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
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
Pearls of Odessa
(Odessa, Ukraine)
Conductor Larissa Harbuz
The Pearls of Odessa has been founded by Larisa Garbuz in 1984. Since that time it has been given more than 2000 concerts in different countries around the world: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, China, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Hungary, Italy, South Korea, Latvia, Lebanon, Mauritius & Reunion Islands, Poland, Portugal, Russia, Spain, Switzerland, Taiwan, United Kingdom and Ukraine. The chorus has been appearing on radio stations, television programs and shows in different countries. Also, the chorus takes part regularly in the performances of Odessa National Opera: “Nutcracker”,“Carmen”, “Tosca”, ”Turandot”, “Queen of Spades”, “Carmina Burana”, “Dido and Aeneas”, “Snow White and Seven Dwarfs” and others. The chorus has 3 different sets of costumes: 2 sets of traditional style and 1 set of modern style costumes. The repertoire of the chorus is very various: Ukrainian folklore as well as song its arrangements, world classic, contemporary works, religious orthodox songs, songs from the musicals, Christmas songs and many other works. As a present for the foreign public, the chorus usually prepares and performs several songs in the language of the country the chorus visits. The chorus has recorded various CD and video disks. Usually the chorus consists of 30-35 people for the tour and accompanied by own instrumental group (4-5 musicians): piano, violin, clarinet, set of pipe instruments, bayan (accordion) and domra. The chorus can be accompanied by the Odessa Philharmonic Orchestra under direction of Igor Shavruk. On request, the choir can perform with local orchestra of the country they visit. Type of the venues: theatres, open-air stages, concert and conference halls, churches.
Petko Staynov Mixed Choir
(Kazanlak, Bulgaria)
Conductor Mladen Stanev
Seeds
(Odessa, Ukraine)
Conductor Anastasia Harbuz
