RSU mixed choir, Rīga, wins international competition in Krakow

The Rīga Stradiņš University (RSU) mixed choir, Rīga, has returned home with a diploma and the Golden Angel Statuette after winning in the mixed choir category in the Krakow Advent & Christmas Choir Festival in Poland earlier this December.

The competition took place at the St. Peter and St. Paul Church in the Kraków Old Town. Choirs competed in four categories – mixed, men’s and women’s, youth, and chamber – and performed repertoires suitable for the Advent and Christmas season. The RSU choir, led by conductors Zane Zilberte and Evita Taranda, competed against four other choirs in the mixed choir category. Having earned the highest score from the jury, it received a gold diploma and the Golden Angel statuette. The choir performed compositions by Ilona Rupaine, Ēriks Ešenvalds, Marģeris Zariņš, and Canadian composer Don MacDonald.

The RSU mixed choir, Rīga, in Krakow. In the front – conductor Zane Zilberte with the award – the Golden Angel – and Evita Taranda with the diploma.

Eighteen choirs from Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Italy, Croatia, Iceland, Denmark, and Norway took part in the competition, including the Riga Technical University women's choir, Delta. The jury was composed of experienced musicians from Estonia, Macedonia, Czech Republic, Italy, and Poland.

In addition to the competition programme, Rīga also took part in a concert put on by the contestants where it performed several festive pieces.

Participating in international competitions is a valuable experience for the choir as it helps improve vocal skills, get to know the choral singing culture in other nations, and motivate the singers. ‘This was the choir's first international competition after the pandemic. Although it was nerve-wracking, the experience was nevertheless positive. Everyone performed with great dedication. Both the competition and concert performances were powerful and emotional. It was a great pleasure and satisfaction to be appreciated by both the jury and the audience. The acoustics in the church, the Advent atmosphere, and the snowy beauty of Krakow were inspiring,’ said Zilberte looking back at the competition.

Our warmest congratulations on this achievement!