OPENING OF NEW CONCERT SEASON WITH PRESTIGIOUS COMPETITION IN FINLAND

BANJA LUKA, APRIL 20 /SRNA/ – The women's chamber choir Banjalučanke will open its new concert and competition season with a performance at the prestigious international choral competition Nordic Voices in Lahti, Finland, in mid-May, conductor Mladen Matović told SRNA.

Matović said it is a great honor to be the only representative of Republika Srpska and BiH at such an important competition, which will bring together 22 choirs from Estonia, Finland, the United States, China, Sweden, Denmark, and Turkiye.

"Although we have participated in more than 20 major international competitions worldwide, this will be our first appearance in a Nordic country, known for its rich choral tradition. As always, we will give our best to live up to our previous results and high reputation," Matović said.

He highlighted that, in addition to competing, a special distinction for Banjalučanke is the invitation from the festival's Artistic Council to be one of four selected ensembles to perform at the gala concert Nordic Night on May 16 in the main hall of the Sibelius Hall in Lahti.

"Although expectations from our public are always high when it comes to international competitions, we will remain cautiously optimistic. Music is a time-based art, and regardless of top-level preparation, every performance is unique and a `moment in time,` influenced by many factors," Matović noted.

He added that the choir members are heading to the competition relaxed and expecting another strong international presentation.

The competition is organized by the World Choir Association Interkultur – Musica Mundi, and Banjalučanke will perform a representative repertoire of notable domestic composers.

Matović noted that after Finland, the choir will also take part in competitions in Barcelona and Venice, along with a busy concert season, including a performance marking World Music Day.

"We are also expecting two full-length gala concerts at the Banski Dvor Concert Hall in December, marking World Choral Day," Matović said.