral meetings in collaboration with the Municipality of Levadia. It has worked with many distinguished Greek composers and performers and has presented works by Mikis Theodorakis, Pantelis Thalassinos and Nikos Portokaloglou. Among the choir’s landmark productions in Levadia are Zorba by Mikis Theodorakis, Verdi’s concert operas La Traviata and Il Trovatore, and the emblematic work Axion Esti by Mikis Theodorakis and Odysseas Elytis. Since September 2024, the choir has been taught and conducted by Iro Panagiotopoulou, a music teacher from Levadia. She graduated from the Department of Music Studies of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and has studied piano, fugue and music theory. She has long experience in choral singing, music education and conducting school choirs and ensembles.

Nafplio, Greece Conductor: Giannis Nikolopoulos

The Choral Workshop of Nafplio is a polyphonic choral ensemble founded by citizens of Nafplio ten years ago. Since its creation, it has developed a significant artistic and social presence, presenting concerts, music-theatre performances and participating in festivals throughout Greece. One of its important initiatives was the organization of the 1st Argolida Choir Meeting in Nafplio in 2017, with the participation of nine choirs, as well as the establishment of an annual choral festival every June, dedicated to important Greek composers and poets. The ensemble has presented major concerts and performances, including “Man and Music” at the hall of the “Parnassos” Literary Society in Athens, as well as a concert-performance in Nafplio dedicated to rebetiko as part of Greece’s intangible cultural heritage. At the same time, the choir gives concerts in local institutions, such as care homes, hospitals and social facilities, offering music and entertainment to members of the community. The choir participates in music festivals across Greece, with a notable appearance at the 12th International Festival of Choirs and Philharmonic Orchestras at the Thessaloniki Concert Hall in 2020. Its Artistic Director and conductor is Giannis Nikolopoulos, an experienced music educator, conductor and teacher of music theory, piano and accordion, who has directed the Choral Workshop of Nafplio since 2016.

Patras, Greece Conductor: Elena Droukopoulou Piano: Konstantina Androutsopoulou

The Belcantes Choir of Agios Andreas Eglykadas, Patras, was founded in September 2016 and has since developed a remarkable artistic presence, participating in festivals, competitions and concerts in Greece and abroad. Throughout its artistic journey, the choir has received important distinctions in international choral events. In 2021, it won first place in its category at the World Peace Choral Festival, while in 2022 it participated in the 26th International Choral Music Competition in Preveza, where it was awarded two Silver Medals. In the same year, Belcantes also took part in the 12th World Festival and Competition of the “Korais” Choir in Thessaloniki, receiving a Special Award for Musical Presentation, a Silver Medal and a money award. In 2023, the choir gave the world premiere of the musical “The Christmas of the Miser” by composer Charis Pegiazis, while at the 10th ARTIVA International Choral Competition in Nafplio it received a Gold and a Silver Medal. In April 2025, it participated in the Choral Space International Festival in Berlin, dedicated to the music of Ola Gjeilo. The choir is conducted by Elena Droukopoulou.

Limassol, Cyprus Conductor: Fr. Nikolaos Lympouridis

The Traditional Choir “Anatoli” of the Holy Metropolis of Limassol was founded in 2003 with the aim of promoting and disseminating Greek traditional music, especially Cypriot music, and of encouraging young people and children to engage with the musical heritage of Cyprus and Hellenism more broadly. Its repertoire consists mainly of folk songs from different regions of the Greek world, including Cyprus, Thrace, Macedonia, Asia Minor, Cappadocia and the Aegean. Since Christmas 2003, the choir has presented traditional carols from various parts of Hellenism and has taken part in important cultural events, including the international festival “KYPRIA”, the Choral Meeting of Florina and concerts organized by the Holy Metropolis of Limassol, featuring artists from Greece and Cyprus. In 2009, the choir participated in the recording “Palin akouste Archontes”, with traditional carols and ecclesiastical hymns for the Twelve Days of Christmas, New Year and Epiphany. The choir is conducted by Fr. Nikolaos Lympouridis, who studied Theology at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and Byzantine Music in Thessaloniki and Athens. In 1997, he founded the Byzantine Choir “Romanos Melodos”, which he continues to conduct, and in 2003 he founded the Traditional Choir “Anatoli”.

Paralimni, Cyprus Conductor: Pantelina Paschali Piano: Dimitris Paschalis

The Youth Choir “Aoidon Fones” of the Municipality of Paralimni - Deryneia is a dynamic ensemble devoted to culture and music education, with a continuous presence since 1996. The choir welcomes children and young people aged 9 to 18 and seeks to foster a love of choral singing while encouraging active participation in the cultural life of the community. With numerous appearances at events and festivals in Cyprus and abroad, “Aoidon Fones” proudly represents the Municipality of Paralimni - Deryneia and highlights the strength of collective musical expression. Its repertoire centres mainly on Greek music, performed with freshness, sensitivity, and artistic quality. Today, the choir has around 30 members and continues to grow through the energy, talent, and dedication of its young singers. Since 2022, the choir has been conducted by Pantelina Paschali, a musician, conductor, and founder of a music school in the free Famagusta district. She holds a Bachelor of Music from European University Cyprus and a master’s degree in arts management from the University of Derby. Her work combines artistic creativity with educational vision in support of music education and cultural expression. The choir is accompanied by Dimitris Paschalis.

Argostoli, Kefalonia, Greece Conductor: Spyros Theotokatos

The Choir of Argostoli was founded in 1980, with the aim of continuing Kefalonia’s rich tradition in choral music. From its foundation until 2010, the choir was conducted by Vasilis Mountakis. Today, it consists of 25 male singers, preserving the island’s special tradition of male choirs. In its concerts, the choir is accompanied by a mandolinata, which enriches the colour and character of its performances. Throughout its long artistic journey, the Choir of Argostoli has given numerous concerts in Kefalonia, throughout Greece and abroad, travelling to many European countries as well as to New York in 2013. With its distinctive sound, the ensemble represents the finest tradition of Kefalonian choral singing and serves as a cultural ambassador of the island. During its 45-year history, the choir has recorded five albums, helping to preserve and promote Kefalonia’s choral heritage. Since 2015, the Choir and Mandolinata of Argostoli has been conducted by Spyros Theotokatos, a musician with studies in Byzantine Music, advanced music theory, and choral and orchestral conducting. Under his direction, the ensemble has performed widely in Greece and abroad and has recorded two albums of Kefalonian songs. Every year, it organizes the Kefalonia Choral Meetings, welcoming choirs from Greece and abroad.

Anaheim, California, USA Artistic Director / Conductor: Wesley Martin

The All-American Boys Chorus, based in Anaheim, California, was founded in 1970 and is an Emmy Award-winning youth music organization in the United States. The Chorus is dedicated to developing excellence in both musicianship and character, offering boys outstanding vocal training, leadership development, performance opportunities, concert tours and community outreach activities. Known for its distinctive sound and strong commitment to tradition, the Chorus has performed throughout the United States and around the world, serving as musical ambassadors and inspiring audiences through the power of music. Beyond performance, the organization places great emphasis on discipline, teamwork, confidence and personal growth, helping young men develop skills and values that support them throughout life. The Chorus is led by Wesley Martin, Artistic Director and Conductor since 2002. Born and raised in Australia, he graduated from the Sydney Conservatorium of Music and later received the Hungarian State Scholarship to study at the renowned Kodaly Institute in Hungary. A classically trained singer, conductor, arranger and educator, he brings more than 40 years of experience working with choirs of all ages. Under his leadership, the All-American Boys Chorus has become one of America’s premier boys’ choirs and was honored with the Outstanding Arts Organization Award in 2025.

Ljubljana, Slovenia Conductor: Ambrož Čopi

The Ave Chamber Choir was founded in 1984 in the parish of Ljubljana–Vič, originally as the Ave Vocal Group, and over four decades of activity has established itself as one of Slovenia’s most important chamber choirs. Since its beginning, the ensemble has been distinguished by high performance standards, stylistic diversity, and an active concert and competition presence. The choir has performed successfully at numerous international competitions and festivals throughout Europe and around the world, receiving many top awards. These include prizes at prestigious international choral competitions, the Prešeren Fund Award, the City of Ljubljana Award, and the Order of Merit of the Republic of Slovenia. Through its long-standing presence and artistic consistency, Ave Chamber Choir holds an important place in Slovenian cultural life and in the wider European choral scene. An important part of the choir’s identity is also its discography, including recordings that reflect both its interpretative excellence and its commitment to Slovenian choral tradition and contemporary composers. Since October 2025, the choir’s artistic leadership has been entrusted to Ambrož Čopi, an internationally renowned composer, conductor, lecturer and artistic director. Under his direction, Ave Chamber Choir continues its tradition of artistic excellence, opening new perspectives for the interpretation of both contemporary and classical repertoire.

Preveza, Greece Conductor: Anelia Stefanova

The Children’s Choir of Preveza “Armonia” was founded in 1983 by conductor Andronikos Kourouklis and forms part of the Choral Society of Preveza “Armonia”. During four decades of artistic activity, the choir has represented Preveza and Greece in festivals and competitions both nationally and internationally. The choir has won 5 first, 2 second and 2 third prizes in international choral competitions in Bulgaria, Greece, Italy, Switzerland, Hungary, Poland and Slovakia. It has also twice been awarded the title of Best Greek Children’s Choir at the Athens International Choral Festival. It appears regularly at major festivals in Greece, including Athens, Patras and Thessaloniki, and participated in the cultural events of the Athens 2004 Olympic Games. Abroad, the choir has performed at important events such as the “Aram Khachaturian” International Choral Festival in Haskovo, the International Festival of Rome, the Moscow Easter Festival and the Eurochestries International Festival in France. Among its most recent distinctions are the Gold Award and four special prizes at the “Gaude Cantem” World Choral Competition in Bielsko-Biala, Poland, in 2023, and the Gold Medal at the 10th International Youth Music Festival in Bratislava, Slovakia, in 2025. Since 1994, the choir has been conducted by Anelia Stefanova, a conductor and music educator with extensive experience in children’s and youth choral music.

Preveza, Greece Conductor: Anelia Stefanova

The Mixed Choir of Preveza “Armonia” was founded in 1969 by a group of music enthusiasts from Preveza, under the direction of the late conductor Andronikos Kourouklis, with the aim of promoting choral music and cultural activity in the city of Preveza. Throughout its history, the choir’s artistic development was shaped by conductors Giorgos Kakitsis, Stavros Solomos and Valentin Stefanov. “Armonia” is the founding organization of the International Choral Festival of Preveza in 1983 and the International Choral Competition of Sacred Music in 1995, two important institutions that have contributed significantly to the development of choral music in Greece. The choir has presented major artistic productions and has performed in many countries across Europe. It has also collaborated with distinguished artists and orchestras in works such as Carmina Burana by Carl Orff and Axion Esti by Mikis Theodorakis. The choir has received numerous awards in international competitions, including distinctions in Athens, Rome, Bratislava and St. Petersburg. In May 2026, it was also awarded a Gold Medal at the 15th World Choir Festival in Thessaloniki. Since 2016, the choir has been conducted by Anelia Stefanova.