Animae Voces – Florence, Italy
Conductor Edoardo Materassi
The “Animae Voces” choral association was founded in January 2001 and is directed by Maestro Edoardo Materassi. A distinctive element is the ability to interpret classical pieces of European polyphony and rhythms from other countries, from the African to the Caribbean world, from the poignant harmonies of Jewish and Balkan music, to the refinement of crystalline Scandinavian vocality, in a musical impulse aimed at the discovery of voices. The attention dedicated to the research of pieces taken from tradition, in addition to the numerous arrangements written for the choral by various composers, allow to present a varied and original repertoire. refresher courses for choral music, held by the most qualified professionals in the sector. Competitions: In April 2016 the “Animae Voces” choir won the “Coro Più” competition, grand prix of Tuscany. In 2005 he won the VI edition of the “Etruscan Riviera National Competition”, ranking first in the “Ethnic Choirs” category and winning the Audience Award, thus participating in the review organized by the Councilorship of the Municipality of Bordighera for musicians who won national competitions and International. Choral festivals and events: The choir has been invited to participate in various international choral festivals including: August 2016 at the “XI ° International Festival of Choral Art” in Saint Petersburg, Russia. July 2015 at the “Choral International Festival” organized by Ensembles Polyphoniques in the Aveyron region, France. July 2014 at the “Festival Choral International” organized by Ensembles Polyphoniques en Provence, in the Provence region, France Invited as representative choir of Tuscany to the “Alpe Adria Cantat 2007” event, Lignano Sabbiadoro – Udine, he performed in various concerts together with Italian and international choirs.
Animae Voces was one of the ten Italian choirs present at the “Europa Cantat 2009” event in Utrecht (Holland), performing in concert at the “Conservatorium” and at the “Hoog Katharjne”, as well as various performances along the canals and streets of the city. August 2010 he was invited by the cultural association “Think” in Albania, where he held a concert at the monumental Mausoleum of Scanderberg in Lezhe, and a concert in Vlore for the inauguration of the new Cultural Center of the city.
May 2008 at “Antiqua Rassegna di Musica Antica” in Milan, in the prestigious Sala dell’Arciconfraternita of the Diocesan Museum, an event sponsored by the Lombardy Region event reported by the Ministry for Cultural Heritage and Activities. Collaborations: “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” Company Down Theater of Florence: “The Awakening” by Claudia Bombardella: Summer Fiesolana “The Ways of the Spirit” by Claudia Bombardella: “Literary Peace Prize dedicated to Tiziano Terzani Music by L. Divolo Teatro Verdi Florence “Human Harmony” dir. Johanna Knauf Roman Theater of Fiesole Estate Fiesolana “Pink Floyd Legend” Atom Heart Mother Teatro Verdi Florence “Sacred Concert” D. Ellington Sunrise Orchestra conductor. Stefano Rapicavoli, Ravenna Festival, “Sacred Concert” D, Ellington Orchestra Circolo del Jazz dir P. Biancalana, Lucca Jazz “Requiem G. Fauré“ Orchestra la Philarmonie dir. Nima Keshavarzi, Dante Campi Bisenzio Theater “Songs in Contrluce” Saverio Lanza and Cristina Donà “” Genius Loci “cloister Santa Croce Florence
Bethel Choir – Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA
Conductor Merrin Guice Gill
The Bethel Choir is a mixed choir of auditioned voices and is Bethel’s flagship choral organization. The choir performs a wide variety of sacred and secular repertoire and participates in all of Bethel’s major festivals, touring annually throughout the United States and every fourth year overseas. The choir is comprised predominantly of upperclass students and has represented Bethel at home and abroad with high reviews for nearly 70 years.
Menura Vocal Ensemble – Florence, Italy
Conductor Edoardo Materassi
The Menura Vocal Ensemble is a youth choir of female voices only and has a repertoire that ranges from classical polyphony to pop, Jazz up to the ethnic genre. in the Liceo P. Calamandrei in the municipality of Sesto Fiorentino. The choir has been followed since its origin by Maestro Edoardo Materassi who also takes care of the arrangements. Most relevant events attended by the choir: Sixth edition of the Finnish film review “Una Finestra Sul Nord”, Odeon Cinema Florence. Inauguration of the exhibition “A Finn at the Medici court” Palazzo Madici Riccardi Florence, “In the network of words” Teatro Niccolini chamber orchestra of the Maggio Musicale Fiorentino performing in the world premiere of original music by the composer Andrea Portera. In April 2018 the choir was invited to Berlin for a tour with the youth orchestra G.F. Haendel gaining consensus from both the public and critics The choir received the following awards: First prize in the “Michelangelo International Music Festival” 2017. First prize at the “Florence world choir festival” 2018. First prize in the “Coro Più” competition Grand Prix Choral of Tuscany 2018. Third prize National AERCO Video Choral Competition “2020
Na’ara Vocal Ensemble – Florence, Italy
Conductor Edoardo Materassi
Born from the collaboration between the “Dario Vettori Liutaio” Music School and the Comprehensive Institute “Don Lorenzo Milani”, was formed in November 2015 and made his debut in December 2015, in Firenzuola. After some performances in concerts and local events, in the month of May 2016 they participated in the “Forever Young” competition, at the Politeama Theater in Prato, winning the first prize in the category “Lower secondary school” and the special prize for the best performance of the compulsory piece, foreseen in the program for all participants in the competition. In May 2017 she won the first prize ex-aequo and the “Jenny Berardi” prize for the best stage presence at the “Città di Riccione” National Choral Competition. In May 2019 he won the First Prize, with a score of 100/100 at the 4th LUCREZIA BALATRI VOICE COMPETITION of Florence. He has participated in vocal seminars with the masters C. Pavese, D. Tille and L. Leo
