19th National Choral Competition Naša Pesem 2005

The 19th Slovenian Choral Competition Naša Pesem, organized by the JSKD (Republic of Slovenia Public Fund for Cultural Activities), the Zveza kulturnih društev and the city of Maribor took place on 16th and 17th April 2005 in the Union hall, Maribor. 23 finest adult choirs from Slovenia and abroad presented themselves with diverse music pieces of different eras. They were evaluated by a 5-member commission – Karmina Šilec (chairman), Tomaž Faganel, Andraž Hauptman, Katalin Kiss from Hungary and Robert Sund from Sweden.

The Zbor sv. Nikolaja with its conductor Helena Fojkar Zupančič has attended this competition for the second time and prepared a pleasant surprise. It took the first prize (together with the academic choir Tone Tomšič ŠOU in Ljubljana) and received the golden plaquette for 94.3 points won.

Besides the wonderful program the choir prepared, a special emphasis has to be put on its excellent sound, musical creativity, great articulation and homogeneous attitude to music.



"It difficult to elaborate the mood after the competition, since we did not expect such a result. A good performance and radiant faces of the audience suggested we would achieve a high place, but still we were astonished, when the results came through. Cries of joy, hugs, tears of happiness… It cannot be described in words - one can only experience it."

"The Zbor sv. Nikolaja has given us a great appearance. Their song is nourishment for the soul. Extraordinary sound, interpretation and their attuned voices takes you into another world of existence. It's one of their abilities not to sing only with their voices, but also with their entire bodies and eyes. They're absolutely amazing."

At the reception given by Mr. Boris Sovič, mayor of Maribor, he expressed his gratitude for all of the love that flows through the audience and enriches it. On Sunday afternoon the choir made its appearance at the final concert of best choirs, where distinguished members of the international jury presented them with awards.