International Jury Committe I.J.C.

Graeme Langager

He is Director of Choral Activities at the University of British Columbia School of Music. A passionate and dynamic conductor, Dr. Langager is sought-after as a clinician, adjudicator, educator and guest conductor. He has performed throughout Europe and across North America, appearing in such venues as St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome, Stefansdom in Vienna, Carnegie Hall in New York, St. Nicholas in Prague, St. Stephen’s in Budapest, as well as in cathedrals and concert halls in Italy, Spain, and France. His choirs have also performed at numerous choral conferences, including: NCCO (National Collegiate Choral Organization), ACDA-AR (American Choral Directors Association Conference, Arkansas), IAJE (International Association of Jazz Educators), MENC/NAfME (National Association for Music Education), and the Montreux and North Sea Jazz Festivals. Dr. Langager was born in Lethbridge, Alberta into a musical family, and has sung and played musical instruments since childhood. He has taught for more than 20 years in universities and colleges across the United States and Canada, including the University of Arkansas and Cuesta College in California. He is also active as a composer and arranger, and has been commissioned on a number of occasions. Langager received the doctoral degree in Choral Conducting from the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, and the Master of Music degree from California State University, Long Beach. Graeme Langager, Καναδάς

Paweł Łukaszewski

Born in Częstochowa in 1968, he is a graduate of the Fryderyk Chopin Music Academy in Warsaw, where he studied the cello and composition. He has been on the faculty of the Fryderyk Chopin University of Music since 1996, holding a Ph.D. in composition and the title of Professor. In 2016 he was elected Vice-Rector. Also, he worked as a visiting professor in Chile and Argentina (2003, 2006). He has achieved several distinctions, such as First Prize at the Warsaw Music Academy Competition (1994) and Second Prizes at the 2nd Young Composers’ Forum in Kraków (1994). He has received numerous awards for his compositions and recordings. His honors include the Commander’s Cross of the Order of Polonia Restituta (1998), the awards of the Mayor of Częstochowa (1995) and the Rector of the Music Academy in Warsaw (2005), the Saint Brother Albert Chmielowski Award (2006), the Bronze Gloria Artis Medal of Cultural Merit (2011), the award from the Primate of Poland (2011), the Jerzy Kurczewski Prize (2015), the Blessed Michał Sopoćko Memorial Award (2017) and the Feniks Award of Polish Catholic Publishers (2017, 2018). His works have been performed at over 100 festivals in Poland and abroad, while his discography includes over 150 CDs. He has served as the Director of the International Festival ‘Laboratory of Contemporary Music’ (since 1995) and as President of the Musica Sacra Association (since 2000). He is a member of the ZAiKS Association of Authors and Composers, the Presidium of the Council of the Phonographic Academy and of the artistic council of the Gaude Mater International Festival of Sacred Music in Częstochowa. He is the Artistic Director and Conductor of the ‘Musica Sacra’ Choir of the Warsaw-Praga Cathedral and of the Musica Sacra Edition, while he has repeatedly served as a Jury member in numerous competitions.

Garo Avessian

He was born in Beirut. He has been conductor and composer of mostly chamber works that have been performed in Asia, Europe and the Middle East and he has worked with great choirs and orchestras as well as renowned soloists in numerous prestigious concerts both in his country and abroad. He studied the piano from 1990 – 2000, as well as composition, harmony, theories and orchestration in Beirut. At Yerevan State Conservatory named after Gomidas, he studied Composition and Conducting, achieving a Master’s Degree in both subjects. His Honors include Third Prize in Lazarus Saryan Vocal Competition in Yerevan 2004, for “Three Kuchak Hayren” and the Presidential Award. More recently, he was a finalist in the Film Music Category of the Young Composers’ Competition of the Narekatsi Art Institute in Yerevan, in 2006, for “Embers of the Sun”. Since 2008, he has been the conductor of the Lebanese Philharmonic Orchestra as well as the Artistic Director and Conductor of Armenian Evangelical ARMISS Choir. Also, he is the founder and the principal conductor of Ganachian College Chamber Orchestra since 2009 and a part-time lecturer at Beirut Arab University since 2010. He is a member of The Professional Musicians Syndicate in Lebanon since 2011 and an Associate Professor at Lebanese National Higher Conservatory of Music in Conducting, Orchestration and Harmony, since 2008.

Eduardo García-Novelli

Born in Argentina, he has achieved two degrees, in Choral Conducting and in Music Education, from the Conservatorio Juan José Castro and from the Conservatorio Manuel de Falla,respectively. After moving to the United States, he earned a Master's degree in Choral Conducting with distinction from Westminster Choir College in Princeton, NJ, and received his D.M.A. from the Moores School of Music at the University of Houston, where he was a Moores Scholar. He is the Director of Choral Studies at the University of Kansas, in Lawrence, KS, where he directs the graduate program in choral conducting and guides the university choral program. He comes to KU from Carthage College in Kenosha, WI, where he served as Director of Choral Activities and as Chair of the Music Department. In addition, he has served for 10 years as Artistic Director of the Master Singers of Milwaukee, for six years as Director of Choral Activities at Lamar University in Beaumont, TX (where he earned the Faculty Merit Award), for five seasons as Assistant Director of the Houston Symphony Chorus, and finally, for six seasons as the Assistant Conductor of the Coro Nacional de Jóvenes (National Young People Choir) of Argentina. Moreover,he is the former chorus director for the Symphony of Southeast Texas. Under his direction, his choirs have performed all over the world in prestigious venues with great success. As a church musician, he has served churches in NJ, TX and WI, and he is currently the Choirmaster at Grace Episcopal Cathedral in Topeka, KS. He has held several offices for WCDA and NCACDA, and is a member of the National Board of the NCCO. He is active as a clinician and adjudicator in the US, Europe, China and South America. In July of 2023 he led the University of Kansas Chamber Choir to a triumph at the Preveza International Choir Competition in Preveza, Greece, earning 2 first prizes at the categories Mixed Choirs and Free Program, as well as 2 special prizes, for the “Best Program” and for the “Best Conductor”, respectively.

Masis Aram Gozbek

Born in 1987 in Istanbul, Turkey, he has shown his music talent since he was a student in high school. He began studying composition in 2008 and still attends lessons and seminars concerning conducting. He has travelled around the world directing prestigious choirs and orchestras, but also being a member of jury committees. His compositions have been awarded gold medals in several international Composition Competitions worldwide. He has been awarded the Yildiz Technical University “Rectorship Award” and “The Most Successful Young Person” award at the Turkey Finals of 19TOYP (Ten Outstanding Young Persons) in 2013. He launched the KOROHANE (Choir-House) Platform so as to bring people who are devoted to choral music from all over Turkey together. Except for being the founder and artistic director of Bogazici Jazz Choir, Bogazici Youth Choir and MAGMA Choirs, he also works with famous singers and bands. Furthermore, he often leads workshops and seminars about choral music in several schools and associations both in different cities of Turkey and abroad. He has been a trustee of Yucel Cultural Foundation since 2018.

Συμμετοχές Χορωδιών

Choir “Olgarythmos”, Athens, Greece

It is a newly formed vocal ensemble. It was created by amateur singers united by their love and passion for polyphonic singing. The choristers discover their vocal identity and different ways of expressing themselves artistically by experimenting on a wide-range repertoire. It firstly performed at the competitive Festival of Nafpaktos singing works of Greek composers and it achieved the second place and a bronze medal. The choir is directed by Olga Alexopoulou, while it is accompanied on the piano by Myrto Akrivou.

Moraitis School Adult Choir

Moraitis School Adult Choir is a community choir which was founded in January 2019 by its conductor Vaia Papayiannopoulou and consists of 42 members. It aims at integrating each member of the community, interaction and socialisation of the choir members and, last but not least, music performance. These goals are fulfilled through choral singing, body percussion and engagement of the whole personality of the choristers. Musical skills such as sight reading are not required. So far, the choir has participated in concerts, choir festivals and meetings all over Greece. It is permanently situated in Moraitis School in Athens.

A Capella Gramofon, Izmir, Turkey

A Capella Gramofon was founded in 2012 by the choir conductor-composer Türker Barmanbek. It has won 24 awards in 17 festivals across the country. It represented Turkey in the International Polyphonic Choirs Competition held in Ohrid, North Macedonia in August 2022 and won the 2nd Prize, the Best Contemporary Work Choir Award and the Tomislav Zografski Special Jury Award. It has also performed a Symphonic Rap Concert with the symphony orchestra and Turkish rapper Gazapizm, and a concert with Candan Erçetin, accompanied by a symphony orchestra.

Academic Choir of the Jan Długosz University, Częstochowa, Poland

It was created in October 2022. It consists of students, employees and supporters of the Jan Długosz University in Częstochowa. Each of the University’s departments has its own representation among choristers. Its first concert took place in December 2022 as part of the University’s Christmas Concert. The choir has achieved its first successes, including: • Silver diploma at the 10th International Festival of Christmas Carols and Pastorals in Rzeszów • Silver diploma at the 19th International Carols and Pastorals Competition in Chełmno • Bronze diploma at the 12th International Choral Festival Canco Mediterrania in Barcelona - Lloret de Mar (Spain). In May 2024, the group participated in the performance of the operetta Die Fledermaus. The choir is directed by Marek Kudra.

Ad Una Corda, Pezinok, Slovakia

Singing Association of Pezinok, the predecessor of Ad Una Corda choir, was founded in November 1867. In the mid-20th century, activities of the choir were hampered by the religious persecution of the communist era. At present, Ad Una Corda is dedicated to popularizing sacred music and has participated in a variety of events from concerts to festivals and competitions. It has toured 17 European countries, Israel, Canada and the USA. The choir also performs at important Church Feasts and regularly cooperates with professional orchestras. Moreover, it organizes a series of concert cycles and charity projects, while it has won numerous prizes at several competitions worldwide (for example: 1st place in the Czech Republic-1998, Malta-2002, Serbia-2008 and 2018, Canada-2018, etc.). It has released two CDs and a number of public recordings for the Slovak Radio.

Cappella Quinqueecclesiensis, Pecs, Hungary

Founded in Pécs in 2014, it is comprised of young people who are dedicated to performing unique works of choral music. The name of the ensemble expresses the choir’s place of origin (Quinqueecclesiae being the Medieval name of the city) and its intention is to perform and propagate a high-quality repertoire, which includes pieces by lesser known Renaissance and Romantic composers, as well as 20th and 21st century works, with a significant emphasis on contemporary Hungarian choral pieces. Fostering contemporary Hungarian choral music plays an important role in their activity. It is a significant participant in the musical life of Pécs, but also performs in Budapest and other locations, often performing world premieres of newly composed pieces. Since its creation, it has won several prizes. Namely: the qualification “gold with certificate of merit” from the Association of Hungarian Choirs and Orchestras in 2014, a gold diploma at the VII Kodály Zoltán Choir Competition in Budapest in 2015, the 2nd prize and the prize for best conductor at the Vándor-Révész International Choir Competition in Budapest in 2018, and a 2nd prize and the prize for the best performance of Renaissance at the Ohrid International Choir Competition in North Macedonia in 2023.

Choir “Mitava”, Riga, Latvia

Since its foundation in 1987, the choir had been led by Agija Pizika. In 2022, Raimonds Gulbis became its conductor, who has raised the choir's artistic quality to an even higher level since then. "Mītava" is a member of the Song and dance Festival movement, whose individuality is formed by a diverse selection of repertoire - from folk songs and original compositions to jazz and contemporary, popular and pop music. It also participates in various international competitions and festivals every year with considerable success. The set of human qualities of the choir is characterized by its prevailing mood and attitude towards work - "Mitavians" are characterized by the fact that the song accompanies them in all moments of being together - not only during rehearsals and performances, but also during trips and leisure activities.

Forest Ridge School Chamber Choir, Bellevue WA, USA

Forest Ridge School of the Sacred Heart is an all-girls school located in Bellevue, Washington. The choir is dedicated to singing a wide repertoire of music and has cultivated relationships with renowned composers worldwide as well as local composers, such as Alice Parker, Stephen Hatfield, Michael McGlynn, Javier Busto, Eleanor Daley, Rollo Dilworth, Henry Leck and Francisco J. Nunez. The Forest Ridge choirs have performed at St. James Cathedral and perform annually at the Seattle Archdiocese Catholic HS Choir Festival and the Chamber Choir was honored in 2007 and 2013 to participate in the international choir Festival 500 in Newfoundland, Canada. The choir travels nationally and internationally, and as part of travels to New York City, it has worked with the Young People’s Chorus of New York City, where it was subsequently invited to be one of only six choirs nationally to participate in the prestigious Radio Radiance Program which is dedicated to the development and performance of new choral works for young voices by esteemed composers.

Hejnał Mazańcowice, Mazańcowice, Poland

It was created in 1946. Its repertoire includes works of various eras, from Renaissance music to contemporary compositions, sacred, secular, patriotic and folk songs. It has performed in Germany, Austria, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Slovakia, Ukraine, Lithuania, Russia, Italy, Greece, France, Cyprus and Spain. Its most recent achievements are: • Silver Diploma in three categories and a special prize in category Catalan music during the 7th International Festival and Choir Competition “Canco Mediterrania” in Lloret de Mar and Barcelona – Spain (2017), •1st place in the 19th National Hunting Music Competition in Pszczyna – Poland (2018), • Grand Prix of the 3rd Hunting Song Festival in Lanckorona – Poland (2018), • 1st Prize and special award for the best performance of Renaissance at the Ohrid Choir Festival – North Macedonia (2022). Krzysztof Przemyk has been its conductor since 1991.

Hugo Wolf Chamber Choir, Maribor, Slovenia

It was founded on the 150th anniversary of the birth of the Austrian composer of Slovene origin Hugo Wolf in 2010, as part of “Mostovi”, a society promoting the harmony between Slovenian and German culture in Maribor. Maribor is the second largest city in Slovenia, close to the Austrian border, where Hugo Wolf attended secondary school and composed his first pieces. The choir consists of 30 experienced singers, led by Professor Aleš Marčič, and gives special attention to reviving the memory of forgotten composers, connected with their hometown (Hugo Wolf, Robert Stolz and others). In addition to many concerts in Slovenia and abroad the choir has participated in national and international choral competitions, where singers have received high awards, including the Grand Prix at the Lege Artis competition in Tuzla (2017).

Medvidata Youth Choir, Český Krumlov, Czech Republic

It was established in 1995, and it now comprises of more than 180 singers, aged 4 to 19, in four different sections: 3 preparatory children choirs, and the MEDVIDATA Youth Choir, which consists of soprano, alto, tenor and bass singers aged 13+. During its existence, it has organized more than 800 public performances and over 1500 children have taken part in it. Its repertoire covers a wide range of folk and artistic songs from the Renaissance to contemporary pieces with an emphasis on the 20th century Czech composers, as well as Negro spirituals or stylish arrangements of popular music. It has gathered a number of successes at competitions in many European countries (e.g. Toruň, Poland 2023 - 2 gold diplomas / Tampere, Finland 2019 - 2 gold stamps / Preveza, Greece 2018 - 2 silver medals / Llangollen, Great Britain 2015 - 2nd and 3rd prize / Neerpelt, Belgium 2014 - 1st prize Cum Laude / Cantonigros, Spain - 3rd prize) and festivals abroad ( Italy,Hungary, etc.) as well as in the Czech Republic. It has recorded six CDs and has premiered a number of Czech original compositions. Mr Lukáš Holec has been its choirmaster since the beginning, while the choir is accompanied on the piano by Mrs Lucie Smitková.

Mixed choir TECHNIK AKADEMIK, Trnava, Slovakia

It was established in 2005 by former members of mixed choir Technik led by Ing. Daniel Vopat. The choir is full of incredible energy, faith and devotion to the idea of making good music and bringing joy and enrichment not only to themselves but also to others. Pavol Procházka is the conductor and artistic director of the choir. Under his leadership the choir has realised several unique and very successful projects, such as EUROKOLEDY, EUROLKLORE, a project of Easter Music, etc. The choir has participated in a number of international concerts and festivals with great success (Praga Cantat-2005, Athens Choir Competition-2007, Istanbul-2010, Verdi's choirs Trnava-2011 together with the choir CANTICA (Z)NOVA and choir and orchestra of Slovak National Theatre Bratislava, Montreux Choir Festival-2012, Project Musica Sacra - Music Without Borders, Austria, and others). It has cooperated with numerous professional bodies, such as the Slovak National Theatre of Bratislava and the Slovak Radio Symphony Orchestra. Its repertoire includes works of famous domestic and foreign composers.

Royal Voices of Charlotte, Charlotte NC, USA

The choir was formed in 2019 by Dr Justin Smith, Director of Choral Activities at Queens University, as an auditioned mixed choir performing repertoire of all types. In 2022, they were invited to perform at the North Carolina American Choral Directors Association state conference, sang at Carnegie Hall, and collaborated with Bach Akademie Charlotte at their Charlotte Bach Festival. They have also won First Prize in the Mixed Choir competition at the International Choral Kathaumixw in British Columbia, Canada. This fall, they are invited to perform at the national conference of the National Collegiate Choral Organization (NCCO) in Atlanta.

TrencaCors, Barcelona, Spain

It is the adult choir of the Escola de Músics i JPC, founded in September 2018 and currently formed by 59 singers. Its initial classical repertoire has been complemented with new proposals, getting a fresh and modern repertoire capable of creating vibrant emotions. It has performed in very important and emblematic venues, such as the Auditori of Barcelona, the Palau de la Música Catalana, the Gran Teatre del Liceu and the Sagrada Família. In October 2022, it participated in the community opera La Gata Perduda at the Gran Teatre del Liceu and in the documentary by TV3 (Televisió de Catalunya) Òpera Prima. Trencacors grows with the experience provided by its numerous concerts (on average, 10 per year) and the joint effort of all the members that make up this great family.

VeraVoce, Mazańcowice, Poland

VeraVoce is a vocal ensemble that has been active since 2023. It is formed by a group of 11 young and crazy people, friends, whose passion is singing together. The ensemble also includes students of the Karol Szymanowski Music Academy in Katowice. It performs mainly sacred music from all eras. Despite its short existence, the choir has already given several concerts with passion and Christmas music. It has also taken part in the premiere of Passion, a contemporary piece composed by Pawel Kruczek.

Vocal Quartet of the UJD Department of Music of the Jan Długosz University (JDU), Częstochowa, Poland

It is an ensemble formed from students of the Department of Music with a special interest in polyphonic singing. They want to broaden their vocal skills and become more familiar with the choral music repertoire. The quartet participates in student concerts and various university celebrations. It has been directed for years by Dr. Hab. Przemysław Jeziorowski. The current lineup of the Quartet has been operating since October 2023. It has performed in Poland, Slovakia and Spain. In 2023, it won the 2nd prize in the 19th International Interpretation Competition “Student Artistic Activities” in Ružomberok (Slovakia) in the Chamber Singing category (the first prize was not awarded) and a silver diploma and a special prize for the Best Academic Vocal Ensemble in the 1st National Sacred Music Competition in Zgierz (Poland).

Vox Humana chamber choir, Sfântu Gheorghe, Romania

It was founded in 1972, by music teachers from the town of Sfântu Gheorghe. Under the leadership of conductor Szilágyi Zsolt, the choir has achieved first prizes at national competitions, successes abroad at Europe's most prestigious choral competitions (Gorizia, Arezzo), various performances and a series of solo concerts. It even made it to the papal audience in 1982, and it has proudly carried the oath of allegiance from Pope John Paul II ever since: “Teach the people of God to sing beautifully and devoutly. My apostolic blessing on you”. Its successes include: bronze medal at Athens Choral Olympiad (1996), gold medal at Barcelona International Choral Competition (1999), bronze medal at Rhodes International Choral Competition (2001), 3rd prize at the Ohrid Choir Festival in 2010. Its repertoire consists of a cappella preclassical to contemporary works, as well as vocal-symphonic pieces by Mozart, Handel, Orff, and even rock opera. The choir plays a key role in promoting choral singing in the region, that already has a long tradition in Covasna County.

WPA UAM Chamber Choir, Kalisz, Poland

The choir was established in 1996 by Beata Szymańska, who has been its director since then. It consists of students and graduates of the Educational-Artistic Department in Kalisz –part of the Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznan. It performs in Poland and abroad (Germany, Italy, Sweden, North Macedonia, Spain, Hungary). During its existence, it has participated in many international and local artistic events as well as in various symphonic projects. Its repertoire includes both a cappella pieces from various periods and vocal - instrumental music. It has recorded an album, containing AGNUS DEI, opus 167, by Egil Hovland and Da Pacem by Michael Villmow.

Mixed Choir of the Municipal Unity of Agria, Volos, Greece

It was founded in 1995. It consists of amateurs from Volos and Agria, who are united by their common love for music and choral singing. It plays an important role in the cultural life of the area and it organizes annually the Agria Choral Meeting, with the participation of choirs both from Greece and abroad. Its repertoire combines different kinds of music and songs, from classical, Byzantine and traditional to contemporary music and modern Greek songs. Since September 2022, a new era has begun for the choir, after the COVID pause, under a new artistic director, Nikos Adraskelas, performing demanding works, such as “Telefteos Aspasmos” (Last Kiss) by Miltiades Kassaras, while it organized the 22nd Agria Choral Meeting. In November and December, it participated in the Perama Festival and the choral festivals of Volos, respectively. Leading its 29th year of activity, it goes on its creative course, aiming at contributing to the promotion of choral singing, mainly through Greek works.

Introduction

The International Choral Festival of Preveza is an institution of high artistic quality, both in the Greek and in the international choral field. More than 400 choirs from all over the world have been on its stage, while great personalities have been accredited to its International Jury Committee with their presence, guaranteeing with their glory for the artistic status of the festival as well as the reliability of its procedures.

Participation

All kinds of choirs can participate in the non-competitive festivities of our festival. Working on the direction of its greater spread worldwide, we would like to inform that you will all find out an attractive destination that manages to combine both high artistic value and quality, as well as the advantages of a beautiful tour, as our region is full of archaeological sites from the Ancient Hellenic period and areas of great natural beauty, too. Besides, staying in Preveza could be an opportunity both for day trips to the surrounding area and excursions to the greater area of our precinct.

Organisation

Participating non-competitively gives choirs the opportunity to present informal performances in various locations across the city, while having the possibility to meet with other choirs, see some of Preveza’s beautiful countryside and attend all the festival’s manifestations. Non-competitive choirs are free to organize their own tourist activities while here but are asked to please keep the organizing committee informed as their itinerary comes together to ensure that no time-tabling cross over occurs. Different kinds of performances could be organised in cooperation with the participants. Opportunities to perform in different Greek cities (Lefkas, Ioannina, and Agrinio) are possible to be organised after choirs ask.

Timetable

The place and the time of the non-competitive concerts will be arranged by the Organizing Committee that will also choose which choirs will participate in each concert. Pieces of each choir's choice (with a preference for sacred or folklore works) will be performed "a cappella" within 10-15 minutes.

Application Procedure

A fully detailed application form (which is attached).
A recent CD recording of the choir or approximately seven MP3 files sent by email.
Details of repertory
A short history of the choir and conductor detailing activities and achievements (English Text, 250 words).
A recent photograph (suitable for publicity purposes) of the choir and the conductor.
A list of the names and addresses of the choir members that do not hold EU passports.

Conditions of Participation

Closing date for receipt of completed applications is 1st of May 2024.
Once the appropriate material is received, it will be evaluated and the applicant choir will be informed whether they are chosen to participate or not
Registration fee and participation fee (minus any bank charges incurred) will be refunded if a choir is not selected to participate in the festival.
Any selected choir that withdraws from the competition is not entitled to a refund of the registration fee.
It is contrary to law to perform music that has been reproduced illegally. Should a choir do so, the festival accepts no responsibility for any action taken by publishers.
The Organising Committee accepts no legal responsibility whatsoever in respect of anything pertaining to a choir’s participation in the festival.
The festival accepts no responsibility or liability for accommodation and meal costs incurred by the choir.
The festival accepts no responsibility for any expense incurred by any choir or individual chorister participating in the festival.
Participation in the festival implies acceptance of all the above rules and regulations

Festival Registration Fee

The selected choirs, after the acceptance of their participation by the Organising Committee, must pay a deposit of € 150, 00 (not refundable) towards the registration fees. Subsequently – not after the 15th of May 2024 – you will be requested to pay € 35 for each member of the choir, including the director, the pianist/musicians, and the escorts (the fee does not include room & board). This includes entry fees for the competition and the festival. Please deduct the deposit of € 150 Euros already paid from the total fee before paying the balance.

NATIONAL BANK OF GREECE
Choral society “Armonia” of Preveza
Account number: 448/480188-16
Swift Code – Bic: ETHNGRAA
IBAN: GR 7201 1044 8000 0044 8480 18816

Travel Costs:

The festival does not contribute to a choir’s travel costs to and from Preveza.

Accommodation, Meals & Transport

Each choir is responsible for all matters related to the organization, booking and payment of all accommodation and meals during their stay in Preveza. A comprehensive list of specially negotiated accommodation options in varied price ranges (including hotels, guest houses and restaurants) will be provided to all choirs selected to participate in our festival. The festival is not responsible for any booking issues that may arise. Despite belonging to the Greek mainland, Preveza has an islandish character. And since it has numerous kinds of touristic facilities, it is a destination ideal for people of many different economic backgrounds.

A good example so as to estimate your expenses:

In order to calculate the costs, we inform you that a double room in a good hotel in Preveza costs around €65-70. So, calculate the cost per person around €30-35 per night, i.e., for 4 nights around €120-140 per person. (Breakfast included). For 2 full meals (lunch – dinner) calculate 25 – 30€ per person richly, so for 4 days of food calculate at 100-120€ per person.

Bus for 50 people for transfers within Preveza €150 per transfer so €3-5 per person. PRICE €20 FOR all Days. So, in total:

Accommodation in hotel €120 - 140 per person
Food €100 - 120 per person
Transportation €20 per person
Participation in the festival €35 per person
Total from 270 – 300€ the cost for a full stay per person

Calculate at least €50 less in case of accommodation in rented rooms or apartments. Of course you only contact the travel companies directly and you can get much better prices if you do it as quickly as possible.
Of course, you will calculate your plane tickets and your transfers from the airports.

How you can get here:

By bus: Preveza is 370 km away from Athens (it takes about 5 hours to reach), which is the capital of Greece and 350 km from from Thessalonica (it takes about 5 hours to reach).
Airlines: From Athens (ATH) to Aktio (PVK) - (1h and 5min).
Aktion Airport is located 3 Km south of Preveza, western Greece, close to the Ionian Island of Lefkas (approx. 15km), connected by a tunnel. Bus services run to Preveza and Lefkas. Taxi to Preveza should cost approximately € 20,00. Facilities include 3 bars/cafes, duty free shop, and an ATM. Every year an important number of charter flights (see the list at https://www.pvk-airport.gr/en/airline-list) have organized by various tours operators.
By sea: The closest port is that of Igoumenitsa, which is 85 km away from Preveza and we should notice that it has itineraries to and from Italy daily (Brindisi, Bari, Ancona, Trieste). You should come by bus.

For any further information, please contact us on the following:

0030 2682 0 24915
0030 2682 0 29852
0030 6977 1 32107
prevezachoralfestival@gmail.com
armonia4@otenet.gr

Selection

Only applications enclosing all the requirements detailed under Application Procedure will be considered. Choirs are selected based on their application material. Particular attention is paid to the repertoire and quality of performance presented on the audition CD submitted with the application.

Broadcasting, Recording & Photographic Rights

It is a condition of participation that any choir agrees that:

Any performance it gives during the festival may be photographed, broadcast live and/or recorded for subsequent reproduction and/or broadcast on radio and/or television without payment to the choir (or folk-dance group or orchestra).

All broadcasting and photographic rights to any performance at the festival shall belong to the festival which will be free to dispose of them or utilize them in promotional materials it sees fit.

Any performance it gives during the festival may, without payment, be recorded and the festival shall be entitled to possession of any such recording and shall further be entitled to reproduce any such recording and to sell, let for hire, offer or exposure for sale or hire, distribute or otherwise dispose of any recording or reproduction of recording of any such performance in any manner that it sees fit.

28th International Choral Competition

Competition's Categories:

Category A: Mixed choirs

Repertory requirements: (Only original compositions are permitted) 4 pieces of sacred music (Renaissance or baroque, romantic period, a composition from the early 20th century, a composition of composer born after 1970). If a choir wishes to include any other piece(s) of sacred music in the specific time, they can do so.
Number of singers: Minimum of twenty-one (21) singers.
Age limits: unlimited.
Performance’s duration: 15-20 minutes pure music.
Accompaniment not permitted.
On free choice of intonation (identified in advance).

Category B: Equal Voices’ choirs (Male or Female)

Repertory requirements: (Only original compositions are permitted) 4 pieces of sacred music (Renaissance or baroque, romantic period, a composition from the early 20th century, a composition of composer born after 1970). If a choir wishes to include any other piece(s) of sacred music in the specific time, they can do so.
Number of singers: Minimum of twenty-one (21) singers.
Age limits: unlimited.
Performance’s duration: 15-20 minutes pure music.
Accompaniment not permitted.
On free choice of intonation (identified in advance).<

Category C: Children’s choirs

Repertory requirements: (Only original compositions are permitted) 4 pieces of sacred music (Renaissance or baroque, romantic period, a composition from the early 20th century, a composition of composer born after 1970). If a choir wishes to include any other piece(s) of sacred music in the specific time, they can do so.
Number of singers: Minimum of twenty-one (21) singers.
Age limits: Up to 18 years.
Performance’s duration: 15-20 minutes pure music.
Accompaniment: Maximum 2 pieces.
On free choice of intonation (identified in advance).

Category D: Chamber choirs / Vocal ensembles (mixed, male or female ensembles)

Repertory requirements: (Only original compositions are permitted) 4 pieces of sacred music (Renaissance or baroque, romantic period, a composition from the early 20th century, a composition of composer born after 1970). If a choir wishes to include any other piece(s) of sacred music in the specific time, they can do so.
Number of singers: Maximum of twenty (20) singers.
Age limits: unlimited
Performance’s duration: 15-20 minutes pure music
Accompaniment not permitted
On free choice of intonation (identified in advance).

Category E: Youth choirs (mixed, male or female ensembles)

Repertory requirements: (Only original compositions are permitted) 4 pieces of sacred music (Renaissance or baroque, romantic period, a composition from the early 20th century, a composition of composer born after 1970). If a choir wishes to include any other piece(s) of sacred music in the specific time, they can do so.
Number of singers: Minimum of twenty-one (21) singers.
Age limits: Up to 25 years.
Performance’s duration: 15-20 minutes pure music.
Accompaniment: Maximum 2 pieces.
On free choice of intonation (identified in advance).

Thematic Categories:

Category F: Spiritual, Gospel, Jazz, Pop Choirs, Pop Ensembles, Folklore, Byzantine chant

Repertory requirements: This category offers each choir the opportunity to express its own traditions and strengths. The program should reflect the choral music activities. Thoughtful consideration should be given to the dramatic arc of the overall program.
Number of singers: unlimited
Age limits: unlimited
Performance’s duration: 15-20 minutes pure music.
Accompaniment: unlimited.
On free choice of intonation (identified in advance).

Category G: Free programme of original choral music

Repertory requirements: At least 4 original compositions should be performed.
Number of singers: unlimited
Age limits: unlimited
Performance’s duration: 15-20 minutes pure music.
Accompaniment: unlimited.
On free choice of intonation (identified in advance).

International Jury Committe I.J.C.

An International Jury Committee, consisting of at least three well-known Greek and/or foreign musicians will judge the competitive part of the festival and mark each performance based on the following:

Technique (rhythm, articulation and sound).
Diffuculty
Intonation
Interpretation
Stylistic Fidelity

The International Jury Committee allocates marks for the technical and artistic quality of the chosen programme and the overall quality of its performance, taking into account how well the choir communicates with the audience in a performance situation.

The results of the marking process will be unappeasable and irrefutable in all aspects.

Marking - Medals

The I.J.C. will award prizes to the choirs, which will have achieved the following marks:

Gold Medal: From 90.00 to 100 points,
Silver Medal: From 80.00 to 89.99 points
Bronze Medal: From 70.00 to 79.99 points

Marking – Prize Money

The following prize money will be awarded to the choirs with gold medal and with the highest mark in each category:

Category A: 500€ & 1st Prize
Category B: 400€ & 1st Prize
Category C: 400€ & 1st Prize
Category D: 300€ & 1st Prize
Category E: 400€ & 1st Prize
Category F: 400€ & 1st Prize
Category G: 400€ & 1st Prize

Marking – Special Prizes

The I.J.C. may award other special prizes: for the best performance of orthodox chant, for the best folklore performance, for the best conducting, e.g.

Awarding Ceremony

All the prizes, certificates and diplomas will be announced and handed in at a special ceremony in the presence of audience and authorities, where the choirs selected by the International Jury Committee will perform one (1) or two (2) songs also chosen by the I. J .C.

Non – competitive concerts

The place and the time for the non-competitive concerts will be arranged by the Organizing Committee. Pieces of each choir’s choice will be performed “a cappella” within 10-15 minutes.

Application Procedure

Registration - Participation Fees

The selected choirs, after the acceptance of their participation by the Organising Committee, must pay a deposit of € 150 (not refundable) towards the registration fees.
Subsequently – not after the 15th of May 2024 – you will be requested to pay € 35 for each member of the choir, including the director, the pianist/musicians, and the escorts (the fee does not include room & board). This includes entry fees for the competition and the festival. Please deduct the deposit of € 150 Euros already paid from the total fee before paying the balance.

Registration - Participation Fees

The selected choirs, after the acceptance of their participation by the Organising Committee, must pay a deposit of € 150 (not refundable) towards the registration fees. Subsequently – not after the 15th of May 2024 – you will be requested to pay € 35 for each member of the choir, including the director, the pianist/musicians, and the escorts (the fee does not include room & board). This includes entry fees for the competition and the festival. Please deduct the deposit of € 150 Euros already paid from the total fee before paying the balance.

NATIONAL BANK OF GREECE
Choral society “Armonia” of Preveza
Account number: 448/480188-16
Swift Code – Bic: ETHNGRAA
IBAN: GR 7201 1044 8000 0044 8480 18816

Each choir is required to forward by 1 May 2024 latest.

A fully detailed application form (which is attached).
A recent CD recording of the choir or approximately seven MP3 files sent by email
The choir’s proposed competition programme (see Repertoire Requirements detailed above). If accepted, this repertoire and its order of performance may not subsequently be altered
Six original score of each work (non returnable)
A short history of the choir and conductor detailing activities and achievements (English Text, 250 words)
A recent photograph (suitable for publicity purposes) of the choir and the conductor.
A list of the names and addresses of the choir members that do not hold EU passports.

Accommondation, Meals & Transport

Each choir is responsible for all matters related to the organization, booking and payment of all accommodation and meals during their stay in Preveza. The festival is not responsible for any booking issues that may arise.

Selection

Only applications enclosing all of the requirements detailed under Application Procedure will be considered. Choirs are selected on the basis of their application material. Particular attention is paid to the repertoire and quality of performance presented on the audition CD submitted with the application.

Conditions of Participation

Closing date for receipt of completed applications is 1 May 2024.
Once the appropriate material is received, it will be evaluated and the applicant choir will be informed whether they are chosen to participate or not.
Registration fee (minus any bank charges incurred) will be refunded if a choir is not selected to participate in the festival.
Any selected choir that withdraws from the competition is not entitled to a refund of the registration fee.
It is contrary to law to perform music that has been reproduced illegally. Should a choir do so, the festival accepts no responsibility for any action taken by publishers.
The Organising Committee accepts no legal responsibility whatsoever in respect of anything pertaining to a choir’s participation in the festival.
The festival accepts no responsibility or liability for accommodation and meal costs incurred by the choir.
The festival accepts no responsibility for any expense incurred by any choir or individual chorister participating in the festival.

42st International Choral Festival of Preveza

Organising Committe:

Kosmas Koronaios, President

Ioanna Kotsi, Vice President

Anna-Ypapanti Soldatou, General Secretary

Panagiotis Galanis, Treasurer

Giorgos Kardoutsos, Commisioner

Eftathia Dimou, Commisioner

Ioannis Tsandiris, Commissioner

Recent Festivals

41st International Choral Festival of Preveza

40th International Choral Festival of Preveza

39th International Choral Festival of Preveza

37th International Choral Festival of Preveza

36th International Choral Festival of Preveza

35th International Choral Festival of Preveza

International Jury Committe I.J.C.

Graeme Langager

Paweł Łukaszewski

Garo Avessian

Eduardo García-Novelli

Masis Aram Gozbek

Συμμετοχές Χορωδιών

Choir “Olgarythmos”, Athens, Greece

Moraitis School Adult Choir

A Capella Gramofon, Izmir, Turkey

Academic Choir of the Jan Długosz University, Częstochowa, Poland

Ad Una Corda, Pezinok, Slovakia

Cappella Quinqueecclesiensis, Pecs, Hungary

Choir “Mitava”, Riga, Latvia

Forest Ridge School Chamber Choir, Bellevue WA, USA

Hejnał Mazańcowice, Mazańcowice, Poland

Hugo Wolf Chamber Choir, Maribor, Slovenia

Medvidata Youth Choir, Český Krumlov, Czech Republic

Mixed choir TECHNIK AKADEMIK, Trnava, Slovakia

Royal Voices of Charlotte, Charlotte NC, USA

TrencaCors, Barcelona, Spain

VeraVoce, Mazańcowice, Poland

Vocal Quartet of the UJD Department of Music of the Jan Długosz University (JDU), Częstochowa, Poland

Vox Humana chamber choir, Sfântu Gheorghe, Romania

WPA UAM Chamber Choir, Kalisz, Poland

Mixed Choir of the Municipal Unity of Agria, Volos, Greece

Introduction

Participation

Organisation

Timetable

Application Procedure

Conditions of Participation

Festival Registration Fee

Travel Costs:

Accommodation, Meals & Transport

A good example so as to estimate your expenses:

Bus for 50 people for transfers within Preveza €150 per transfer so €3-5 per person. PRICE €20 FOR all Days. So, in total:

How you can get here:

For any further information, please contact us on the following:

prevezachoralfestival@gmail.com

armonia4@otenet.gr

Selection

Broadcasting, Recording & Photographic Rights

It is a condition of participation that any choir agrees that:

28th International Choral Competition

Competition's Categories:

Category A: Mixed choirs

Category B: Equal Voices’ choirs (Male or Female)

Category C: Children’s choirs

Category D: Chamber choirs / Vocal ensembles (mixed, male or female ensembles)

Category E: Youth choirs (mixed, male or female ensembles)

Thematic Categories:

Category F: Spiritual, Gospel, Jazz, Pop Choirs, Pop Ensembles, Folklore, Byzantine chant

Category G: Free programme of original choral music

International Jury Committe I.J.C.

Marking - Medals

The I.J.C. will award prizes to the choirs, which will have achieved the following marks:

Marking – Prize Money

The following prize money will be awarded to the choirs with gold medal and with the highest mark in each category:

Marking – Special Prizes

The I.J.C. may award other special prizes: for the best performance of orthodox chant, for the best folklore performance, for the best conducting, e.g.

Awarding Ceremony

All the prizes, certificates and diplomas will be announced and handed in at a special ceremony in the presence of audience and authorities, where the choirs selected by the International Jury Committee will perform one (1) or two (2) songs also chosen by the I. J .C.

Non – competitive concerts