PROMOTER OF POLAND



Organizer:
„Orthodox Church Music” Foundation
2 T. Sołoniewicz str.
17-200 Hajnówka, Poland

tel. +48 85 682 20 89
e-mail: biuro@festiwal-hajnowka.pl

Place of Festival realisation:
Podlasie Opera and Philharmonic in Białystok
2 Podleśna str. Poland





 


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LOGO MFMC 2019

40 Jubileuszowy Międzynarodowy

Festiwal  Muzyki  Cerkiewnej

2021 w BIAŁYMSTOKU

40th Jubilee International  Festival

of    Orthodox    Church   Music

21-26.09.2021 r

 

 

Honorary Patronage

of the President of the Republic of Poland

Andrzej Duda

ppl

 

Patronage of the Polish Composers' Union

Artistic Patronage of Krzysztof Penderecki (2003-2020)

Patronage of the President of Białystok

 


SPONSOR



PARTNER








Bialystok is an area where from ancient times influences of many cultures came across. Cultures of the East and West. From a very rich mosaic of nationalities (Poles, Belarusians, Lithuanians, Jews, Russians, Tatars) to the religious mosaic (Christianity, Islam, Judaism). This is where the influences of the Western - Roman and Eastern - Byzantine Church were meeting. The living remains are the churches and Orthodox churches standing (often close to each other) and the followers of Catholicism and Orthodoxy. A characteristic feature of the Orthodox Church is, among others, the rich - mostly polyphonic - Orthodox Church music.
I greeted the participants of our Festival in 1982 with my above words beginning the program folder of the 1st Days of Orthodox Church Music - Hajnówka 1982. The beginnings of this event, as it turned out later, pioneering in the world, were modest. Organized under martial law, 8 choirs from Podlasie and one from Lublin performed. The Gala Concert after the Laureates’ performance was graced by the only professional choir performing Orthodox Church music at that time, founded in 1973 by its standing conductor Mr. Jerzy Szurbak, the Orthodox Church Music Ensemble of the Warsaw Chamber Opera. In 1981, as the director (since 2 years) of the Hajnówka House of Culture, in order to make my idea of organizing an event presenting Orthodox Church music more realistic, I asked him, as the conductor of this exceptional choir, for help and invited him to Hajnówka. I didn’t know back then that he was a clergyman, and I contacted him through the Warsaw Chamber Opera. In retrospect, it seems a little strange, because at the time I benefited from the kindness of the Orthodox Parish Priest, a wonderful man, Fr. Antoni Dziewiatowski, who directed me to his vicar, who was then leading the parish choir, Fr. Michał Niegierewicz, as it later turned out, a student of Fr. Jerzy Szurbak. The attitude of the church hierarchy towards the event also varied. The prevailing attitude was one of abstinence and reserve, and Metropolitan Basil honored us with his presence only at the 11th Festival in 1992. Similarly, the local political and administrative authorities, who, after trying to block the event after the First Days, took a waitand- see position, and all the problems associated with the event were mine alone. In spite of this, thanks to a lot of persistent work and kindness of many people, the initially modest event developed, and since 1991 it has been called the International Festival of Orthodox Church Music - Hajnówka retaining the name of the town (where it was founded and where the Managing Office is still located), has made it famous and promoted all over the world. Inviting to this year’s 40th Jubilee edition I am writing about Fr Jerzy Szurbak because over these years he has been supporting us in various ways. He was the Chairman of the Jury during the First Days, a multiple participant and winner of the Festival, a juror, a permanent spiritual and artistic consultant, but also a wonderful man. Recently, at my request, he undertook an attempt to reactivate the Ensemble, so that, just as in 1982, he could participate in the closing of this year’s Jubilee. A huge thank you. But before that happens, September 21 ahead of us and the Inauguration Ceremony, which will begin with the traditional hymn „Gaude Mater” sung by the Children’s Choir of the Podlasie Opera and Philharmonic directed by the excellent conductor and teacher Ewa Rafałko. After the opening we will hear the Inaugural Concert „Music Pearls of Orthodoxy”, which will be performed by the best in Poland, the famous Choir of the National Philharmonic in Warsaw conducted by Bartosz Michałowski. The next day we invite you to film festival reminiscences and promotion of festival publications. The next three days are competition auditions. Once again live - because we consider the organization of the online choral competition a misunderstanding. In front of the audience and the international jury led for 39 years by Romuald Twardowski, an outstanding composer and the Chief Executive of the „Orthodox Church Music” Foundation (which has been organizing the Festival for 25 years), in the competition concerts will sing: parish choirs (Orthodox, Old Believers, Catholics and Greek Catholics), amateur choirs, children’s and youth choirs, music academies’ choirs and professional. More than 20 choirs from: Angola, Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, Slovakia, Sweden, Romania, as well as representatives of Belarus, Russia, Macedonia, Greece, Georgia, Israel, Kazakhstan and Ukraine who are very keen to participate in this year’s choral Festival. I hope that to over 900 choirs from 41 countries in Europe, Asia, North America, Africa and Australia, fascinated with the spirituality and artistry of Orthodox Church music, will join the new ones during this year’s Festival. We invite you to the Jubilee meetings with the „music of the singing soul”. We also hope that in this difficult time, together we will manage to create some normality we all miss. I cordially invite you once again wishing you spiritual and artistic experiences.
With expressions of respect
Mikołaj Buszko

 

 

INAUGURAL CONCERT

 
„Music pearls of Orthodoxy”
National Philharmonic’s Choir
Warsaw, Poland
conductor: Bartosz Michałowski

 

The Choir was founded in 1953 and is mainly focused on participation in symphonic and oratorio concerts with the National Philharmonic Orchestra and a cappella performances on its home stage. The Choir appears regularly at the International Festival of Contemporary Music „Warsaw Autumn” and the International Festival „Wratislavia Cantans”. The Choir has also performed extensively abroad (Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, Greece, Spain, Iceland, Israel, Germany, Russia, Switzerland, Turkey, Lithuania, Latvia, France, Italy, UK. It has been frequently invited to perform in concerts with outstanding orchestras in Germany, Israel, Italy, France. In 1988, 1990 and 2001 the Choir sang in ceremonial concerts organised for John Paul II in the Vatican. The Choir’s wide repertoire comprises over 400 oratorios and a cappella works, ranging from the Middle Ages to contemporary pieces. A particular place in the Choir’s repertoire is occupied by Polish music, especially pieces by Krzysztof Penderecki. The Choir has performed and recorded all of his oratorios and a cappella works receiving a prestigious Grammy Award in the category of best choral performance. The Choir also received several Fryderyk Awards of the Polish Phonographic Academy.
Since 2017, the Choir’s conductor has been Bartosz Michałowski - a graduate of choral conducting at the Paderewski Academy of Music in Poznań, founder, conductor and Artistic Director of the Poznań Chamber Choir, laureate of numerous competitions, lecturer at the Fryderyk Chopin Music University, founder and director of the Opus 966 National Composers’ Competition, creator of composition master classes for children and youth, he has collaborated regularly with renowned institutions and orchestras, he premiered and recorded numerous pieces, participated in conferences on choral music and voice emission, jury’s member of choral competitions. In addition to his rich conducting experience, he has spent many years working on enhancing skills and knowledge in the field of voice emission, having completed master classes in Poland, Great Britain and Germany.

 

 

PROGRAM OF THE CONCERT
  1. Sergei Rachmaninoff – Come, let us worship
  2. Chant of the Kiev-Pechersk Lavra – Blessed is the man soloist: Łukasz Kocur – bass
  3. From the Suprasl Irmologion – The Body of Christ soloist: Łukasz Kocur – bass
  4. Georgian – Christ is risen soloists: Kacper Szemraj – tenor, Łukasz Kocur - bass
  5. Fedor Dubiansky – Lord’s Prayer
  6. Dmitry Bortniansky – Let God arise
  7. Stepan Degtyarov – This is the day
  8. Pyotr Tchaikovsky – I believe (Statement of belief)
  9. Karol Szymanowski – Now, you let your servant go in peace
  10. Nicolay Kedrov – Lord’s Prayer
  11. Michał Rogowski – Holy God
  12. Nicolay Ravensky – Almighty God
  13. Georgy Sviridov – Beheld a strange Christmas
  14. Lesya Dychko – Bless the Lord, o my soul
  15. John Tavener – Song for Athene
  16. Krzysztof Penderecki – From the depth
  17. Romuald Twardowski – Osanna II
  18. Vasiliy Titov – Today Christ

 

 


 

 

prof. Romuald Twardowski – Head of the Jury; composer, professor at the Fryderyk Chopin University of Music in Warsaw, honored by the Polish Ministry of Culture and National Heritage with a Medal for Merit for Culture Gloria Artis. Warsaw, Poland.

prof. dr hab. Wioletta Miłkowska– lecturer of conducting at the Fryderyk Chopin University of Music in Białystok, jury member of Polish and foreign contests, honored by the Polish Ministry of Culture and National Heritage with a Medal for Merit for Culture Gloria Artis, multiple laureate of IFOCM. Białystok, Poland.

Fr. Jerzy Szurbak– – artistic director and conductor of the Warsaw Male Orthodox Church Music Ensemble, honored by the Polish Ministry of Culture and National Heritage with a Medal for Merit for Culture Gloria Artis, multiple laureate of IFOCM. Warsaw, Poland.

 

prof. Dimitar Dimitrov – – lecturer of Orthodox Church music at the Theology Department of the Sofia University, conductor of St. Alexandre Nevsky Patriarchal Cathedral, multiple laureate of IFOCM. Sofia, Bulgaria

prof. Povilas Gylis – conductor, prorector of the Music Academy, Honored Artist of Lithuania, Knight of the Order of the Lithuanian Grand Duke Gediminas, laureate of IFOCM. Vilnius, Lithuania.
prof. Igor Matyukhov – conductor, Honored Artist of Belarus, laureate of Honored Diploma of Russian Ministry of Education and Science, Professor at the Faculty of Choral Conducting at the St. Petersburg State Conservatory, multiple laureate of IFOCM. St. Petersburg, Russia.

 

 

 

The Old Believers’ Ensemble “Unison”

Daugavpils, Latvia
conductor: Pr. Nicolai Vasiliev
category: parish choirs

 

The Choir represents the Old Orthodox Pomeranian Church of Latvia and Lithuania. The objective of the Choir’s activity is to popularize znamenny chant and to bring Old Believers’ singing closer to amateurs of old Orthodox music. The Choir has performed in Estonia, Belarus and Poland (laureate of the IFOCM). Until recently the Choir’s conductor was the chairman of the Central Council of the Latvian Old Orthodox Church - Fr. Alexey Zhilko (1945-2021). Currently the Choir is conducted by Pr. Nicolai Vasiliev - spiritual mentor of the Riga Old Believers’ community and the Suwałki Old Believers’ Church in Poland.

 

PROGRAM
  1. Saint Martyr Anfinogor – Gladsome light
  2. Going up the mountain
  3. Today is the barren gate
  4. A tree for Adam’s sake
  5. Good and kind
  6. Magnification of Elevation of the Holy Cross
  7. In Thee rejoiceth

 

Choir of the Parish of Transfiguration of Christ

Stockholm, Sweden
conductor: Richard Kovar
 
category: parish choirs

 

The Choir consists of singers of all degrees of musical experience, from amateurs to professional musicians, who grace parish services. The Choir’s repertoire ranges in style from old unison singing to choral compositions. The Choir led by Andrzej Boublej, has participated in the IFOCM twice, in 1993 and 1996, and is currently conducted by Richard Kovar - born in Slovakia where he studied sacral music and composition at the Conservatory in Bratislava. After moving to Sweden he studied piano at the University of Göteborg. He specializes in Byzantine and Serbian music, znamenny chant and Carpatho-Ruthenian pieces adapted by him into Swedish.

 

PROGRAM
  1. Antiphon 1 voice
  2. Antiphon 1 voice Troparion O, Only Begotten Son
  3. Antiphon 1 voice Troparion and kontakion
  4. Trisagion – Greek chant
  5. Richard Kovar – Cherubic hymn in Swedish

 

Choir of the Assumption Church

Warsaw, Poland
conductor: Łukasz Rejt
 
category: parish choirs

 

 The Choir was founded in 2000 on the initiative and under the leadership of Łukasz Rejt. It is one of the four choirs working at the Basilian Orthodox Church. It consists of Ukrainians – Warsaw’s permanent residents and students, as well as immigrants from Ukraine. The Choir took part in the funeral ceremonies of Count de Werszowiec-Rey, Aleksander Malachowski and Jacek Kuroń; it also sang during the funeral services held at the Orthodox Cemetery in Wola at the graves of Ukrainian soldiers killed in the defense of Warsaw in 1920. The Choir performs concerts, takes part in festivals (laureate of the IFCOM) and has recorded 3 albums. In 2007 it took part in the recordings for the TV series „Plebania”. The Choir conductor since 2003 is Łukasz Rejt - graduate of the Warsaw University and the Regents Institute in Przemyśl, a chorister of numerous choirs, including the Ukrainian Male Choir „Zhuravli”.

 

PROGRAM
  1. Grigory Lvovsky – Cherubic hymn
  2. Yuriy Slastion – In Thy Kingdom
  3. Irina Denisova – Angel cried (byzantine melody)
  4. Olexandr Koshits – The Body of Christ
  5. Divna Ljubojević – To Thee we sing (Serbian) soloists: Joanna Korenicka-Rejt and Maria Kapeluch
  6. Hrihori Vereta - Canticle about Salvation

 

“Blahovysnik” Choir of the Ukrainian Orthodox Parish

Sighetu, Romania
conductor: Margareta Lauruc
category: parish choirs

 

The Choir has been active for over 15 years. Choristers sing during services at their parish. Apart from the sacral music they perform songs of Transcarpathian region. The Choir sings in Ukrainian, Romanian and Church Slavonic languages and takes part in numerous festivals. The Choir’s conductor is Margareta Lauruc - wife of the parish priest Fr. Mykola. She works as a teacher at the school in Sighetu, she is a laureate of festivals, and has been honored with a special diploma from the Patriarch of the Romanian Orthodox Church - Daniel.

 

PROGRAM
  1. Unknown author – I Antiphon
  2. Fedor Kopinets – Cherubic hymn (Carpathoruthenian chant)
  3. Unknown author – About Thou
  4. Dmitry Bortniansky – O, how glorious
  5. Romuald Twardowski – In Thy Kingdom
  6. Pyotr Turchaninov – Christ is risen

 

Chamber Choir „In Laetitia”

Warsaw, Poland
conductor: Barbara Kucharczyk
category: amateur secular choirs

  

The Choir operating under the care of the „In Laetitia” Association was established in 2016. Repeatedly participated in masses in the churches of Warsaw, is also a laureate of choral festivals. The repertoire includes compositions from the Renaissance to modern times. Since the beginning the Choir’s conductor is Barbara Kucharczyk - graduate of choral conducting at the F. Chopin University of Music.

 

PROGRAM
  1. Unknown author – God is with us
  2. Dmitry Bortniansky – Cherubic hymn
  3. Grigory Lvovsky – Lord have mercy
  4. Pyotr Tchaikovsky – Legend
  5. Fedor Stepanov – To Thee we sing soloists: Katarzyna Pomianowska-Korol - soprano, Jacek Kułakowski - tenor
  6. Alexandr Arkhangelsky – Listen to my prayer God

 

Vocal Ensemble of the Blind “Consonans”

Kharkiv, Ukraine
conductor: Vitalina Duda
category: amateur secular choirs

 

The Ensemble was founded in 2017. The repertoire consists of sacral and classical music, as well as Ukrainian folk songs. The Ensemble performs concerts and is a laureate of many competitions and festivals. It’s conducted by Vitalina Duda - a graduate of the Music Education Department of the Kharkiv Pedagogical Institute, she works as a music director at a kindergarten and elementary school for children with eyesight problems.

 

PROGRAM
  1. Kiril Stetsenko – Lord’s Prayer
  2. Nicolay Cololo – Minor Doxology
  3. Kiril Stetsenko – Bless the Lord, o my soul
  4. Fr. Seraphim Bit-Kharibi – Trisagion (in Aramaic) soloists: Natalia Sołoszenko and Vitalina Duda
  5. Peter Dinev – Angel cried
  6. Arrang. Vitalina Duda – Troparion of Pascha (in 3 languages) soloist: Vitalina Duda
  7. Dmitry Bortniansky – It is truly meet
  8. Arrang. Vitalina Duda - Kriste Agdzga (Georgian Christ is risen)

 

Choir of the Agricultural University

Kraków, Poland
conductor: Joanna Gutowska – Kuźmicz
category: amateur secular choirs

 

The Choir was formed in December 2003 and is an artistic centerpiece of the University. The Choir performes concerts and takes part in competitions in Poland and abroad (Ukraine, Italy, Czech Republic, Macedonia, Germany, France, Greece, Spain). It has won over 40 awards and distinctions and has recorded two albums. The Choir’s conductor is Joanna Gutowska-Kuźmicz- graduate of the Academy of Music in Lodz, participant of seminars for choral conductors in Poland and abroad, for special merits for Kraków honored with the Honoris Gratia distinction by the President of Kraków.

 

PROGRAM
  1. Pavel Chesnokov – Thy mercy
  2. Sergei Rachmaninoff – To Thee we sing soloist: Aleksandra Bizoń
  3. Arvo Part – Rejoice, o Virgin Theotokos
  4. Stevan Mokranjac – No One Is As Holly As Thee
  5. Romuald Twardowski – My Queen soloist: Aleksandra Bizoń

 

City Choir of Shtip

Shtip, North Macedonia
conductor: Ivana Jankov
category: amateur secular choirs
 
 The Choir was founded in 2009. It performs concerts in Macedonia and abroad and is a laureate of international festivals. The Choir is the founder and organizer of the international choral festival in Shtip. It received special thanks from the Army of the Republic of Macedonia and the Association of People with disabilities for its contribution to the integration and support in the equal development of disabled people. The Choir’s conductor is Ivana Jankov - graduate of the Conducting Department of the Belgrade Music Academy in the class of Prof. Darinka Matic - Marović, graduate and assistant professor of the Music Academy of the Goce Delchev University in Shtip. She has cooperated with many choirs in Macedonia and Serbia, and is a laureate of numerous national and international awards.

 

PROGRAM
  1. Stevan Mokranjac – To Thee we sing
  2. Vojna Neshic - Lord’s Prayer
  3. Alexandr Arkhangelsky – By the Virgin sedulously
  4. Stojan Stojkov - Psalm 110
  5. Dmitry Bortniansky - Come, let us sing, o ye people

 

Children’s Choir of Vilnius Cultural Center

and Lithuanian Radio and Television
Vilnius, Lithuania
conductor: Regina Maleckaitė
category: children’s and youth choirs

 

 Acclaimed the best children’s choir in Lithuania was founded in 1979. Its repertoire is mainly based on contemporary music by Lithuanian composers. The Choir performs in Lithuania and abroad (Germany, Poland, France, Belgium, USA, Canada, Japan, Russia, Slovenia, Holland, Hungary, Switzerland), and is a laureate of numerous international choral competitions (three-time winner of the IFOCM). The Choir’s conductor since 1979 and artistic director since 1992 is Regina Maleckaitė - a graduate of the Lithuanian Academy of Music, a longterm board member of the Lithuanian Choral Union, honored with “Order for Merits to Lithuania”.

 

PROGRAM
  1. Dmitry Bortniansky – O only Begotten Son
  2. Pavel Chesnokov – Come, let‘s please Joseph
  3. Sergei Rachmaninoff – Cherubic hymn
  4. Dobri Hristov – Praise the Name of the Lord
  5. Romuald Twardowski – In Thy Kingdom

 

Children’s National Choir Capela „Zorinka”

Ternopil, Ukraine
conductor: Angela Doskoch
category: children’s and youth choirs

 

The Choir was founded in 1980. In 1988 the Ministry of Education gave the Choir the title of „National Choir Capela”. In 1996 a children’s choir school of the same name was established on the basis of the Choir. The Choir is a multiple winner of international choral competitions (Austria, Bulgaria, Italy, Moldova, Germany, Poland - IFOCM, Russia, Slovakia, Hungary, Czech Republic, Croatia, Spain). The repertoire includes sacral and classical music, choral works by contemporary composers, arrangements of Ukrainian folk songs. Most of the pieces are sung a cappella. The founder of the Choir is Izidor Doskoch - graduate of the Lviv Conservatory, Honored Employee of Education of Ukraine, standing director of the Choir. Since 1993, the director of the Choir and chief conductor is Angela Doskoch - Meritorious Employee of Education of Ukraine, since 2017 the director of the Children’s Choral School „Zorinka”

 

PROGRAM
  1. Mykola Leontovych – Lord’s Prayer
  2. Ihor Shcherbakov – Rejoice, o Virgin Theotokos
  3. Volodymyr Stetsenko – Psalm Lord, my God
  4. Mykhailo Shukh – The grace
  5. Pylyp Kozytsky – My all confidence
  6. Bohdana Filts – Our Almighty Lord

 

Children’s Choir of Iaşi Municipality

Iaşi, Romania
conductor: Raluca Zaharia
category: children’s and youth choirs

 

The Choir was formed by the National Athenaeum of Iaşi on the initiative of the city municipality. The inaugural concert of the Choir took place in November 2020. The Choir consists of talented students from the city’s schools, representing the city in local, national and international cultural events. Despite its short activity, the Choir has already performed many concerts and recorded in radio and television. The conductor is Raluca Zaharia - cofounder of the Choir and president of the city’s cultural association.

 

PROGRAM
  1. arrang. Dan Mihai Goia, music Filotei Morosanu – Who is God
  2. arrang. Florin Bucescu, Vasile Spartarelu – Cherubic hymn
  3. arrang. Raluca Zaharia, music D. G. Kiriac – Hear my voice, Lord
  4. arrang. Raluca Zaharia, music Nicolae Lungu – Your chamber
  5. Gheorghe Cucu – Have mercy on me God
  6. Sergei Rachmaninoff – Rejoice, o Virgin Theotokos
  7. arrang. Sandu Bantas, music A. Fliarkowski – I believe
  8. arrang. Sandu Bantas, music A. Fliarkowski – I believe

 

Choir „Nova Aliança”

Luanda, Angola
conductor: Rodrigues António Eduardo Babi
 category: amateur secular choirs

 

The Choir was founded in 2002 and consists of people forming a church community united by a common mission, which is the proclamation of the Gospel. The Choir’s repertoire covers Renaissance and Baroque classical works as well as traditional Angolan and African pieces. Choristers sing in 6 national languages performing in the country and abroad. They take part in various cultural events, national and international festivals winning awards, as well as in workshops led by musicians from all over the world. Since 2008 the Choir has been conducted by a musician and composer - Rodrigues António Eduardo Babi.

 

PROGRAM
  1. Vladimir Dyakov - Cherubic hymn
  2. Alexandr Arkhangelsky - Bless the Lord, o my soul soloist: Pedro Manuel Mavakala
  3. Alexandr Arkhangelsky - Praise Name of the Lord soloist: Pedro Manuel Mavakala
  4. Alexandr Arkhangelsky – God is with us (znamenny chant) soloist: Carlos Kamena Sita
  5. Vasili Starorussky – We glorify Thee

 

Ukrainian Male Choir „Zhuravli”

Warsaw, Poland
conductor: Jarosław Wujcik
category: amateur secular choirs
 

 

Formed in 1972, the representative choral ensemble of the Union of Ukrainians in Poland brings together choristers from all over the country. The repertoire includes Ukrainian folk and Orthodox church music as well as the most outstanding compositions of Ukrainian choral classics. The first choir members were Ukrainians forcibly relocated in 1947 from the south-eastern Poland to the so-called Recovered Territories during Operation Vistula. Among them were social activists, singers of Greek Catholic and Orthodox parish choirs. Today their descendants sing in the Choir - sons and grandsons and Ukrainian emigrants. They are united by belonging to the Ukrainian minority and passion for their own culture and choral singing. The Choir is a multiple laureate of the IFOCM. The artistic director and conductor of the Choir since 2003 is Jaroslaw Wujcik - tenor, countertenor, conductor, graduate of the Academy of Music in Gdansk regent of Greek Catholic choirs, since December 2007 - director of the Regent Institute of the Przemysl-Warsaw Archieparchy of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church in Poland.

 

PROGRAM
  1. Mykola Hobdych – Holy God from the Przemysl Irmologion soloist: Michał Zrada
  2. Mykhailo Verbytsky – Angel cried
  3. Kiril Stetsenko – Bless the Lord, o my soul
  4. Petro Honcharov – Thy Cross
  5. Volodymyr Zubytsky - Prayer

 

„Basilica Cantans” Choir of the Wrocław Archcathedral

Wrocław, Poland
conductor: Mirosława Jura – Żegleń
category: parish choirs

 

The Choir was founded in 2004. Its repertoire includes a wide range of pieces of various styles, but above all the Choir specializes in sacral music, including Orthodox church music. Repertoire consists also of a wide range of secular pieces. The Choir is a laureate of numerous competitions and festivals, including the IFOCM. It performed during many important occasions such as solemn masses, the Ingres of Metropolitan of Wrocław, a concert within the European Capital of Culture Wroclaw 2016. The Choir also cooperates and performs the works of well-known composers. The artistic director and conductor of the Choir since 2007 is Mirosława Jura- Żegleń - graduate of choral conducting and Postgraduate Studies of accompaniment at the Wrocław Academy of Music, laureate of competitions, honored with a Silver and Gold Badge of PZChiO (Polish Union of Choirs and Orchestras)

 

PROGRAM
  1. Gavriil Lomakin – To Thee we sing
  2. Stiepan Davydov – O, Only Begotten Son
  3. Pavel Chesnokov – Evening Sacrifice soloist: Wojciech Ławnikowicz-bass
  4. Constantin Shvedov – We have no help
  5. Arvo Pärt – Rejoice, o Virgin Theotokos
  6. Romuald Twardowski – Alliluiah

 

„Nostro Canto” Choir of the Institute of Music and Fine

Arts of Prešov University
Prešov, Slovakia
conductor: Tatiana Švajkova
category: music universities’ choirs

 

The Choir was founded in 2001. It performs concerts in Slovakia and abroad; cooperates with choirs and orchestras from Poland and Hungary as well as with the Slovak Radio and Television; it is a laureate of numerous international competitions. The Choir has released a CD with contemporary choral compositions. It is conducted by its founder - prof. Tatiana Švajková - graduate of choral singing and conducting at the Academy of Music in Bydgoszcz, professor of conducting, conductor of other choirs in Slovakia and abroad, juror and laureate of international choral competitions.

 

PROGRAM
  1. Mikhail Ippolitov-Ivanov - Psalm 133
  2. Metropolitan Hilarion (Alfeyev) - Blessed
  3. Yurai Hatrík – In my Father’s home
  4. Sergei Rachmaninoff – Rejoice, o Virgin Theotokos
  5. Ivan Hrušovský – Troparion

 

Mixed Choir of Jazeps Medins Music Secondary School

Riga, Latvia
conductor: Jānis Baltiņš and Uldis Kokars
 category: music universities’ choirs

 

The Choir takes part in numerous international choral conducting competitions organized by the school and in the concerts organized by the European Choral Academy (in Germany, Austria, France, Greece, Switzerland), which give the students a unique opportunity to rehearse vocal symphonic compositions under the direction of outstanding European conductors. High artistic level of the Choir is confirmed by the awards in the international competitions in country and abroad (laureate of IFOCM). The Choir’s conductors are Jānis Baltiņš and Uldis Kokars - artistic directors and conductors of many choirs, lecturers at music universities and seminars in Latvia and abroad.

 

PROGRAM
  1. Andrei Makor – Lord Jesus, Son of God
  2. Andrei Makor – Salvation is created
  3. Constantin Shvedov – I believe (Statement of belief)
  4. Pavel Chesnokov – Praise the Lord from the Heavens
  5. Damian Močnik – Salvation is created
  6. Alfred Schnittke – Lord’s Prayer

 

Academic Choir of the Gdańsk University of Technology

Gdańsk, Poland
conductor: Mariusz Mróz
category: amateur secular choirs

 

 The Choir was founded in 1965 as „Collegium Academicum Musicae Antiquae” changing its name three years later to Choir of the Gdańsk University of Technology. The Choir performs concerts in Poland and Europe, takes part in numerous competitions and choral festivals winning multiple awards (double winner of the IFOCM). The Choir has recorded 3 CDs, including one with Orthodox church music. Repertoire consists mainly of a cappella sacral music, oratorios of various styles and epochs ranging from the Renaissance to modern times, but also contemporary and folk pieces. Since 1992 the Choir’s artistic director and conductor is Ph.D. Mariusz Mróz - graduate of the Faculty of Choral Conducting of the Music Academy in Gdańsk

 

PROGRAM
  1. Modest Musorgsky – Angel cried
  2. Pavel Chesnokov – A mercy of peace soloists: Anna Bączyk - soprano, Julia Popielewska -alto, Konrad Grzybicki - tenor, Jan Cychnerski - bass
  3. Irina Denisova – Cherubic hymn
  4. Yelena Yunek – Rejoice, o Virgin Theotokos
  5. Romuald Twardowski – All creation

 

Academic Choir of the Warsaw University

Warsaw, Poland
conductor: Irina Bogdanovich
 
category: amateur secular choirs
 The Choir was founded in 1921. In September this year the Choir started its 100th artistic season. The repertoire includes a cappella music of various epochs, from the Renaissance to contemporary works: classical, folk and pop, as well as large vocal and instrumental forms. The Choir’s activities include its own projects, such as organized since 2015 the International Festival „Spring of Choirs at the UW”, as well as cooperation with other institutions in Poland and abroad. The Choir has performed concerts abroad (Europe, Russia, and South Korea) and during many important events, such as the opening ceremony of EURO 2012 at the National Stadium or the „Teraz Polska” award gala. The Choir has won many national and international competitions, including Fryderyk Award. The Choir is a multiple laureate of the IFOCM. Its artistic director and conductor since 2002 is Irina Bogdanovich, a native of Russia, graduate with distinction of the choral conducting at the Pedagogical- -Musical University and the piano department of the Yekaterinburg Conservatory. Laureate of numerous awards, she cooperates with many orchestras, undertakes a variety of artistic activities; involved in the children’s musical education, composes film music, a member of the Polish Phonographic Academy, honored with a Medal for Merit for Culture.

 

PROGRAM
  1. Mykola Diletsky – Resurrection Kanon
  2. Alexandr Arkhangelsky – With my voice I cried out to the Lord
  3. Dmitry Bortniansky – Concert nr 32, pt. 3 and 4
  4. Sergei Rachmaninoff – Now you let your servant go in peace soloist: Jakub Kozioł - tenor
  5. Alfred Schnittke – Lord’s Prayer

 

 

Psaltic Choir „Saint John of Damascus”

Arad, Romania
conductor: Pr. Gabriel Streulea

category: parish choirs

 

 

The Choir was founded in 2008 on the initiative of the students of Arad Seminary. The repertoire consists of Byzantine music and local church pieces. The Choir sings during Orthodox services not only in Romania, but also abroad (Germany, Hungary, Austria, Czech Republic). It takes part in festivals winning awards. The Choir’s conductor since 2018 is Priest Gabriel Streulea - graduate of sacral music and choral conducting of the Orthodox Seminary in Arad and the Byzantine School of Music of the Athens Archdiocese in Greece.

 

PROGRAM
  1. Troparion of St. Luke of Crimea
  2. Grigorios Stathis – Alleluia
  3. Petru Berechet - Maria, a Kirios meta sou
  4. Chiriac Ioanidis – Holy God
  5. Hieromonk John – Mother of God

 

Chamber Choir „Cappella Musicae Antiquae Orientalis”

Poznań, Poland
conductor: Leon Zaborowski

category: amateur secular choirs

 

The Choir was founded in 1984 and has performed over 530 concerts in Poland and abroad. It specializes in Orthodox church music of the 18th-20th centuries. The Choir is a multiple winner of the IFOCM, participant of numerous festivals in Poland and abroad. It has premiered and recorded a CD album of 28 Orthodox Christmas carols composed by Romuald Twardowski. The Choir has appeared in radio and tv recordings and has released 3 CD albums. Since the beginning the Choir has been conducted by Prof. Leon Zaborowski - graduate of the P. Tchaikovsky Conservatory in Moscow, professor at the Academy of Music in Poznan, Head of the Department of Music Education, juror at national and international choral competitions, honored by the Polish Ministry of Culture and National Heritage with a Medal for Merit for Culture Gloria Artis, director of two Orthodox church music festivals.

 

PROGRAM
  1. Mikhail Ippolitov-Ivanov – Bless the Lord, o my soul
  2. Dmitry Bortniansky – To Thee we sing
  3. Alexandr Arkhangelsky – Christmas Exapostilarion
  4. arrang. Romuald Twardowski – Rejoice all people
  5. Alexandr Tretyakov – O, Only Begotten Son
  6. Pavel Chesnokov – Holy God from Liturgy op. 42
  7. Dmitry Bortniansky – Cherubic hymn 7

 

Academic Choir of the Warsaw University of Technology

Warsaw, Poland
conductor: Dariusz Zimnicki


category: amateur secular choirs

 

The Choir was established in 2000. Its rich repertoire mainly consists of the newest a cappella choral music, including works rarely performed in Poland. The Choir has performed works of masters of the Renaissance and Romantic epochs and large vocal-instrumental forms. It is a laureate of national and international choral competitions, including IFOCM. The Choir has premiered over 20 Polish and foreign pieces. It has cooperated with many eminent figures from the music world. The Choir’s artistic director and conductor is Dariusz Zimnicki - graduate of choral conducting of the Vilnius Conservatory and the Academy of Music in Warsaw, professor of the F. Chopin University of Music and head of the Department of Choral Conducting. A juror in national and international events; he has given countless presentations, lectures and master classes in Europe, America and Asia. He is the originator and organizer of the International Academic and Artistic Conference „Personality of the conductor”.

 

PROGRAM
  1. Mykola Dyletsky - Shine
  2. Andrei Makor – Have mercy on me – Lord Jesus, Salvation created
  3. Pyotr Tchaikovsky – Angel cried
  4. Henryk Jan Botor – Cherubic hymn
  5. Andžejs Rancevičs - O Mother worthy of all praise

 

„Saint Ephraim” Male Choir

Budapest, Hungary
conductor: Tamás Bubnó and Lőrinc Bubnó

category: professional choirs

 

Hungary’s most popular vocal group was formed in 2002 by Hungarian Artist of Merit and Liszt Award winner - Tamás Bubnó. Initially the Choir specialized in Byzantine music, which started the Choir’s success abroad in 2006 at the International Festival of Orthodox Church Music „Hajnówka” in Białystok, where the Choir won first prize in the category of professional choirs. This prestigious award had paved the way for international festivals and concerts throughout Europe, as well as in Morocco, India, UAE and South America. The Choir also nurtures male choral music of the great Hungarian masters. The unique sound of the Choir has become familiar to numerous contemporary composers, some of whom have written pieces specifically for the Choir. So far it has released 13 albums, one of which - „Byzantine Mosaics” was awarded with the Supersonic Award in Luxembourg. Some members of the Choir are aspiring composers expanding the Choir’s repertoire. The Choir has been awarded with the Hungarian Heritage Award as well as the Budapest Brand Award. Since 2011, it has organized the annual concert series „Orientale Lumen”, featuring international Byzantine music performers (including Sister Marie Keyrouz, Nektaria Karantzi, Moscow Patriarchal Choir, „Optina Pustyn” Male Choir), as well as the annual concert series held since 2013 between Christmas and New Year’s Eve at the Budapest Music Center, during which the Choir visits different cities presenting compositions linked to the given city.

 

PROGRAM
  1. Dmitry Bortniansky – Glory to God in the highest
  2. Boldizsár Csiky – From the beginning of the world (Motet from Genesis)
  3. Romuald Twardowski – Praise the name of the Lord
  4. János Boksay – Lord’s Prayer
  5. Tamás Bubnó – Ruthenian Christmas carol from Transcarpathia

 

Male Choir „Logos”

Riga, Latvia
conductor: Pr. Ioanne Shenrock

category: professional choirs

 

 

The Choir (from Greek - word, idea, teaching) was founded in 1989. It regularly performs concerts and participates in liturgies at the Cathedral of the Nativity of the Lord in Riga. The Choir’s founder and conductor is Priest Ioanne Shenrock - graduate of the Moscow Orthodox Seminary, Latvian Academy of Music, and the Theological Faculty of the University of Latvia, where he worked as a lecturer. He was also a pedagogue at the Latvian Academy of Culture and artistic director and conductor of the Metropolitan Choir of Latvia and the Riga Orthodox Choir.

 

PROGRAM
  1. Мaxim Kotogarov – My soul soloist: Jānis Kurševs
  2. Alexandr Barayev – I am stranger
  3. deacon Alexandr Žitnikov – Trial of Jesus soloists: Rihards Rudzītis, Jānis Kurševs
  4. Ioann Šenrok – Death of Christ on the cross
  5. Aleksei Lvov, red. prot. Ioann Šenrok - Kyrie eleison

Chamber Choir “United”

Kiev, Ukraine
conductor: Vladislav Lysenko

category: professional choirs

  

The Choir consists of students and graduates of the Kyiv Conservatory. Primary objective of the Choir is the revival of Ukrainian musical culture, in particular the development of sacral music and the restoration of the classical models of Ukrainian musical culture. The Choir takes part in national and international festivals and is a laureate of international competitions. The Choir’s founder and conductor is Vladislav Lysenko - laureate of international competitions, graduate of choral conducting of the Kiev Academy of Music.

 

PROGRAM
  1. Romuald Twardowski – Praise the Lord, o my soul
  2. Tatyana Iashvili - Trisagion
  3. Maksim Berezovsky – All ye people
  4. Evhen Stankovych – It is truly meet
  5. Lesya Dychko - May our lips be full of praise

 

All Saints Male Choir

Minsk, Belarus
conductor: Dmitry Tokmakov

category: professional choirs
 
The Choir was founded in 2013 at the All Saints’ Orthodox Church. It takes part in services and state ceremonies, performs concerts in Belarus and abroad, and is a laureate of international competitions. The repertoire consists mainly of Orthodox church music, as well as original compositions and arrangements by the Choir’s conductor - Dmitry Tokmakov - graduate of the St. Petersburg Conservatory, voice emission teacher at the Faculty of Choral Conducting and the Faculty of Singing of the Belarusian State Music Academy.

 

PROGRAM
  1. Sergei Rachmaninoff – Come let us worship from All Night Vigil
  2. O gladsome light
  3. Nicolai Diletsky, arrang. Pr. Dmitry Dashevsky – O Only Begotten Son
  4. Pavel Chesnokov – Let Us Pray to the Most Holy Mother of God soloist: Roman Ogloblin
  5. Andrei Bondarenko – Fall, soul
  6. arrang. Dmitry Tokmakov – Thy Resurrection, o Christ
  7. Alexandr Kastalsky – Christ is risen

 

State Chamber Choir „Polifonija”

Šiauliai, Lithuania
conductor: Linas Balandis

category: professional choirs

 

 

The Choir was founded in 1974 as a small ensemble, which became the professional State Philharmonic Choir. In 1998 it separated from Philharmonic and became the State Chamber Choir “Polifonija”. The former repertoire consisting of Baroque and Renaissance works has been replaced by works from various epochs with an emphasis on the promotion of Lithuanian choral music. The Choir regularly performs in Europe, and even in South America led by excellent national and foreign conductors from Russia, Germany, Slovenia, USA, Italy, Sweden. The Choir has performed with national and international chamber and symphony orchestras, participated in festivals in Lithuania and abroad. The Choir’s artistic director and conductor is Dr Linas Balandis – graduate of the choral conducting at the Lithuanian Academy of Music and Theatre, laureate of international competitions, conductor of professional choirs.

 

PROGRAM
  1. Dmitry Bortniansky – We praise Thee, O God
  2. Sergei Rachmaninoff – Bless the Lord, o my soul soloist: Nora Petročenko
  3. Alfred Schnittke – Lord Jesus, Son of God
  4. Alfred Schnittke – Lord’s Prayer
  5. Pavel Chesnokov – The Evening Sacrifice soloist: Nora Petročenko

 

PROTOCOL ...MORE...
 

PROTOCOL

of the Jury’s board of the 40 Jubilee International Festival of Orthodox Church Music
 „Hajnówka 2021”  21 – 26.09.2021 in Białystok

 

Jury consisting of:
  1. prof. Romuald Twardowski – chairman
  2. prof. dr hab. Wioletta Miłkowska
  3. Fr. Jerzy Szurbak
  4. prof. Povilas Gylys
  5. prof. Igor Matyukhov
  6. prof. Dimitar Dimitrov
after hearing 22 choirs  awarded the following places and prizes:

 
 

Category of parish choirs
III place was awarded to:
  • Psaltic Choir „Saint John of Damascus” conducted by Pr. Gabriel Streulea

 

II place was awarded to:
  • Choir of the Assumption Church in Warsaw (Poland) conducted by Łukasz Rejt

 

I place was awarded to:
  • „Basilica Cantans” Choir of the Wrocław Archcathedral conducted by Mirosława Jura-Żegleń

 

Category of amateur secular choirs
III place ex aequo was awarded to:
  • Choir of the Agricultural University in Krakow (Poland) conducted by Joanna Gutowska-Kuźmicz
  • Ukrainian Male Choir „Zhuravli” from Warsaw (Poland) conducted by Jarosław Wujcik
  • Chamber Choir „Cappella Musicae Antiquae Orientalis” from Poznań (Poland) conducted by prof. Leon Zaborowski

 

II place ex aequo was awarded to:
  • Academic Choir of the Gdańsk University of Technology (Poland) conducted by Mariusz Mróz
  • Academic Choir of the Warsaw University (Poland) conducted by Irina Bogdanovich

 

I place was awarded to:
  • Academic Choir of the Warsaw University of Technology (Poland) conducted by Dariusz Zimnicki

 

Category of children’s-youth choirs
I place ex aequo was awarded to:
  • Children’s National Choral Capela „Zorynka” from Ternopil (Ukraine) conducted by Angela Doskoch and the prize funded by the Polish Minister of Culture, National Heritage and Sport
  • Children’s Choir of Vilnius Cultural Center and Lithuanian Radio and Television from Vilnius (Lithuania) conducted by Regina Maleckaite and the prize funded by the Polish Minister of Culture, National Heritage and Sport

 

Category of music academies’ choirs
II place was awarded to:
  • „Nostro Canto” Choir of the Institute of Music and Fine Arts of Presov University (Slovakia) conducted by Tatiana Svajkova

 

I place was awarded to:
  • Mixed Choir of Jazeps Medins Music Secondary School in Riga (Latvia) conducted by Janis Baltins and Uldis Kokars

 

Category of professional choirs

 

III place ex aequo was awarded to:
  • Chamber Choir „United” from Kiev (Ukraine) conducted by Vladislav Lysenko
  • „Saint Ephraim” Male Choir from Budapest (Hungary) conducted by Tamas Bubno and Lorinc Bubno

 

II place was awarded to:
  • Male Choir „Logos” from Riga (Latvia) conducted by protodeacon Ioann Shenrock

 

I place was awarded to:
  • State Chamber Choir „Polifonija” from Siauliai (Lithuania) conducted by Linas Balandis

 

Jury granted also:
Special Prize for the special commitement to Orthodox church music presentation to the Vocal Ensemble of the Blind „Consonans” from Kharkiv (Ukraine) conducted by Vitalina Duda
 and the diploma to:
  • The Old Believers’ Ensemble „Unison” from Riga (Latvia) conducted by Pr. Nicolai Vasiliev for nurturing and promoting Old-Ruthenian Orthodx Church music.

 
 
 

Organizator:
„Orthodox Church Music” Foundation in Hajnówka
 
Partner:
Podlaskie Voivodeship
 
Festival is funded by:
„Orthodox Church Music” Foundation
Additional financing:
1 Ministry of Culture, National Heritage and Sport
2 Białystok City Hall
3 Podlaskie Voivodeship - Partner
4 PKN Orlen – Sponsor
5 Centre for Polish-Russian Dialogue and Understanding
6 Polish Television
 7 The Authors’ Association ZAiKS
8 ZAW STOART
9 Lewiatan
10 Donors of 1% tax and others

 

Honorary Patronage
of the President of the Republic of Poland
Andrzej Duda
  
Patronage of the Polish Composers' Union
 Artistic Patronage of Krzysztof Penderecki (2003-2020)
 Patronage of the President of Białystok City
 
 Media Patronage:
Polish Television – Corporate Patronage
Polish Radio – Corporate Patronage
Bimonthly ArtPost
Regional Media Patronage:
TVP3 Białystok
Polish Radio Białystok S.A.
Weekly „Niwa”
Radio Racja
Radio Jard
TVK Hajnowka

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