DENMARK
Carsten Seyer-Hansen - Concert Clemens; (born 1971) is precentor by the Cathedral of Aarhus and teaches choral and orchestral conducting at the Royal Academy of Music in Aarhus. He studied music and philosophy at the University of Aarhus. Carsten has been guest conductor and visiting teacher of several professional choirs and orchestras in Denmark.
Henrik Bøggild - Køge kor; was educated at the Royal Danish Academy of Music. He works as an orchestral and chamber musician and conducts orchestras and choirs. Furthermore he plays the bassoon in “Flora Danica” as well as in the wind band “Det Harmoniske Selskab”. Henrik Bøggild has written and arranged music for theatres, choirs, churches as well as rhythmic music.
Morten Ahti Christensen - Viborg Kammerkor; is educated in choir- and ensemble-leading in 2009 from Aalborg and Copenhagen academies of music. He has been the conductor of several choirs and orchesters, and since 2007 the conductor of Viborg Kammerkor.
Bjarne Kiel - The SAS kor. The choir is since 1997 being conducted by Bjarne Kiel, who holds a degree from The Royal Danish Academy of Music.
ESTONIA
Riho Leppoja (b. 1953) graduated in 1976 from the Tallinn State Conservatory (today Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre). 1976-1996 he worked as a music teacher in Võnnu, Puhja and Tartu Miina Härma Gymnasiums. After that, Riho Leppoja has worked as a cultural manager, directing Tartu Children and Youth Centre (1996-2002) and Tiigi Community Centre (since 2002). In Miina Härma Gymnasium, he used to conduct mixed, boys', girls' and children's choirs, a wind orchestra and several instrumental ensembles. He conducted Tartu University Chamber Choir in 1980-1982. Riho Leppoja has conducted at Estonian Youth Song Festivals in 1993 and 1997 and at several local song festivals. In 2004 and 2009 he organised and was chief conductor of mixed choirs at Tartu Song Festival.
In 1983 he founded Tartu Youth Choir and has been its conductor ever since. The choir has performed in many places of Estonia and in several foreign countries and has taken part in many Estonian and international choir competitions. Recent years' results include the 1st place in the mixed youth choirs' category at Warsaw Choir Festival 2007, 1st place in the mixed youth choirs' category at Venezia in Musica 2008 and 3rd place in the mixed choirs' category at International Choir Festival Tallinn 2009. At the Nordic-Baltic Song Festival 2008 in their hometown, Tartu Youth Choir was the Estonian representative choir, gave workshop concerts on Estonian choral music and participated in other events.
Riho Leppoja is president of Estonian Mixed Choirs Union and he got Gustav Ernesaks Grant of Choral Music in 2005.
Aarne Saluveer (b 1959) graduated from Estonian Music Academy (choral conducting and music pedagogics) in 1982 and has since furthered his studies at diverse courses in Estonia and abroad. He is currently one of the most active figures in the Estonian children’s and youth music scene, a teacher, conductor and educator. In addition, he conducts the Estonian TV Girls’ Choir, Mixed Choir of Tallinn Georg Ots Music College and Chamber Choir of Tallinn University, holds the posts of Principal at Tallinn G.Ots Music School and lecturer at University of Tartu Viljandi Culture Academy. Aarne Saluveer’s choirs have won international awards at diverse Estonian and international choral contests (Tolosa, Gorizia, Arezzo, Arnhem, ”Let The Peoples Sing” 2003 and 2005 etc), the Lasteekraan Music Studio he founded in 1990 has amply produced skilful choral singers and highly acclaimed soloists. Together with his singers he has participated to stage several musicals (The King and I, The Sound of Music).
Mr Saluveer is one of the founder members of Estonian Society for Music Education and its first Chairman (1990-95). Since 2000, he has been the President of Estonian Choral Association and a board member of European Federation of Young Choirs Europa Cantat, since 2005 also of the Board of Estonian Music Council and Council of World Choir Games, and since 2008 board member of IFCM. Since 1993 he has conducted children’s and toddler’s choirs at Estonian Song Celebrations, and was Artistic Director of X Youth Song Celebration Ilmapuu (2007): open-air concert uniting joint choir of 20 000 singers, symphony orchestras, wind orchestras and 100 000 auditors. The introductory project of the festical „World Tree“ won a prize at Many Musics in Europe Contest of European Music Council (2005). He has conducted concerts to HM Elizabeth II and Their Majesties Japanese Emperor and Empress in Estonia, has been articstic director of Anniversary Concert of Estonian Republic, written and arranged music for diverse pop music projects and performed as an instrumentalist and vocalist, Eurovision song contests and internatinal broadcasts included.
Aarne Saluveer has made presentations at numerous international conferences and symposiums (World Music Forum in Los Angeles 2005, Assembly of Choral Conductors’ Associations in Buenos Aires 2006, World of Children’s Choirs in Vancouver 2001, General Assemblies of Europa Cantat) and lead international workshops in Europe and America. He has published articles in International Choral Bulletin and Europa Cantat Magazine, worked as adjuciator in several choral contests etc. Mr Saluveer was awarded the annual prize of Estonian Cultural Endowment in 1999, 2006 and 2007, the annual prize of the UNICEF Estonian National Committee in 2002 and 2007, grant of Heino Kaljuste Foundation in 2007 and decorated with the Order of the White Star of the Republic of Estonia in 2004. Aarne Saluveer was elected Musician of the Year 2007 by Estonian Public National Broadcasting and Conductor of the Year 2007 by Estonian Choral Association.
Urve Uusberg - August07. Milestones of her artistic career are the creaton of Riinimanda Children Choir in 1993, Mitte-Riinimanda Youth Choir in 1997 and Riinimanda Alumni Choir in 2003. Choir August07 is the forth choir and the newest one. Urve values working with singers’ vocal skills as well as their personal growth. Probably her Master’s degree in psychology is part of the reason. Her singers say she always manages to earn their trust, respect and enthusiasm due to her humorous and warm approach. Urve has also been an organiser of Rapla County Singing Festivals since 1980s and conducted children, youth, mixed and compiled choirs in almost every major musical event in Rapla. Her work as a conductor and administrator has been acknowledged on both the local and national level. In 2004 Urve recieved the Stipend of Gustav Ernesaks for Developing Choral Music.
Silja Otsar - Hilaro; finished Tallinn conservatory as a music teacher and a conductor. She has many children and mixed choirs. She is known for being the conductor of South-Estonian choir festivals and the organizer of many other music projects. Her concerts stand out because of their emotionality and diversity. Silja is the founder and conductor of Hilaro, there sings a lot of her very good friends.
Ulrika Grauberg - Haapsalu; has graduated from Haapsalu Music School in piano, G.ots Tallinn Music School and Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre in choir conducting. In 2008
she obtained the 4th category certificate in choir conducting. In 2007 she graduated the dance leader school at Folk Culture Development and Training Centre. Since 1993 she has been working as a teacher of music theory and singing at Haapsalu Music School educating young (12-21yrs) soloists. She is the initiator of several choirs in Haapsalu:
1993 Haapsalu Chamber Choir Gaudeo Musicum, operating until 1997, 2001 Girls choir Canzone which is still operating with 56 singers, 2006 re-summoned Haapsalu Chamber Choir with 36 singers at the moment. Her work as a dance leader of two folk dance groups - female group Lustlik and youth group Läki Tantsule – is as important as conducting.
Valdur Raie and Velve Mäetaga-Filimonov - Loit.
Valdur Raie is the conductor since 2004, before taking this role he was a singer on the same choir for years. He has studied music pedagogics in Tallinn State Conservatory (today Estonian Academy of Music). Additional training by Estonian Choir Association seminars. Valdur continues the life-work of his father Olav Raie, who was the conductor of the choir Loit for 43 years.
Velve Mäetaga-Filimonov is graduated Tallinn Pedagogical Institute (today University of Tallinn) in the field of culture management and conducting in 1984. She has been teaching music in Maidla Primary School for years and since 2004 as a conductor to the choir Loit.
Heli Jürgenson - Mixed Choir of Estonia Society; (b.1969) studied choral conducting at G. Ots Music School and Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre. Since 1992, she has worked as choral conducting teacher and head of department at G. Ots Music School. In 1999-2003, she worked as the chief conductor of Tallinn Kaarli Church concert choir. Heli Jürgenson currently holds the posts of chief conductor of the ESS and choir master at Estonian National Opera. She has also co-operated with Eesti Kontsert, Christian Music Society Sonico, and Orchestra of XXI Century. As choir master, she has worked on several major vocal-symphonic works and operas.
Ülle Sok - The assistant conductor of The Mixed Choir Tervis (Health ) of Võru. She organises the choir´s rehearsals and activities, she also writes projects for the choir. She is the real leader and the heart of the choir.
Taavi Esko – Kolga Kuusalu; is the conductor of many choirs (Kuusalu Secondary School’s Youth Choir, Estonian Youth Mixed Choir). He is a music teacher in Kuusalu Secondary School and nationally renowned conductor-mentor. Taavi’s choirs have been highly awarded in many contests (f.e in contest „Europe and its Songs“ Estonian Youth Mixed Choir got 1st price and Grand Prix in 2007, Barcelona), Taavi Esko has been one of the conductors of All-Estonian Song and Dance Celebrations in 2002 and 2007.
FAROE ISLANDS
Ólavur Hátún, founder and leader of Havnarkórið all these almost 45 years, got his mucical education from Det kgl. Danske Musikkonservatorium in Copenhagen. After that he was teacher of music at Føroya Læraraskúli (the teachers´ training school of the Faroes). In the early 80´s he took the initiative of starting up a music school for the Faroe Islands, whose leader he was until his retirement in 1998.
FINLAND
Rita Varonen has been the conductor of Chamber Choir Cantinovum since 1993. Under her direction, Cantinovum has enhanced its reputation as one of Finland’s leading performers of new Finnish choral music. Hungarian-born Varonen is currently a Senior Lecturer of Choir Conducting at the JAMK Jyväskylä University of Applied Sciences.
Rita Varonen has conducted choral and orchestra concerts throughout Europe and the USA and apart from many CD releases, appeared in broadcast concerts on radio and TV in several countries. Her choirs have recorded and received prizes in both national and international competitions. Besides Cantinovum, Varonen conducts the Jyväskylän Naislaulajat female choir, the Harjun Laulu mixed choir and the Louhi choir and has also conducted Jyväskylä Sinfonia. In 1996, Varonen was awarded the Harald Andersén Prize of the Finnish Cultural Foundation for her contribution to Finnish choral music. In 2001, she won the second place in the Concorso Internazionale per Direttori di Coro Mariele Ventre international choir conductor competition in Italy. In 2009 Varonen wan at both Slovakia Cantat and ABB Banská Bystrica -competition the prize of the best choir conductor in Slovakia. The Finnish Choral Directors’ Association selected Rita Varonen Choir Director of the Year 2004. She is in constant demand for workshops throughout the world.
Soili Autio - Chorus Vallis; is a graduate of the University of Jyväskylä, where she qualified as a comprehensive school teacher specialized in music in 1978. Furthermore, she got a degree in choir conducting at the Klemetti Institute in 1997. At present she works in Kalajoki as a teacher at the Pohjankylä Primary School, which has approximately 300 pupils, and is also in charge of the musical education offered by the school. In addition to her work, Soili Autio has conducted e.g. children's choirs and instrumental groups of her school and folk music and other groups of the local open college. She has also been involved in various joint musical productions of the municipalities and parishes of the Kalajoki River area. At present Soili Autio conducts three choirs: the mixed choir 'Soilat' (since 1978), The Fermaatti Choir (since 1979) and the Kalajoki River Valley chamber choir 'Chorus Vallis' (since 1998).
So far she has been the musical director of eleven published recordings. The choirs participate actively in national choral activities arranged by SULASOL (FAMA) and Suomen Viihdekuoroliitto (The Finnish Association of Entertainment Singers). Soili Autio has belonged to the executive committee
of the Association of Finnish Youth Choirs in 1992-1996. Perhaps the most renowned of her present choirs is the Fermaatti Choir of Kalajoki, which has about 35 young girls as its members. In 2000 the Finnish Broadcasting Company chose Fermaatti as the Youth Choir of the Year. Soili Autio has been awarded e.g. the silver Pro Culture medal of the Finnish Teachers' Trade Union and the gold medal as well as the highest award of the Association of Finnish Youth Choirs, the Heinz Hoffman Medal.
GREENLAND
Titken Jakobsen - Qeqqani Erinarsoqatigiit/Midtgrønlands sangkor. Age 36. Studied music science in Aalborg University until 2001. Teacher at The school of Music in Nuuk since '02. Teacher at Teacher's college in Nuuk since '04. Conductor of the male choir Qissiat since '05
ICELAND
Þorgerður Ingólfsdóttir - Hamrahlíðarkórinn; studied music in Iceland, the United States, Austria, and England. She has received many prizes and awards, including the Prize of Optimism from Brøste in Copenhagen in 1983 and an award from Leonie Sonnings Music Fund in 1975. She was awarded the Order of the Knight of the Falcon by the President of Iceland in 1985 for her pioneering musical work in Iceland. In 1992 the Icelandic Performing Rights Society (STEF) granted her special recognition for the performance of Icelandic choral music. In 1992 the King of Norway appointed her a Commander of the Royal Order of Merit. In 2000 she was the director of the Voices of Europe, a multi-national youth choir made up of singers from each of that year’s nine European Cities of Culture. The choir performed throughout Europe to outstanding reviews. In 2008 she was made an honorary member of the Society of Icelandic Musicians.
Hörður Áskelsson was born in Akureyri in the north of Iceland in 1953. He studied music in Akureyri and Reykjavík, before moving to Düsseldorf, Germany, in 1976 to study at the Robert Schumann Hochschule. He graduated as organist and cantor in 1981 summa cum laude. After a year as organist in the Neanderkirche in Düsseldorf Áskelsson moved to Reykjavík, where he has been organist and cantor of Hallgrímskirkja since 1982. In the same year he founded the Motet Choir of Hallgrímskirkja and was instigator of the founding of the Friends of the Arts Society of Hallgrímskirkja; choir and Friends are twin cornerstones to the artistic activities in the church. In 1987 he established the Festival of Sacred Arts, since then a biannual event on the cultural scene in Iceland. In 1993 the Summer Evening at the Organ concert series started and in 1996 Áskelsson founded the chamber choir Schola cantorum, which has already become one of Iceland’s most respected choirs. Hörður Áskelsson has received much recognition, and with his choirs he has participated in various music festivals and international competitions, winning prizes in Cork, Ireland 1996, Noyon, France 1998 and Gorizia, Italy 2002. He has conducted many oratorios, often with the Iceland Symphony Orchestra, and premiered a number of Icelandic compositions. His performances have been recorded for radio and television and issued on numerous CDs. A recording of the oratorio Passía by Hafliði Hallgrímsson conducted by Áskelsson and released by the internationally renowned record company Ondine in 2003 has received outstanding reviews in BBC Music Magazine, Gramophone, International Record Review and other media. Hörður Áskelsson has also been a teacher of the organ and choir conducting at the Iceland National Church’s Music School and in 1985-95 he was lecturer on liturgy at the University of Iceland Faculty of Theology. In the year 2000 Áskelsson was musical director of the events held to celebrate the Millennium of Christianity in Iceland. In 2002 he received both the Icelandic Music Prize and the Culture Prize of the newspaper DV for his outstanding activities in the year 2001. He was appointed Municipal Artist of Reykjavík in 2002 and received the Knight’s Cross of the Icelandic Order of the Falcon in 2004.
Jón Stefánsson - Graduale Nobili; qualified as a cantor in Iceland, then pursued further studies at the Munich Academy of Music with Professor Karl Richter, and subsequently at the Academy of Music in Vienna with Professor Michael Radulescu. Jón has been organist and choirmaster of the Langholtskirkja Church in Reykjavík continuously since 1964. The Langholtskirkja Choir has developed and flourished under his leadership. In addition to directing the Langholtskirkja Choir, he has been a guest conductor with the Iceland Symphony Orchestra, conducted several operas at the Icelandic Opera. The choir has performed all Bach's major works, including the Mass in B-Minor at the Barbican Centre in London, with the English Chamber Orchestra. Jón is the founder of the Langholtskirkja Graduale Choir, which has established itself under his leadership as one of Iceland's best youth choirs. In 2000 he founded “Graduale Nobili”, The choir comprises 24 girls aged 17 to 26, who have been selected from among those who have sung with the Langholtskirkja Graduale Choir. The choir was immediately well received, and after its first independent concert, critics heaped praise upon the new choir.
Ágota Joó - Kvennakór Reykjavíkur; was born in Hungary. She began studying piano at the age of seven, and attended a school for the arts, specializing in piano. Ágota graduated from the Franz Liszt Music College in Szeged with degrees in piano, music theory and choral conducting. She moved to Iceland in 1988 and taught first at the Ísafjörður Music School, and later at the Music School of Njarðvík. Ágota directed the Suðurnesja Women‘s Choir and was piano accompianist to the Keflavík Men‘s Choir for several years, recording two CD‘s with the group. Ágota began her tenure as the director of the Women‘s Choir of Reykjavík in January of 2010.
Björn Thorarensen has studied piano, organ, singing and conducting, most notably at the Icelandic State-Church Music School from 1999-2003. He has been active as a choir conductor since 2003 and is currently leading three choirs in Reykjavik, Samkór Kópavogs, Kór Menntaskólans við Sund (a high school choir) and Barnakór Neskirkju (Neskirkja childrens‘ choir). Björn performs regularly as singer with many of Icelands most prominent choirs, including Shola Cantorum and the Motet Choir of Hallgrimskirkja, The Icelandic Opera Choir and the male chamber choir Voces Masculorum. He is also very active in theater as musician, actor, singer, composer, arranger and music-director.
Brynhildur Auðbjargardóttir - Kvennakór Öldutúns; was born in 1964. She completed her degree as a teacher of Musical Theory from the Reykjavík Music School in 1989. In 2000 she graduated from the Norwegian Academy of Music with a degree in Vocal Theories of Instruction and one year later with a degree in Management and Organising of Cultural Institutions. Brynhildur established The Children‘s Choir of the Hafnarfjörður Church in 1990 which she as well conducted until 1995 when she moved to Norway where she conducted The Icelandic Choir in Oslo from 1996-2003 and the Children‘s Choir of Röyken Music School from 2001-2003. In 2003 Brynhildur returned to Iceland where she taught Musical Theory in several primary schools as well as conducting the Children‘s Choir of Flataskóli Primary School. In 2005 she established the Women‘s Choir of Öldutún which she still conducts as well as the Choir of Öldutúnsskóli Primary School which she started with the same year. She also teaches Music Theory at Öldutúnsskóli Primary School as well as being a leader of the development project „A Singing School“.
Garðar Cortes - Óperukórinn í Reykjavík.
Licenciate of the Royal Academy of Music, LRAM and Associate of Trinity College, London, ATCL. Founder and acting principal of The Reykjavik Academy of Singing and Vocals Arts since 1973. Founder and conductor of the Reykjavik Opera Choir since 1974. Founder and conductor of Reykjavik Symphony Orchestra 1975 – 1980. Founder and artistic director of The Icelandic Opera 1979 – 2000.
Chairman of The Federation of Mixed Choirs in Iceland. Garðar is the Artistic Director of The 6th Nordic-Baltic Choral Festival in Reykjavík.
Groa Hreinsdottir - Borgarkórinn; got her degree from Reykjavik Music Concervatory as pianoteacher and choir director. She is at present working as Organist and choir conductor in Hveragerði church, and also as conductor for other choirs and accompanist for singers and choirs.
Guðmundur Óli Gunnarsson - Kammerkór Norðurlands; studied orchestra conducting in Utrecht and Helsinki and has been chief conductor of the North Icelandic Symphony Orchestra since 1992. Gunnarsson has also been quite active in conducting modern music, mainly with Caput sinfonietta. Alongside his work as orchestra conductor Gunnarsson has conducted a number of choirs as well as performing a lot of choir music with orchestra e.g. at Kórastefna við Mývatn for the last 7 years. Guðmundur Óli Gunnarsson has conducted Kammerkór Norðurlands since 2000.
Hrafnhildur Blomsterberg - Kór Flensborgarskóla og Flensborgarkórinn; studied music in Iceland and completed her graduate studies in the United States. She has thought music and directed several choirs in these two countries and attended seminars and lectures in many countries. Icelandic and foreign composers have written music especially for Hrafnhildur Blomsterberg and her choirs.
Ingibjörg Guðjónsdóttir - Kvennakór Garðabæjar; began her vocal studies at the Garðabær Music School. She continued at Indiana University in Bloomington, USA. Among the theachers she has worked with are the well-known Romanian sopranos, Ileana Cotrubas and Virgina Zeani. Besides her solo career in Iceland, she has performed as a soloist with choirs and synphony orchestras throughout Europe. Ingibjörg has released two CD‘s, Operatic Arias, with the Iceland Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Gerrit Schuil and Ó Ó Ingibjörg, singing Icelandic songs with her brothers Óskar and Ómar, both well known jazz musicians. She currently teaches singing at Álftanes School of Music and Hafnarfjörður School of Music. Ingibjörg conducts the Women‘s Choir of Garðabær which she established in the year 2000.
Magnús Ragnarsson studied piano from an early age. He studied at the Music College of the Icelandic Church and graduated from the Church Music Department at the Gothenburg Music Academy in Sweden. Further studies in choir conducting with Stefan Parkman at the Uppsala University. Magnús is currently organist at Áskirkja in Reykjavík where he conducts the Áskirkja choir, the Philharmonia Choral Society and Hljómeyki chamber choir. Magnús led Hljómeyki Chamber choir in the distinguished choir competition Florilège Vocal de Tours in 2008 where the choir shared first place in the section for chamber choirs with the Khreschatyk chamber choir from Ukraine. Magnus was considered among the best conductors in the jury's statement.
Margrét Bóasdóttir - Kvennakór Háskóla Íslands. Margret holds a Master´s degree in voice and voice teaching from Hochschule für Musik, Heidelberg – Mannheim and MBA degree from the University of Iceland. She has been active as soloist, choir conductor and voice teacher. Founder and organizer of Choir Festival at Lake Mývatn since 2003 and Summer Concerts at Lake Mývatn since 1987. Margrét is the General Director of the 6th Nordic-Baltic Choral Festival in Reykjavík.
Sigríður Havsteen Elliðadóttir - Ymur, womens choir; Graduated from Myndlista- og handíðaskólinn in 1984. Final examination in classical singing from Nýja-Tónlistarskólanum in Reykjavík, 1987. Continuing studies in classical singing in London 1988 and in Italy from 1989-1991. Sigríður has performed as a soloist (mezzo-soprano) on many occations, and in various projects, since returning back to Iceland after her studies abroad. Teacher of classical singing in Sauðárkrókur 1995-1996, Akureyri 1996-2002 and in Akranes from 2002. Conductor of Ymur, womens Choir from 2005.
Sigurbjörg Hv. Magnúsdóttir - Kyrjurnar and Kyrjukórinn; studied singing at Söngskólinn í Reykjavík under the guidance of Dóra Reyndal. She graduated with a Master's degree from Boston University under the guidance of professor Richard Cassily. Sigurbjörg has attended master classes by Hanne Lore Kuhse, Svanhvít Egilsdóttir, Oren Brown, Carlo Bergonzi and Lorraine Nubarr. Sigurbjörg teaches voice at Söngskóli Sigurðar Demetz since 1997 and is working as a choir conductor since 1995.
LATVIA
Romans Vanags (1960) - a graduate of Emils Darzins' specialized music college and of the Department of Choir and Orchestra Conducting of Jazeps Vitols' Latvian State Conservatory in Riga (currently named - Latvian Music Academy). He received diploma in choir conducting as well as in music pedagogy. In addition, he was studying also symphonic orchestra conducting. In 2003 he received professional master's degree in music. Romans Vanags' professional work has been connected with conducting and pedagogy.
Romans Vanags has been the chief conductor of teachers' choir named "Vanema" for years (1984-2004) and since 1990 he has been the principal conductor of the Latvian University female choir named "Minjona". Since 1987 he has been chief conductor and artistic director of Jāzeps Mediņš Music School boys` choir. In 1990-1993 he worked with Jazeps Medins Music College Symphonic Orchestra. Since 1987 till 1994 Romans Vanags was employed at the Latvian Music Academy in Riga as professor of choir conducting and as the conductor of the academy choir. Since 2005 asoc. professor Romans Vanags is the head of conducting Department of the Latvian Academy of Music. He has been the organizer of various courses for conductors in numerous countries around the world and also jury member of many international choral competitions. He has also been appointed as one of the chief conductors of the Latvian Song Festival (in 1993, 1998, 2001, 2003 and 2008 ) and the Youth Song Festival ( in 1995, 2000, 2005 and 2010) as well. Since 2004 Romans Vanags is the chairman of the Latvian National Commission for UNESCO on the Latvian Song and Dance Festival affairs. The choirs conducted by Romans Vanags have won numerous awards at international competitions ( Arezzo, Debrecen, Tour, Varna etc.) and made concert tours all over the world. In 2008 Romans Vanags recieve the highest civil decoration in Latvia – the Three Star Order.
Agrita Priedniece - Uz Augšu; started working with the choire ‘’Uz Augšu’’ in 1994 – in the beginning as a choir master, afterwards as a conductor. She has finished Latvian music academy music pedagogy faculty and Latvian Country University master programm in pedagogy. Works in Talsi music school as a choir class manager and accordion teacher.
Gints Ceplenieks - Choir of the Food and Veterinary Service. Education:āzeps Vītols Latvian Academy of Music Masters in Art Work Experience: July of 2010 Chief conductor of X Latvia Youth Song and Dance Festival. 2010 – Present Chief conductor of Talsu, Rojas, Dundagas region choirs. 2009 – Present Chief conductors’ assistant of Riga choir. 2009 – Present Chief conductor of mixed choir RBS 2006 – 2008 Chief conductors’ assistant XXIV Nationwide Latvian Song and XIV Dance Celebration. 2007 – Present Chief conductor of the Choir of the Food and Veterinary Service and the Ādaži choir Jumis. 2003 – Present Chief conductor of Talsu region student choir. Other relevant experience: 2009 Golden award at International modern choral music choir contest Canti veris Praha in Czech Republic (Ādaži mixed choir Jumis).
Martins Klisans - Valmiera; was born in 1967. He has graduated from the Music Secondary School named after Emils Darzins and Latvia Music Academy choir conductors department with professor Imants Kokars.In 2009 he was granted the Master Degree of choir conductors. He has been the conductor of the mixed choir “Juventus”of Latvia University and the chamber choir “Sacrum”- the winner of international competition. At present is the chief conductor of Cesu district choirs and the conductor of mixed choir “Valmiera”and chamber choir “AVE SOL”. He works in Latvia Music Academy as a lecturer and the music teacher at Riga Music boarding-school. The chief conductor of the ninth Latvia school youth' Song Festival(2005) and the chief conductor of the twenty-fourth Latvia Song and Dance Festival(2008). He has completed the course of vocal skills in Stutgard Bachs Academy with the professor Bruce Abel. Has been the member of Vocal Group of Riga and the chamber choir “AVE SOL”.As a vocalist has participated in various baroque operas and oratorious performances and awarded the Special Music Award.
Janis Zirnis - Female Choir Ausma and Mixed Choir Ogre; artistic director and conductor Jānis Zirnis, associated professor at Latvian Academy of Music and chief conductor of Latvian Song Festivals.
Tamara Semicheva - Choir “TALAVA”was founded in 1993. It’s conductor is Tamara Semicheva, graduate of St. Petersburg State Conservatory.
LITHUANIA
Alfonsas Vildžiūnas (born in 1955) has graduated from the Lithuanian Music Academy in 1979. In 1985 he finished the internship in the Moscow Gnesin Music-pedagogical institute. He also developed his skills in the Moscow Chamber choir with prof. V.Minin and in the J.S.Bach Academy in Germany. In the period of 1979 – 1989 A.Vildžiūnas worked in the Department of Choir Conducting in the Klaipėda Department of the Lithuanian Music Academy, in 1988-1989 he was the Dean of the Culture department. During the period of 1989-1993 he was the director and chief conductor of the Lithuanian Radio Chamber choir. Since 1993 A.Vildžiūnas has been living in Klaipėda and working in the Klaipėda Concert Hall leading the choir “Aukuras”. Since 1997 the conductor is a leader of the Plungė Chamber choir. He was the artistic director of the Northern and Baltic countries Choir festival in Klaipėda in 2002 and the artistic director of the Song Day of the World Lithuanian Song Celebretion in 2003.
Kestutis Jakeliunas ( b.1981) – the artistic director and conductor of Kaunas mixed choir „Kamertonas“, member of Lithuanian Choir Union, Lithuanian Musician Union, Kaunas State Philharmonic Society Artistic Council. In 1988 finished Klaipeda Musical School No. 1, in 1999 – Klaipeda Eduardas Balsys Art Gymnasium, in 2004 – Lithuanian Academy of Music and Theatre studies of a Bachelor of choir conduction. In 2006 in Lithuanian Academy of Music and Theatre Kaunas Faculty acquired the qualification of a conductor. Since 2003 Kestutis Jakeliunas is the Artistic Director and Conductor of Kaunas Choir „Kamertonas“. The famous strides with choir are: 2004 in the 1st Sacral music festival – competition „Cantate Domino“, „Kamertonas“ received a Silver Diploma. At the Lithuanian choir contest in 2006 „Kamertonas“ was grated the 1st level diploma. 2006 in the 2. Sacral music festival – competition „Cantate Domino“, „Kamertonas“ was assigned a golden diploma and the 1st place. 2007 in the International choir festival „A Voyage of songs“ Pattaya, Thailand, was awarded with silver diploma. On 20 October 2007 in the 16th International S. Simkus choir competition, Klaipeda, „Kamertonas“ was nominated for the 3rd place. In 2008 „Kamertonas“ has become the winner of nomination „Tarptautinio spindesio žvaigždė“ (Star of International Shine“) established by Lithuanian Folk Culture Centre and awarded with „GOLDEN BIRD“ 2008 in the 3rd International choir competition „FESTA CHORALIS BRATISLAVA 2008“, Slovakia – GOLDEN MEDAL. Kęstutis Jakeliūnas is an active participant of Kaunas events. For several years he successively participates in tradicional chorus festival „Pakelkim mes taurę linksmybių“ („Lets Raise the Cup of Gaiety“), also conducting Kaunas Symphonic Orchestra and E. Balsys Art Gymnasium Symphonic Orchestra. Since 2006 conductor of Kaunas c. Song festivals.
Audronė Burakoviene -Mixed choir Navis. Since 1980 Audrone Burakoviene leads the choir. She works with several vocal ensembles, duets, soloists, children, folk groups. Often singing solo and duets. 1990 -1999 she was the laeder of Culture department in Širvintos .
Zenonas Komskis - Opus; The choir leader, conductor and founder Zenonas Komskis gradulated from Lithuanian Theatre and Music Academy.
Stase Zukiene - Choir Gija. Born in 1945. Education: Panevezys Musical School, Lithuanian Music Academy. Work experience: Sakiai Musical School, Mariampole Cultural School; choir conduction classes. Siauliai Conservatoire; choir conduction classes – 32 years. All the current time Stase Zukiene is working with numerous amateur choirs. From 1997 she is conductor and manager for the Siauliai District Culture Center choir Gija.
Birute Andriukaitiene - Choir Saltinis. Born in 1958. Education: Siauliai Conservatoire. Work experience: After the studies Birute Andriukaitene was conducting and managing vocal groups, amateur choirs. At the current time she is conducting and managing Siauliai district Kultural Center mix vocal group “Kolegos” (“Colleagues), women’s vocal group “Rasa” and means vocal group. 1993 she established mixed choir “Saltinis” and works as conductor at the present time.
Antanas Pocius - Vytuyrs; The choir of Ukmerge Culture Centre VYTURYS was established by the artistic director Mr. Antanas Pocius who is the only conductor of choir VYTURYS since its establishment in year 1976. Mr. Antanas Pocius was born on 16.09.1945 and graduated Lithuanian Academy of Music (choir conducting) in year 1976.
Gintaras Vaitkaitis - Choir Zemaiciai; was born 1968. In 1988-1992 he studied choral conducting in Siauliai conservatory, in 1992-1997 he studied in Klaipeda university arts faculty and gained choir conductor’s qualification.
Gintaras Vaitkaitis is the conductor of Telsiai town , county and republic song festivals. His creative activity is connected with students and school children’s choirs. There are held over one hundred concerts , participated in various competitions and were won various prizes. Gintaras Vaitkaitis works as a music pedagogue too. He teaches music in secondary school and art college.
Judita Taucaite (born in 1968) -Mixed Choir of the Lithuanian Academy of Sciences is an excellent concert –master and conductor of the choir. After her studies at The Lithuanian state conservatoire, she became a perfect accompanist playing on the piano or organ and a successful conductor as well. For her active cultural and educational work she also won prizes and citations.
Regina Maleckaitė - Chamber Choir Sodzius; (b. 1955) Studied at Vilnius K. Čiurlionis Secondary School of Art (J. Svirskienės choral conducting class). 1974-1979 studied choral conducting at the Lithuanian State Conservatory (Doc. J. Motiekaitis class). Since 1975, she has worked as Lithuanian State Conservatoire (Academy of Music) Choral Conducting Department concertmaster, since 1979 Lithuanian radio and television children's choir conductor. In 1992 she became the artistic director and leading conductor of the Lithuanian radio and television children choir. The choir mainly promotes Lithuanian Composers' Songs and has made many recordings for radio and television in Lithuania. Participated in the 1994 and 1998 II World Lithuanian song festivals in Vilnius and 1997 Lithuania's students Song Festival. 1994 Tokyo choral contest entries 3rd prize, in 1996, the music festival in Belgium (Neerpelt) 2nd prize, in 1997 in the international youth choir competition in Slovenia (Celje) 2nd prize. 1994, the children's choir has toured the U.S.A. and Canada, as well as concerts in Japan, the Netherlands, Belgium, France and Germany. Since 1986 conductor of Vilnius mixed chamber choir Sodžius. The choir participated in the 1990 Lithuanian / international song festival in 1994 and 1998, I, II, World Lithuanian song festivals in Vilnius in 1995 and 1997 in the Baltic Nordic Choir Festival in Riga and Gotland. R. Maleckaitė - City Song Festival, Vilnius 1997 Lithuanian Song Festival students and 1998 II World Lithuanian Song Festival Vilnius, conductor. She was awarded by Lithuanian choir association in 1994 the S. Šimkus Prize, and in 1996 she became the Lithuanian Radio and Television "Golden Bees" nomination.
NORWAY
The Norwegian conductor Bjørn Sagstad (1968) has his formal music education from Royal Northern College of Music in England, Grieg Academy of music and University of Tromsø and Trondheim/NTNU in Norway- studying orchestra, opera and choir conducting. Sagstad has also attended several international conducting master classes with Jorma Panula, Tsung Yeh and Kirk Trevor.
Bjørn Sagstad has worked with all the professional wind ensembles and military bands in Scandinavia and has amongst others worked with the Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra, Trondheim Symphony Orchestra, The Oulu Symphony in Finland, Music Vitae in Sweden, Århus Sinfonietta in Denmark and Hong Kong Sinfonietta. His work expands from the classical masters and contemporary music to ballet, opera, entertainment and folk music. He has developed and conducted several concepts where the professional ensembles can play for families and children.
Prizes: First prize Nordic Conducting Competition, Sweden, semi finalist Norwegian Conducting Competition and finalist in the Norwegian Opera Conducting Competition.
Jon Flydal Blichfeldt, 33 years of age, cellist and choral conductor. Born in Oslo, studied cello playing and choral conducting at The Grieg Academy in Bergen, and at Tromsø University. His main teachers in choral conducting are Carl Høgset, Magnar Mangersnes, Thomas Caplin, Maria Gamborg Helbekkmo and Ragnar Rasmussen. As a choral singer he has been a member of (amongst others) Bergen Cathedral Choir, Kammerkoret Saga and Voices of Europe. He is working as musical adviser in The Norwegian Choir Association, western department, and as conductor of Vokalensemblet Skrik (www.skrik.org.). He is also member of the board of Fonoko, the Norwegian Association of Choral Conductors. In 2007 and 2008 he was responsible for the choir of Die Massnahme (Bertolt Brecht/Hanns Eisler) under Bergen International Festival and Salzburger Festspiele.
Audun Skog - Skjervøykoret. Has his education from Nordic institute for scene and studio (N.I.S.S). Studied choirmanagement lead by Ragnar Rasmussen at The music Conservatory in Tromsø. Is a member of a vocalensembe ”Vokal Nord”, and currently works in the Skjervøy school of music. Has conducted ”Skjervøykoret” since 2001.
Belinda Lerøy - Haukeland Songlag. Our conductor is Belinda Lerøy, 33 years old. She has conducted the choir since 2004. Belinda is a well educated conductor and also a very good singer, soprano, often used as a soloist in different occasions. She always leads the choir both in a serious and humorous way and has managed to raise the quality of the choir.
Dag Broch - Untak.b: 1970 in Kirkenes. Education: teacher with music and theater.work: headmaster at Tana kulturskole. Conductor for UNTAK since 2007.
Roald Sangolt - Leirvik Mannskor; b. 1946. Educated music teacher, has worked as principal for Stord Music School for 19 years, as principal for Bergen Municipal School of Arts for 12 years. Started his conductor work as assistant in Leirvik Mannskor in 1965, became principal conductor in 1971. A new period for one year in 1994/95, and started the third period for the male voice choir last autumn. Roald Sangolt has worked with many choirs, mostly mixed choirs, from 1980 until today, among them The Bergen Philharmonic Choir. He established The Stord International Choir Festival in 1990. After the festival period he has visited Minsk in Belarus several times, conducting concerts there with many professional essembles; Minsk Chamber Choir, Minsk Chamber Orchestra, Belarus Philharmonic Orchestra, Belarus Opera Theatre, SONORUS Choir & Orchestra. Roald Sangolt is also qualified as judge for choir competitions on a national level.
Knut-Harald Rydning - Salten Festival Choir; has his background in the local music-life in the small community Saltdal, just north of the arctic Circle in Norway. He has been working as a teacher in the local culture school and as a conductor since 1989. Even though he has no formal music education, he is now conducting 6 choirs besides working as a church-organist. He has also been playing in a dance-band for several years. This is his third time traveling with Salten Festival choir, the first time as a assistant conductor.
Svein Eiksund - Sunnmøre Choir; b. 1945. He has been working with choirs for almost 30 years. During these years he has been conducting a great number of choirs, he has been given workshops for singers and conductors and he has been judging in choir competitions.
He is Member of Honor of Norges Korforbund.
Torgeir Hanssen - Sangforeningen Samklang. born 08.17.1952 Studied singing-educationalist and choir conducting at Østlandets Music conservatory. Teachers Erna Skaug (song) and Tore Skauge (choir). Further vocal studies in Rome and Wiesbaden. Started and led `Sætre Pikekor` to victory in NRK's (Norwegian Broadcasting) choral competition "Let the people sing" and "Jugend und Music". Has conducted NRK `s Studiochoir and also won the BBC competition with them. Been employed at St.Hallvard High School as a teacher of singing and choral conducting. Co-writer of the book "Grunnbok i ensembleledelse" “Basic book in conducting” as used in the high school. Is now a much used singing teacher and choir conductor in Nedre Eiker, Norway.
SWEDEN
Christina Hörnell.
Conductor of the Royal Opera Choir in Stockholm since 1994, conductor of The Göteborg Symphonic Choir since 2010. Assistant Choir Conductor in Bayreuth Festspiele 2005, Conductor of the Academic Choir Stockholm 1991-2006. Christina Hörnell became the Johannes Norrby's Award 1994 for her Engagement in the field of choral work in Sweden. She studied conducting and sacred music at The Royal Music Academy in Stockholm with Kjell Ingebretsen and Eric Ericson and was a member of his well known Chamber Choir.
She teaches and gives seminars in conducting and sacred music in Sweden and widely in Europa.
Fredrik Bergh - Folkpust; is the founder of the choir and has been their leader since 1984. He is educated in regional song tradions, escpecially from the Swedish County of Dalarna, Småland and Hälsingland and has a university course in Ethnology. He has been trained in voice by the opera singer Bengt Gustavsson. From 1966 he is a member of the Folk Dance Group Kedjan, Stockholm and are as such, educated in folk dance. He is President of the Stockholm Choir Association and Executive Secretary of the Swedish Choir Assosiation.
Åsa Nilsson - Gotland Choir Association. Born in Gotland. Moved to Gothenburg in 1982 to attend the Academy of Music and Drama. Åsa worked as a music master of different schools until 2002 when she returned to Gotland to work as cantor in the Church of Sweden. She is the choirmaster of choirs for both children, youth and adults. In 2007 she was appointed choirmaster of the Gotland Choir Association, a comission of trust. The joy of working with choirs lies in getting people to sing, crossing all borders between ages, countries and languages.
Östen Wall, born 1954, is the conductor of the Schola Cantorum Choir since the beginning of 2002. During all of his childhood and adolescence, Östen Wall has been singing and playing the piano and later also the organ, taking lessons from Bror Samuelsson at the cathedral in Västerås. At first, he was planning to become a pianist, and then an organist. However, on admission to the he changed his direction. He studied at Royal University College of Music in Stockholm 1980 - 1986 and completed the musician, music education, and vocal coach programmes. 1981 - 2007, he sang in the Swedish Radio Choir and in Eric Ericson’s Chamber Choir. 1997 -1999, he was a singer at the Royal Swedish Opera in Stockholm. Since 2000, he is a teacher of music at Adolf Fredriks Musikklasser in Stockholm.