In March 2011 the choir has already achieved the overall win of the 1st Vietnam International Choir Festival and Competiton in Hoi An and won the Hoi An Choir Prize. Read more about this competition here.

Also we have found a video showing the choir’s competition performance in Hoi An. Watch it and listen to and enjoy their outstanding interpretation of the well-known “Circle of life” from Disney’s “The Lion King”:

If you’d like to listen to Diponegoro University Choir and to meet the singers in Guangzhou in November, learn more about participation possibilities and registration on http://xinghai.interkultur.com, even as an individual singer. Check it out now!

End of a year and the beginning of a new one is usually the time to make some kind of summary – was it successful, did I accomplish everything I set out to do, what do I need to better? Answering those questions, female chamber choir “Banjalučanke” has much to smile about. To quote Frank Sinatra: “It was a very good year”.

I’ve already written about one of our great accomplishments this year – Golden Diploma in the competition “Venezia in Musica” in April. Our second big success came in early November, when we participated in yet another INTERKULTUR event – “International Choir Competition & Festival Malta 2011”.

Malta in November is something everyone should experience. Sunny, warm weather, people strolling along the beach in short sleeves; some were even swimming. Quite a difference from rain, snow and -2 degrees Celsius we left back home. That was the first impression of Malta. Second one was the beauty of its architecture – all of its town merging one into another, with houses, buildings and forts made of the sand colored stone Malta seems to have in abundance. And on every step, as a reminder of its history and cultural heritage, were the mementos of Knights order of Malta – armors, coat of arms and Maltese crosses.

My third impression of Malta was that it was a Mediterranean England. English is one of the official languages, English newspapers are delivered every day, the stores and brands are the ones you can only find in England (even my favorite Cadbury chocolates), driving on the wrong side of the street – I never knew where to look when crossing the street, so I basically looked all over.

The whole event was wonderfully organized, and despite the tight schedule we had, we never had any problems. Sure, we were a bit tired the first day – eight hours bus ride, two connecting flights, but it was worth it. The Opening ceremony was great – a parade through the streets of Malta with our own marching band. After that came the knights’ ceremony followed by a concert and cocktails! It was almost too much to take in at once. However, we couldn’t relax entirely, because the next morning we were due for the competition. The competition itself went great and once again all our efforts were rewarded with another Golden Diploma for our choir.

The next day was reserved for a concert with the Symphonic Orchestra of Malta. It is definitely our favorite event, mainly because we got to perform under the conduction of Mr. Gábor Hollerung, whom we met at the World Choir Games in China in 2010 in a similar event. We always have so much fun in those events – the music is great, we meet choir singers from many countries, we get to perform in front of crowd that can really appreciate what we do.

The Closing ceremony took place back in the venue where competitions were held and selected choirs were chosen to participate. I am proud to say we were one of those choirs. After the ceremony, we had a cruise through the Malta bay with all the other participants. One more chance to meet fellow choir singers, exchange experiences and have fun.

Unfortunately, all good things come to an end and before we knew it, we were on our way back home. Very happy, a little bit sad, but knowing we will get to do it again. We’re already preparing for our next big adventure – World Choir Games in Cincinnati in July 2012. Let’s hope that this year will be as great as the last one.

Watch some of Jelena’s photos taken in Malta on flickr!

In November, for example, I attended a choir concert during which I awarded a Qualification Certificate for The Champions Competition of the World Choir Games. First I listened to a wonderful concert of Wright State University Collegiate Chorale from Dayton, Ohio that will be competing in the “Mixed Chamber Choirs” and “Musica Contemporanea (contemporary music)” categories in July. After the concert I went on stage and awarded the Qualification Certificate (photo). This was a great moment, as the singers were so thrilled! Later the choir master Hank Dahlman told me: “It was a true highlight to the event!” Those moments make me feel proud.

But stop dreaming now; I have to get back to work! We’re currently planning a first schedule for the World Choir Games. So you’ll learn on which day and venue your competition category will be held. After that we start to work on details: We have to figure out when exactly every individual choir can rehearse and perform in the competition. Considering we have more than 350 registered choirs at present it’s not that easy…

Yours
Jelena

The World Choir Games has already generated generous media coverage in Cincinnati USA. We expect even more interest from all types of media locally, regionally, nationally and internationally.

The media thrive on good stories and our media relations teams from INTERKULTUR and the host city asks you to share with us the most compelling human interest stories from your choir.

We’re seeking interesting stories about your director, an individual member, anyone affiliated with the group, how your choir got started, raised funds, etc. We’ll share the best stories with the media (TV, newspapers, radio, magazines and online publications).

Here is what makes a good feature story:

• A story that creates an emotional connection with the reader or viewer (i.e. overcoming obstacles or adversity against all odds on the road to success)

• Interesting or really strong characters, especially those doing unusual or great things, making the world a better place, overcoming adversity, etc.

• Elements of surprise: A story that tells readers/viewers something they didn’t expect
• Anything unusual, offbeat, unique, original or truly interesting

• Humor; funny anecdotes about your choir and its experiences

• Stories that are educational

Consider the kinds of stories you see on television during the Olympics that make you care about or appreciate the competitors, no matter what country they are from.

We really want to share and promote the great stories of the participants.

Please send story ideas and contacts to choirreporterinterkulturcom  (choirreporterinterkulturcom)  

We appreciate your help!

If you and your choir want to be part of this performance and are approved by the Artistic Committee you must have rehearsed the music completely until your arrival in Vienna. On Friday, June 15 a common rehearsal and on Saturday, June 16 a dress rehearsal with the orchestra will take place. The mass will be performed on Sunday, June 17 during the closing ceremony of Sing’n’joy Vienna.

Another new feature of Sing’n’joy Vienna 2012: the date. Instead of taking place in November the event will be held in early summer already, from June 13 to 17, 2012. That’s way registration deadline is very soon already, January 31, 2012. Learn more about registration here. So if you’re interested in being part of it, hurry and then: Welcome to Vienna!

This was also confirmed by Judit and Tingting, our project managers for the 1st Xinghai Prize International Choir Championships in Guangzhou in South China. Just recently they tasted the typical food and they say it’s delicious! On the markets they found Dim Sum (individual portions of food served in small steamer baskets), a lot of meat dishes (the paradise according to Tingting, as meat is her most favorite dish!) as well as tea and herbs in giant barrels.

Also they especially liked “Hot Pot”, a dish consisting of a simmering metal pot of water. While the hot pot is kept simmering, the guests place ingredients into the pot and cook them at the table. It’s a specialty of this region and very popular, especially in the cold season. “Just watch out, don’t let it scorch!” Judit recommends from her own experience…

Apart from that people eat rice, vegetables from the wok, fresh fish, noodles, often spiced with ginger, green onions, salt, vinegar, soy sauce and rice wine. Yummy!

If someone, against our expectation, can’t get used to the foreign cuisines there’s still an alternative: Also in Guangzhou there are the famous and well-known fast food chains as well as some excellent international restaurants.

Got curious? Check out some photos!

All participating choirs will be warmly welcomed at the airport directly, the first signs have been installed already (see photo) – I was surprised to see that, too. Great! Cincinnati will present itself to all choirs as a fantastic host – more than 1000 volunteers have already registered, highly motivated to ensure that choirs will have an unforgettable stay. Volunteers will not only support choirs but also will be needed in areas including language services, welcome teams, marketing and communications, operations and production. If you still want to register as a volunteer: https://2012wcg.theregistrationsystem.com/en/1153

The event is fast approaching now – in February I will come back to Cincinnati again and we will have talks about artistic details such as the event’s schedule, opening and closing as well as the course of the competitions. I’m already looking forward to my return “home” to Cincinnati and the next meetings with our partners. See you very very soon!

Yours
Jelena

The design for the peace bell of the World Choir Games (WCG) is final now. As you may know the bell will be produced by Verdin Company, a local business. Today Jim Downs, event manager of the host city, presented the design for us. It looks great – at least on paper.
The bell is one of the most important symbols of the World Choir Games, it’s for the WCG what the Olympic Flame is for the Olympic Games. Since the 1st World Choir Games in 2000 the bell has sounded at the Opening of each WCG competition and calls all nations to come together in a peaceful and joint singing and celebration. The last sound of the world’s largest choral competition sounds with the bell’s chiming during the Closing ceremony.

Also I can tell you now, who will produce the trophies for the Champions: Rookwood! The company also manufactures the trophy for Western & Southern Open (ATP tennis tournament in Cincinnati). The design has been chosen already and I keep my fingers crossed to all of you that YOU will win one of them in July!

Our partners are increasingly thinking about merchandising as the event approaches, because the World Choir Games should be remembered for a long time to come. Some merchandise is already available and, of course, the range of products is supposed to be expanded. Some new ideas have been presented during today’s meetings (photo) – but that’s all I’m telling you for now!

Yours
Jelena

It will be an exciting year for you, for us and the choral community. 

We love our job because you give us a better understanding of different cultures and because we appreciate how valuable our work is.

During the First World Choir Games in Linz 2000 we daily walked across historic steps up to the city’s concert halls. These steps were bearing the inscription: „Language is the gateway to the world“. Thus we would like to send you international greetings for the new choral year 2012 in this way. It will be your year!

And we are looking forward to all the musical highlights your voices will create and hopefully we will meet at our INTERKULTUR events.

With this personal video we want to wish you a wonderful New Year 2012:

Indeed, we already had a look at them in 2010 and 2011. However, at that time we had still some construction areas (and helmets were required, as you can see on the photo – it’s me together with Prof. Dr. Ralf Eisenbeiß, one of our Artistic Directors). For example, today I could see the venues at School for Creative and Performing Arts for the very first time. Now it’s also time to set all competition venues and clearify details about seating arrangements, for example where the judges will be sitting during the competitions.

If you’d like to take a look at the venues for yourself, click here. The great thing is that all venues are located in walking distance.

Today we will also discuss more details: Friendship concerts, medals, trophies … the World Choir Games is starting to take shape.

Yours
Jelena