By Jelena Dobrota (INTERKULTUR Choir Reporter)
Female Chamber Choir "Banjalučanke", Bosnia and Herzegowina
Female chamber choir "Banjalučanke" exists for 35 years, in one form or another. But it was only three years ago that we went to a INTERKULTUR event for the first time. And the way we perceive choral music changed forever.
We had a great start - category winners on our first try in "Anton Bruckner" competition in beautiful city of Linz. There we qualified for The Champions Competition in World Choir Games in Shaoxing last summer. Getting to Shaoxing wasn't easy, with the economic situation as it is, but we managed and it was worth it! For all of us, it was an experience that we will remember forever. Being a part of such an amazing happening, being able to compete among the best, and especially being a part of the international choir and singing on EXPO in Shanghai was once in a lifetime experience. Of course, silver medal in Championship Competition on our first event of that magnitude was more than satisfying.
At the very beginning of our journey, we had a problem with one of our passports and we arrived twelve hours later than expected. As a result, we missed the Opening ceremony, as well as our acoustic rehearsal. Luckily for us, we had understanding and accommodating hosts – our rehearsal was rescheduled and all the other necessary arrangements were made.
Due to the competition schedule, Friday was our day off. Naturally, we made the most out of it. After enjoying the beautiful beach in Jesolo in the morning, in the afternoon we met our guide and along with other choirs, we went to Venice. Those seeing that amazing city for the first time were in awe – canals instead of streets, boats instead of buses, centuries of exciting history etched in architecture, music and paintings can’t leave anyone indifferent. Those of us returning to Venice were breathless once again, for each visit only leaves you wanting more. Beautiful churches were the perfect settings for the concerts of the most of participating choirs.
Saturday was our D-Day. The competition started at 9:30 AM, so early morning rising was in order. Arriving to Teatro Vivaldi we realized - this is it. Months of preparation and rehearsals all boil down to 15 minutes on stage and we have to make the most of it. And we did. It is a great feeling – knowing that you’ve done your best while doing something you love. And that all your efforts ended in visible results – this time in golden diploma, being recognized as category winners and having the honor to compete for the Grand Prize. The closing ceremony brought all the choirs together and for me that is one of the most important things of all. Meeting new people, exchanging experiences and sharing something we all love – that is what for me Musica Mundi and its events are all about.
After the wonderful time we had in Jesolo and Venice, we turn to preparations for our annual concert in our hometown, Banja Luka. Tentative plans were made to participate in the International Choir Competition & Festival in Malta in November, but our greatest goal at the moment is to make it possible to go to World choir games in Cincinnati next year. If it’s anything like Shaoxing last year, it will certainly be a time to remember.
Note: Jelena has sent some of her photos from Venice. You'll find them here.
