Divine voices rule in Russia.
Fantastic news coming from Russia – Slavonian girls have won a prestigious signing competition in St. Petersburg. It was yet another winter fairytale for Brevisice choir from Osijek which took part in the 3rd World Championships of Young Choirs. It was a great victory for 45 ladies from Osijek, accomplished in snowy and always romantic St. Petersburg in Russia. From the start to the end of the competition they were proud and brave and managed to win over the strict jury with representatives from France, Slovakia, Russia and Latvia. Their success will be remembered for long. You still do not believe us? You should listen to their performances on the internet and it will become clear to you why they have won.
Led by conductor Antoaneta Radočaj Jerković and pianist Davor Dedić, they have also received a special award as the stars of the championships, gold medals and special recognitions. The winner of the Grand Prix was the Russian choir Victoria from Volgograd which was awarded the cash prize of 50,000 roubles (about 4,500 kuna). The prestigious world competition took place from 17 to 21 February and included 37 top choirs with more than 1,500 singers from Finland, Croatia, Czech Republic, Belarus and 17 Russian cities. The choirs performed in some of the most beautiful concert halls of the world, from the Great Philharmonic Hall, which during the siege of Leningrad hosted the world premiere of Shostakovich’s Seventh Symphony, to the State Academic Capella which hosted the finals. And it was a true feast for the eyes and the ears.
Their every performance was a real spectacle of heavenly voices, memorable experiences and opportunities for standing ovations and huge applause, although the audience was asked by the organizers not to applaud. But, Russian audiences know what quality performances are and could simply not help themselves.
“My princesses were great! They were motivated, self-confident and charming in the presentation of their city and country. We are satisfied with the organization of the competition. There were a lot of excellent choirs and we were overjoyed because we were able to listen to the choir of the Conservatory and the Music Academy of St. Petersburg. They represent the Russian music and Russian way of singing in a very professional and articulate way. We could hear the best youth choirs, the richness of their sound with warm and soft tones. Although we competed in the oldest group (ages 17-25), we had several younger girls with us, for example Vita Guljas who is just 14 years old”, said the conductor Radočaj Jerković.
All the girls liked the city of white nights very much, both its architecture and its people. Before the four-round competition started, with only six choirs qualifying for the finals, the girls from Osijek believed they were not destined to win. According to Vita Guljas, they wanted to get to know the Russian culture and the city and hear new sounds. Even the weather was favourable. St. Petersburg welcomed them as empresses, the snow did not bother them too much, and they even had two beautiful sunny days.
“We have represented Osijek, Slavonia and Croatia the best we could. This is the first time we came to St. Petersburg and we thank all the people of Osijek who helped us finance this trip. We thank our parents, friends, patrons and sponsors”, concluded Radočaj Jerković.
Let them sign, the real queens of Osijek, a city which could soon become the European Capital of Culture, which is the best thing that could happen to it!
Some new friendships…
“We had a great time and made some new friends, we met a lot of new people. The Russians have supported us and cheered for us every day. We had a lovely time, we slept a lot and had a lot of positive energy, and we have gained new experiences. Most importantly, we have proved that we are a good choir. But, all the other competitors were also excellent and they have impressed us”, said Vita Guljas, the youngest member of the choir.
Thanks to Oksana Krapivko
Croatian girls were cheered by Russian journalists as well. The loudest among them was Oksana Krapivko, a well-known journalist of TourPress Club from St. Petersburg who took the photos and talked with girls from Slavonia, so we are thankful to her. She will also publish an article in her publication about the great success of girls from Osijek in Russia.
