39th Meeting of Croatian Choirs

On Saturday 30th September 2006 the Zbor sv. Nikolaja was invited by the Croatian Association of Culture to participate at the 39th meeting of Croatian choirs (39. Susret hrvatskih pjevačkih zborova) in Novigrad. 12 selected choirs from all of Croatia attended this annual meeting. It was monitored by experts Josip Jerkovič (chairman), Massimo Brajkovič and Jasenka Ostojič-Radikovič. The Zbor sv. Nikolaja as the main guest was singing after the completion of Saturday's part of the meeting and received admiration and high praise from the audience and the expert jury. The choir in general received a warm welcome in Croatia. Swimming in the nearby sea was scheduled for Sunday forenoon and in the afternoon the singers took part in the meeting's conclusion, receiving a plaque for participation.




Josip Jerkovič, jury chairman
»The choir's techniques and sound seem very disciplined and its interpretations highly interesting and logical. Choir's dynamics moves in great nuances, depending on the composition. The conductor is managing the choir with great clarity. Everything seems to be well synchronized. At the end of the concert the choir added a successful arrangement of the Dalmatian folk song »Kad si bila mala Mare«, which incited a good public reaction, demonstrated good manners, showed understanding of Dalmatian song character and displayed excellent diction. This choir was an excellent choice for the 39th Croatian choir festival.«


Jasenka Ostojić Radiković, jury member
»The tradition of quality artistic ensembles from neighboring Slovenia, which we had a chance to listen to on past occasions, has continued with a brilliant performance of the young Zbor sv. Nikolaja from Litija. All of the compositions were performed convincingly, with stylistically and interpretive clarity and vocal balance. I was impressed by a wide variety of dynamical nuances, especially the »pianissimo possible« (Bardos), and tone nuances, adjusted to the diverse style characteristics of compositions (Gallus, Rachmaninov). The Croatian folk song was a charming addition to the performance.«


Massimo Brajkovič, jury member
»Phenomenal; I have nothing to add, since I've never heard a better amateur choir. Their musical creativity nearly reaches the professional sphere. Extra congratulations to the singers and the intonation aspect. The difference between tonal and atonal music presents them with no problem whatsoever. Heartfelt congratulations to their superb conductor. I suggest changing their name to »Scuola cantotum Sv. Nikolaj« (The school of good singing St. Nicholas).«

Nova kultura Litija, Valvazorjev trg 1, SI-1270 Litija, Slovenija | e-mail: info@litija.org