MATOVIĆ: PERFORMANCE IN ITALY - OPPORTUNITY TO MAINTAIN HIGH INTERNATIONAL STANDING

BANJA LUKA, OCTOBER 19 /SRNA/ – The Banjalučanke women's chamber choir will perform at the 23rd international choral competition Venezia in Musica, which will bring together choirs from nine countries in Venice and Caorle, Italy, between Friday and Tuesday, October 23–27.

Choir conductor Mladen Matović told SRNA that for half a century, the Banjalučanke choir has demonstrated professionalism and quality in overcoming challenges while nurturing both traditional and contemporary choral music, therefore the performance in Italy was an opportunity to maintain its high international standing.

"The years of its existence are not the only proof of the importance that Banjalučanke holds for Republika Srpska and BiH, but its significance is also reflected in the distinctive way this choir preserves and presents cultural heritage," Matović emphasised.

Considering the number of participating countries, the quality of the ensembles that have entered, and the reputation of a competition with more than two decades of tradition, Matović believes that representing one’s city and republic at such a significant international event is a great honour and privilege.

"After a full 15 years, the Banjalučanke choir is returning to the competition in Venice, where, back in 2011, we won a gold medal and took first place in the women's choir category," Matović said.

Choirs from Germany, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Croatia, Romania, Poland, South Korea and Italy will compete at the event.

The Banjalučanke choir will perform a distinguished repertoire featuring works by prominent local composers. The ensembles will be evaluated by an international expert jury comprising renowned composers, conductors and choral music experts: Battista Pradal /Italy/, Mario Furntrati /Austria/ and Arne Saluver /Estonia/.

The competition will take place in the impressive setting of St Stephen's Cathedral, which is widely known for its exceptional acoustics.