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Festival & Competition Locations
The Malta
International
Choir Competition
and Festival 2006
Ministry for Tourism
and Culture

TIME
09:00
09:30
10:00
10:30
11:00
11:30
12:00
12:30
13:00
13:30
14:00
14:30
15:00
15:30
16:00
16:30
17:00
17:30
18:00
18:30
19:00
19:30
20:00
20:30
21:00
21:30
22:00
9
th
10
th
11
th
12
NOVEMBER
NOVEMBER
NOVEMBER
SEMINAR
ROOMS MCC
15:30 - 17:00
Workshops
Sir David
Willcocks
Gary Garden
ST DOMINIC
CHURCH
Stage
rehearsals
Sacred music
categories
children and
youth (G)
MAIN
EVENTS
19:00 Opening
Ceremonies
Opera House Ruins
19:45
Parade in the
Streets
20:30
Auberge Italie
reception
MITP
THEATRE
Stage
rehearsals
Secular
music
categories
(B,A)
11:30-15:00
Competitions
Secular Music
categories
(B,A)
SEMINAR
ROOMS MCC
16:30-18:00
Workshops
Sir David
Willcocks
Andre J
Thomas
ST DOMINIC
CHURCH
9:45–10:30
Sacred Music
categories
children and
youth (G)
Stage
rehearsals
Sacred Music
categories (S)
FRIENDSHIP
CONCERTS
11:00
Freedom
Square
12:00
Queen’s
Square
13:00
Freedom
Square
MAIN
EVENTS
19:30
Singing for
Peace
Inter-Religious
Meeting
MITP
THEATRE
Stage
rehearsals
Folklore
category
(F)
12:15–14:00
Folklore
category (F)
SEMINAR
ROOMS MCC
16:30–18:00
Workshops
Gary Garden
Andre J
Thomas
ST DOMINIC
CHURCH
9:30–11:00
Sacred Music
categories (S)
FRIENDSHIP
CONCERTS
11:00
Queen’s
Square
12:00
Freedom
Square
13:00
Queen’s
Square
MAIN
EVENTS
19:30
Gala Concert
MCC Republic
Hall
Subject to
Admission
Fee
CHURCHES
Services in
churches all
over Malta
th
NOVEMBER
CONCERTS
11:00
Encounter
concerts
Maritime
Museum,
Vittoriosa
MAIN
EVENTS
17:00
Final
ceremonies
and concert
MCC Republic
Hall
19:30
Grand
Farewell
Party
St Domnic’s
Hall
TIME
09:00
09:30
10:00
10:30
11:00
11:30
12:00
12:30
13:00
13:30
14:00
14:30
15:00
15:30
16:00
16:30
17:00
17:30
18:00
18:30
19:00
19:30
20:00
20:30
21:00
21:30
22:00

The Malta International
Choir Competition and Festival
Festival of Sacred and Secular Music
9 -13 November 2006
The Ministry for Tourism and Culture, Malta
and
INTERKULTUR Foundation, Germany
Presidency
Günter Titsch
Artistic Committee
Prof. Dr. Ralf Eisenbeiß (Germany)
Gábor Hollerung (Hungary)
Christian Ljunggren (Sweden), leader
Rev. John Galea (Malta)

Contents
Participating Countries 7
Greetings
Titsch 10
ZD 11
Organisers
The International Choir Competition Festival in Malta 15
Enter the World of Musica Mundi 16
Presenting Malta
Malta: an island with a great history 26
Choral Singing in Malta 28
Music in Malta: a very quick glance 30
The International Choir Competition in Malta (1989-2004) 34
Artistic Committee 37
The Jury 41
Schedule 47
Main Events
Opening Ceremony 52
Singing together for Peace 53
Gala Concert with the National Orchestra 54
Prize-giving Ceremony and Concert 57
Competition
Categories of Competition 60
Prize and Awards 62
Artistic regulations 62
Jury and Evaluation 63
Competitions 65
Trophy 69
The Choirs 71
Musica Mundi: World Ranking List 82
Prizewinner 1988-2006 89
Music 93

Ministry for Tourism
and Culture
International working team
Piroska Horváth, Germany/Hungary (managing director)
Rossana Toesco, Italy (organisation, competition office)
Cecilia Wessman, Sweden (organisation, competition office)
Iris Väth, Germany (jury secretary)
Alexandra Schmidt-Ullrich, Germany (computer service)
Alessio Toesco (technical assistant)
Ludmilla Kovalenko (technical assistant)
National working team
Rev. John Galea (chairman)
Lino Attard (deputy chairman)
Michael Aquilina (ministry representative)
Reuben Vella Bray (member)
Alfred Busietta (member)
Noel D’Amato (member)
Elaine Jones (secretary)
IL-KUNSILL MALTI GÓALL-KULTURA U L-ARTI
THE MALTA COUNCIL FOR CULTURE AND ART

CHINA
ITALY
DENMARK
MALTA
FINLAND
POLAND
ng Countries
FRANCE
RUSSIA
GERMANY
SLOVENIA
GREECE
SWEDEN
Hungary
UNITED
KINGDOM
ISRAEL
UNITED STATES
OF AMERICA

Mer˙ba
Greetings

Singing together
brings nations together
Bringing Culture Closer
to the Maltese People
On behalf of INTERKULTUR Foundation
I very sincerely welcome you to the Malta
International Competition and Festival. We are
very happy to have been given the possibility of
arranging for the first time a competition in the
wonderful island of Malta. It is an honour for
us that the Ministry for Tourism and Culture in
Malta and the Minister himself has shown such
a great interest in the festival. We are also very
grateful for the collaboration with the National
Orchestra of Malta, which will collaborate with
us during the festival.
The island in itself will also give an
extraordinary setting to the festival. The choirs
will feel the living history of Malta as they
perform in all the beautiful localities. Malta
is an island of wonderful churches. It is very
appropriate that a focus during the festival
will be on the sacred music. This is the only
festival, apart from our festival in Rome that
has this character. But as we can see from the
participating choirs there is also a great interest
in the non-religious music. The folklore category
will be very interesting to follow!
In the 18 years of its existence
INTERKULTUR Foundation has developed
in a way that is unique in the choral world.
In the year 1988 we began to organize events.
Nowadays, as we have carried out about 80
international competitions and festivals, among
them four editions of the Choir Olympics, the
international choral world is enthusiastic about
our idea “Singing together brings nations
together”. This theme will be manifested in a
very special way in the Malta festival through
the Ceremony for Peace held in the great Co-
Cathedral of Valletta.
It is with great expectations I look forward to
the festival and I wish all choirs much pleasure,
wonderful experiences and much success.
Günter Titsch, President INTERKULTUR Foundation
The Malta International Choir Festival, a
festival of sacred and secular music, this year
is being given a new lease of life through an
international competition.
This year the Ministry for Tourism and
Culture solicited the support of Interkultur
Foundation that specialises in the holding of
choir festivals wordwide.
This year’s festival is attracting 22 choirs
from 15 countries that will compete in eleven
different categories of sacred, secular and folk
music. Also this year the choirs will perform
in two public squares in Valletta whilst on
Sunday morning choirs will take part and sing
in different churches all over Malta.
The Malta International Choir Competition
and Festival will contribute towards
Government’s policy to bring culture closer to
the Maltese people. It will also help Maltese
choirs measure up with foreign choirs and thus
contribute towards the enhancement of our
choirs.
This event, which is being held during the
shoulder months of our tourism season, is one
of a series of events that are being organised
with the full cooperation and involvement of
the Malta Tourism Authority in an effort to
offer foreign visitors a pleasant experience and
added value during their stay in our country.
I should like to thank Interkultur Foundation
for their support in the organisation of this
festival and Father Gwann Galea who is the
driving force behind this initiative.
Francis Zammit Dimech
Minister for Tourism and Culture
10 11

Organizzaturi
Organisers
12 13

Ministry for Tourism
and Culture
The International Choir
Competition and Festival
in Malta
In 1989 the then Ministry of Tourism, among its
other activities to promote tourism, introduced
the Malta International Choir Festival, which
continued to be organised every year. This event,
which became a regular feature in our cultural
calendar was fixed for November, a month when
normally the tourist inflow is relatively low.
Since 2003 the local committee responsible
for the management of this Festival, started
contacts with Interkultur Foundation, an
international organisation specialising in the
organisation of choir festivals worldwide, to
establish a collaboration with them for this
festival. The interest shown by this foundation
and the desire from the Maltese counterpart
to enhance this festival by giving it a broader
international dimension through the services and
expertise of Interkultur led to renewed concept
of the former Choir Festival, by introducing
new elements according to the criteria and
evaluation system of “Musica Mundi”, on which
the festivals organized by Interkultur are based.
The long and thorough discussions dealing with
the various aspects of the event, and which were
closely and meticulously followed personally
by the Hon. Minister himself reached a positive
conclusion in 2005, when a new contract defining
responsibilities of both sides was signed by the
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry for Tourism
and Culture and the President of Interkultur
Foundation to hold this Festival with the
collaboration of both entities.
Consequently, according to these guidelines,
under which the present edition is being held,
this year’s Festival will not consist simply of the
competition between the choirs taking part, but
will also take into account the pedagogical aspect
of the event. For this purpose the choirs are being
offered the possibility to attend workshops led
by world-renowned personalities in the choral
field, and to take part in Friendship concerts
without the competitive aspect. Besides, some
of the participating choirs will sing in a Gala
Concert with the National Orchestra of Malta,
where Maltese compositions will be executed
amongst other works. Nine foreign choirs who
will be present in Malta for this Festival, on
Sunday morning will also be singing in different
churches during Masses.
The organisation of this year’s Festival by the
Ministry for Tourism and Culture continues a
tradition started seventeen years ago, and looks
forward not only at a continuation of it, but also
at its enhancement.
14 15

Enter the World
of Musica Mundi
events arranged by the Interkultur Foundation
The ideas
Bringing the music world together
Singers and musicians from all parts of the world
are given the opportunity to meet audiences in
the different countries to enjoy music from all
parts of the world.
A vehicle of peace
Bridges are built between people of different
nationalities Representatives from countries all
of the world meet for constructive talk. Events
open to all choirs and music groups. Everyone
is welcome to take part – no one is excluded.
Amateur singers get inspiration and support in
their culture-building task
Excellence and inspiration
A diversity of music styles are represented
High level performances are promoted through
competitions and concerts
Who is addressed?
Something for the singers…
to experience the excitement of travelling
and performing with the choir
to meet singers from all over the world
to sharpen the quality of singing
Something for the conductors...
to conduct in competitions and concerts
to experience other conductors at work
to enlarge the skills through seminars and
workshops
Something for the audiences...
to be excited by listening to thousands of
singers
to be able to hear a great variety of choral
music and singing styles
to experience the thrill of competitions
Something for the cities of the world...
to let the citizens experience the festivity of a
great event
to spread the rumour of the city around the world
to make something positive in a troubled
world
Something for organizations and companies ...
to be part of a wide international context
to combine its name with a friendly, peacemaking
activity
to be known to thousands of new people
around the world
The organization
Head quarters with working staff in Germany
You will find the head quarters of INTERKULTUR
in Pohlheim, Germany, with a staff of 20 covering
all aspects of INTERKULTUR: artistic work,
management, advertising, contact with choirs
and customers, economy.
Branches with working personnel
in different countries
You will also find people working for
INTERKULTUR in many countries around the
world. On a permanent basis in the following
countries: Germany, Hungary, Russia, Italy,
Sweden and China.
Teams activated through our different events
Along with our festivals there are also teams
that regularly are working for INTERKULTUR.
Representatives throughout the world
There is a special Council with representatives
from more than sixty different countries
Network in the artistic field
Through our artistic work in working with juries
and pedagogical projects INTERKULTUR has
a large network including most of the leading
choir masters and professors of choral music
around the world. These contacts also include
many universities and conservatories.
16 17

The activities
Musica Mundi is the label of
all events arranged by the
INTERKULTUR Foundation
Choral competitions
MUSICA MUNDI has become the symbol for a
unique artistic idea. In comparison to most other
choir competitions, where only those choirs,
which belong to the international elite, compete,
the MUSICA MUNDI competitions are open to
all choirs. The MUSICA MUNDI competitions
combine the highest level of choral performers
with the presence of the greatest diversity of
choral performers.
There are various categories for all choir
types and choir levels in different degrees
of difficulty, with and without compulsory
pieces. They offer a unique atmosphere, good
competitive conditions, and intensive artistic
contacts. More than 200 experts and leading
choir masters from all over the world guarantee
a high level of qualified competence in all
MUSICA MUNDI events.
The Choir Olympic event
WORLD CHOIR GAMES: a unique idea
The concept of calling into being an event
like this, taking the Olympic ideal into the
arts, arose from the dream to peacefully unify
singing people and nations connected by song
in a fair competition. In this way, the union of
nations, also in the arts, can be effectively and
illustratively demonstrated and continuously
challenged.
18 19

The idea should inspire people to
experience, through the power of singing
together, the strength of interaction which is
able to challenge personality and community
equally, no matter on which artistic level one
is working – whether singing for pleasure or
reaching for artistic stars.
The World Choir Games is a grand
competition in which the choirs can choose
from 24 different competition categories. But it
is also an enormous international choir festival.
To experience this event means, first of all, to be
present, to compare oneself with others, and to
experience the common power of singing.
The Choir Olympics/World Choir Games
have been arranged in Linz (Austria) 2000, in
Busan (South Korea) 2002, in Bremen (Germany)
2004, in Xiamen (China) 2006 and will be held
in Graz (Austria) in 2008
Pedagogical projects
The MUSICA MUNDI events are not just
competitions and international choir festivals,
the pedagogical offers grow larger and larger.
In connection with most competitions and
festivals (including the Choir Olympic events)
there are conventions, workshops, seminars for
conductors, composer portraits and lectures.
Some of these pedagogical projects address the
conductors in particular, some also choristers
and other people interested in learning
more about choral music. In recent years,
INTERKULTUR has also arranged separate
series of seminars in different countries, for
instance the one week seminars in China 2003
and 2005.
Some statistics
The Participants
In total, 2.800 choirs with 150.000 active
singers from 85 countries have taken part
in the MUSICA MUNDI competitions to
date. It is interesting to note that 70% of the
participants are under the age of 25.
The events
Over 70 competition and festivals have been
arranged since the start in 1988. Four Choir
Olympic/World Choir Games events have
taken place as well as several seminars and
workshops in different countries.
Musica Mundi
World Ranking List
For over eighteen years the MUSICA
MUNDI competitions have been amongst
the most innovative events in the
international choral scene. Almost 3000
choirs have sung in well over 70 events
carried out worldwide, also having been
evaluated by high-ranking international
adjudicators and awarded gold, silver and
bronze diplomas and medals. Since the year
2000 the Choir-Olympic idea has created
an unprecedented and unique worldwide
resonance. Approximately 1200 choirs have
so far participated in this competition alone,
the world’s largest choral competition.
With this background in mind, the cultural
INTERKLUTUR Foundation proudly
presents the MUSICA MUNDI World
Ranking List, having retroactive effect back
to the year 2000.
20 21

Earlier events Country
by country
Austria
Choir Olympics in Linz 2000
China
Conductors seminar in 2003, 2005 and 2006
World Choir Games 2006
Czech Republic
Litomysl Competition 1994, 1995, 1997
Germany
Bremen Choir Olympics 2004
Zwickau Competition 1992, 1995, 1998, 2002, 2006
Dautphetal Festival 1996
Gießen Festival 1997
Pohlheim Festival 1998, 1999
Wernigerode Festival (and conductors seminar)
1999, 2001, 2003, 2005
Hungary
Budapest Competition 1988, 1989, 1991, 1993,
1995, 1997, 1999, 2001, 2005
Israel
Netanya Festival 1996
Italy
Riva del Garda Competition 1990, 1992, 1994,
1996, 1998, 2000, 2002, 2004, 2006
In Canto sul Garda Competition 1995, 1997,
1999, 2001, 2003, 2005
Salsomaggio Terme Festival 1998
Salò Festival 1998
Grado Competition 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004
Venezia in Musica 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006
Rimini in Musica 2005
Malta
Malta Festival 2005
Malta Competition and Festival 2006
Republic of Korea
Choir Olympics in Busan 2002
Sweden
Helsingborg Festival 2004
USA
Fort Lauderdale Competition 1999
23

nippreΩentaw lil Malta
Presenting Malta
25

Malta: an island
with a great history
In Malta, you’ll explore 7000 years of history
[http://www.visitmalta.com/en/what_to_see/
wts_maltaspast/wts_maltaspast.html] yet live
passionately in the present. You’ll span the
millennia with an astonishing array of things
to discover. And wherever you go, the Islands’
scenery and architecture provide a spectacular
backdrop. The colours are striking. Honeycoloured
stone against the deepest
of Mediterranean blues.
The Maltese Islands
have been described as
one big open-air museum
[http://www.visitmalta.
com/en/what_to_see/wts_museums/wts_
museums.html] . What makes them unique
is that so much of their past is visible today.
Delve into the Islands’ mysterious prehistory,
retrace the footsteps of St Paul or see where the
Knights of St John defended Christendom.
But Malta is no regular museum. Here
life is lived to the full, so make time for some
living history and action. Visit locations
where Oscar-winning blockbusters were
filmed or go off the beaten track into ancient
villages [http://www.visitmalta.com/en/
what_to_see/wts_towns_villages/wts_
townvil_villages/wts_townvil_villages.html].
Marvel at the fireworks and revelry of the
summertime festas [http://www.visitmalta.
com/en/what_to_see/wts_churchesfestas/
wts_churchesfestas.html] and enjoy a packed
calendar of events all year round.
26 27

Choral Singing
in Malta
The practice of choral singing is very
widespread in Malta, mostly connected with
the great variety of religious celebrations
held throughout the liturgical year. Most of
the established choirs owe their origin to the
activities held on a parochial level with some
going beyond these frontiers. Practically
every parish has a choral group, though of
various formations. Many schools and other
organisations too have their choirs who
perform during their special celebrations.
The technical preparation and musical
education of the choristers varies from one
group to another. In most cases it is provided
by the conductor himself or his assistant/s.
More motivated choristers attend special
singing classes at the ‘Johan Strauss School
of Music’, where they find more specialised
training by qualified teachers. In some cases
the group invites a trained vocal teacher to
give special singing lessons to the members of
the group.
The repertoire of the local choirs consists
of a varied palette of musical styles, genres
and periods of musical history. It is both local
and foreign. Choirs of a more advanced level
embark on renowned choral masterpieces,
while the choice of less experienced choirs falls
on works more accessible to their performing
powers. During these last thirty years we
have witnessed a revival of 18th and 19th
Century choral works by Maltese composers,
which were realised and edited from original
manuscripts held in our many archives, and
successfully performed during concerts.
Our cultural calendar around the year
presents many occasions for local choirs
to perform. These range from high-quality
performances with orchestral accompaniment
both in theatres and churches to other less
ambitious concerts on a parochial level. Some
choirs even find opportunities to travel and
perform abroad.
Providing the necessary finances to
support their running expenses and their
performances is a major headache to most
choirs. To meet these needs they mostly rely on
the generosity of sponsors, who are not always
easy to find.
28 29

Music in Malta
a very quick glance
LEAVES rustling in the wind, waves breaking
on the shore, thunder splitting asunder the air,
birds singing freely, animals scampering about,
these are just a few of the myriads sounds
which enveloped uninterruptedly our earth
when it was still the earthly heaven we
imagine it to have been.
When man first made his entrance in
this environment, he could not help but be
impressed by the sounds that surrounded
him. Soon he began imitating them
and eventually using them to his own
advantage. For example Egyptian friezes and
hieroglyphs illustrate farmers striking twigs
together to scare birds away from their fields
and crops. As time went by this device was
introduced to accompany the singing of the
workers as they went about their tasks. Soon
it also formed part of the ritualistic dances
intended to appease the gods who were thus
enticed to ascertain abundant harvests.
There is nothing to suggest that this
process did not evolve also in Malta,
probably even from an earlier date, seeing
that our Temples are at least a thousand
years older than the Pyramids in Egypt and
that the prevailing society was already very
developed. Of course there is no tangible
evidence to support all this, however we can
assume that what was happening in other
areas round the Mediterranean Sea and
further afield to the East was also happening
in Malta, seeing that here too, man’s greatest
preoccupations centered round the need
to find food and appeasing Nature, which,
being an unknown entity, was considered
as mystical and mysterious. So originally,
magic and labour were united in ritualistic
music accompanying the hunting of food and
agricultural activity.
We have no documentation as to the type
of music that was played or danced to at that
time nor during the Phoenician, Carthaginian
and Roman dominations – Malta had in the
meantime converted to Christianity in 60AD
when St Paul was shipwrecked here on his
way to Rome. However, it seems that when
in 598 Traianus was made Bishop of Malta
by Gregory the Great, he brought with him a
group of monks from Sicily who were used
to including music in their liturgical services.
Less than 200 years later, when even the
Byzantines who had followed the Romans had
relinquished Malta, the Island was occupied by
the Arabs till 1090. It can be safely surmised
that during their long domination, Moslem
culture including music was prevalent on our
Islands. GHANA, the popular folkloristic
music still very much alive nowadays, stems
from the Arab influence on our culture. Even
the language spoken by the locals was greatly
influenced by their occupiers, and in fact the
Maltese Language is recognized as belonging
to the Semitic family of Languages. Of course,
folkloristic music is transmitted orally from
one generation to another, so it was never
recorded, but we can be certain that the music
that accompanied the contemporary Maltese
in their everyday life was Moslem in style and
spirit.
The Arab domination came to an end in
1090 when the Norman Roger I conquered
Sicily, Malta and Gozo from the Arabs but left
them to govern in his name. It was Roger II
who finally annexed the Islands to his Sicilian
Realm in 1127. By this time European culture
was re-introduced and according to Prof
Joseph Brincat, Peire Vidal, the well-known
French troubadour, was in Malta in 1204
when the contea di Malta was under Enrico
Pescatore. Prof Brincat refers to a number
of quotes from canzone-serventese written
by Vidal which mention Malta and which
were composed and performed during his
stay at the castrum maris or St Angelo’s as
we know it today. “Now I have conquered
leisure and pleasure in Malta” wrote and
sang Peire Vidal, a statement that clearly
indicates the florid economic state of the Island
at that time as it is a well-known fact that
music and the arts flourish when economic
preoccupations are resolved and overcome.
Troubadours, and eventually Jongleurs, in fact
did participate in the social life of the islands,
especially on special occasions like community
festivities or personal celebrations such as
marriages.
The language used was Maltese as the
absolute majority of the population could
speak only this language. But, by this time,
European culture was returning slowly to
the Island and the inhabitants had become
Christians again. The oldest manuscripts to
be found in the Archives at the Cathedral
Museum of Malta are two antiphoners in late
Aquitanian notation of the 12th -13th century:
the puncta (lozenge-shaped in the earlier
codex, square and larger in the later) written
on a staff of one ink line and three dry-point
lines. With other illuminated parchment
choral books and works of Maltese composers,
the one hundred fifty-nine musical prints
preserved at the Cathedral Museum form the
most important collection that exists south
of Naples. Besides the afore-mentioned
Antiphonaries, the collection includes
amongst others, scores by Italian composers,
17th -19th century, scores by Maltese
composers including works by Giuseppe and
Domenico Balzano, Benigno Zerafa, Francesco
Azopardi and about fifty scores by other
composers. Zerafa and Azopardi form the apex
of the Maltese Classical Period.
WITH the arrival of the Order of St John in
1530, not only did a second cappella come
into existence, a cappella that gave its service
at the Conventual Church of the Order, but
the Knights, particularly the Italian Knights,
introduced the latest dramatic and musical
innovations that were happening in mainland
Europe. Many such representations were
held at the Italian Auberge. The knights were
usually younger sons of the most noble and
finest European families. In their homes and
countries they were used to the best available,
so it should come as no surprise to us that
they insisted on keeping abreast with the latest
trends and works even here in Malta. When
the Teatro Pubblico, now known as Teatru
Manoel, was built in 1732 during the reign of
Grand Master Antonio Manoel de Vilhena,
their aspirations could be fulfilled.
The newest operas were performed there
by acclaimed singers and musicians, often
even before appearing in other European
theatres. However, in spite of the fact that the
Manoel was built ‘for the honest recreation
of the people’ (as can be seen from the
inscription above the main door of the theatre)
opera was not for the masses and the people
waited for carnival and other festivities to
be entertained. During Carnival’s three-day
rule, decorated floats carrying musicians went
round the streets bringing merriment and fun
to the populace. Other special occasions when
music was played were the Installation of a
new Grand Master and at the Calendimaggio
festivities, the 1st May celebrations when a tree
laden with goods was placed in St George’s
Square with people vying with one another to
reach as many gifts as possible. It was also the
practice to perform a cantata in the open-air
30 31

and one composer who wrote several Cantata
per Maggio was Michelang Vella who was
born in Senglea on the 7th November, 1710.
He studied abroad and returned to Malta
in 1738. Two years later he was granted the
necessary licence by the Bishop of Malta to
operate a school where he introduced the
same teaching methods that were prevalent
in Naples when he was a student there. Vella
introduced many important reforms in
music education, and students flocked to
his school. Amongst his students, one finds
Azopardi, already referred to in this article,
who was a composer and maestro di cappella
in Mdina and Nicolo` Isouard, maestro di
cappella at the Conventual Church of the
Order of St John in Valletta. Isouard was
an excellent composer of sacred, secular
and instrumental music and also of operas,
composing more than forty works (Cendrillon
was his most notable success being played
constantly in European theatres). Nicolò, as
he was known in France, carved a name for
himself in Paris where he lived after leaving
the Island in 1800 when the French capitulated
and the British rule began. In two short
years, between 1798 and 1800, Malta passed
from under the Order of St John to French
domination that was in turn replaced by the
British when the French Capitulation was
signed by Vaubois.
During the British Rule, the opera
tradition in Malta not only continued but
was reinforced. A new, bigger, better
equipped Royal Theatre was built in Valletta
in 1866. Lavish productions were held at
this ill-fortuned theatre which was first
burnt down just seven years after its opening
and eventually bombed in 1942 during the
Second World War. A more affluent society,
a large British military community and an
emergent middle-class provided the patrons
who used to attend the RJAL as the theatre
was commonly known by the Maltese. Its
shell can still be seen at the entrance to
our capital city, and although plans have
been made for its reconstruction, we are
still without an adequate opera house in
Valletta. Lately the idea has been mooted to
transform the bombed-out shell into an openair
theatre. This, I hope, is only a temporary
measure to utilize the site until a new theatre
can be built.
Many Band Clubs too know their existence
to the British period. Military bands parading
in the Capital’s streets provided the inspiration
to volunteers to set up their musical societies
which spread like wild-fire, and now there is
hardly a town or village in Malta and Gozo
that does not boast of its own band club, in
some instances even two or three. In general
these clubs provided the first approach to
music for many Maltese. Nowadays they
still form the kernel round which a number
of activities are organized during festivities
held every year in different parishes to honour
their respective patron saints. To the present
day, band clubs provide basic music teaching
without charge, besides holding annual
concerts in various parts of the Islands and to
which the general public is invited to attend
free of charge.
Local feasts, celebrated in the many
new parishes that were being established in
different localities due to an explosion in the
population (there were 120,000 inhabitants in
Malta and Gozo in 1850, but 180,000 in 1900)
also gave a boost to sacred music. During
the 19th century, many important Maltese
cappellas flourished. One must mention
here the Nani, Diacono, Bugeja and Camilleri
dynasties that have provided religious music
linked to festas in Malta and which are still
part of the celebrations. For many Maltese, a
festa is not complete without the well-known
Antifona, which is robust music in quick time
meant to praise the Saint, create a sense of
euphoria and give vent to religious emotions
and devotion. During a week or two prior
to the festa, the musical cappella, made up
of the maestro di cappella, his musicians
and the singers, provided – and still do - the
different music at the appointed day and
hour. The ensemble normally does not belong
to a particular parish but is hired privately
according to exigencies. However, many
parishes have their own choir that provides the
required services during the normal liturgical
functions throughout the year.
Since Latin is no longer the prevalent
language used in the Catholic Church, hymns
and other sacred music are sung nowadays in
Maltese.
THE building of the Royal Opera House in
the 19th century meant that the Manoel Theatre
had to find an alternative form of entertainment
instead of the repertoire that had moved to the
new theatre. Operettas provided this relief
and many Italian and continental ones were
all the rage. Music halls, bars and restaurants
became a part of life especially in Valletta which
remains even today the birthplace of many
of our popular and jazz musicians. Freddie
Mizzi, a clarinettist of world renown, the Curmi,
Schembri, Galea, Dowling, Borg, Lucas and
Vella families, all from Valletta, are but a few
who formed the backbone of our popular music,
a particular genre which has grown enormously
in the last years.
Serious music has also developed
significantly in the 20th century. Carmelo Pace
can be considered as the doyen of 20th century
Maltese musicians. This eminent composer
and teacher was born in Valletta in 1906 and
died in Sliema in 1993. During his long career
he composed more than 3,000 works in every
genre, starting from simple, short hymns
to full-blown operas of which he composed
four. Being a much sought-after teacher, he
has influenced most of the musicians who
were or are still active in the music field on
the island. Other notable names are Charles
Camilleri, who has recorded thirty-six CDs and
whose works are played regularly in concerthalls
and theatres both here in Malta and
abroad, Joseph Vella, composer, researcher,
conductor and university professor, who has
recorded his compositions on Cds and who
has edited a number of manuscripts found at
the Archives in Mdina, Joseph Sammut, who
set up the first Orchestra in Malta in 1966 from
the Admirality Orchestra which was about to
be disbanded at that time and who has now
turned to composition besides conducting
and teaching, Michael Laus, a pianist and the
present conductor of our National Orchestra
and a university professor teaching performing
and interpretation and Dr Dion Buhagiar,
musicologist, composer and university
professor. The younger generation is also
very active, participating in music activities in
Malta and abroad. Composers, conductors,
soloists, choirs and singers in various fields
keep the Malta scene alive and active in spite
of the many difficulties that result from the
fact that this is a very small island situated at
the southernmost end of Europe. This results
in much travelling and expenses, time and
money that could be otherwise used more
profitably in the quest for further improvement
by Maltese musicians. However where there is
a will there is a way.
32 33

The International Choir
Competition in Malta (1989-2004)
The Trophy that used to be given to the winning
choirs in these past editions
Roll of Honour
GOLD
SILVER
BRONZE
GOLD
GOLD
SILVER
BRONZE
GOLD
SILVER
BRONZE
GOLD
SILVER
BRONZE
1989
Choir de Chambre Feminin de
1’Ille de France (France)
University of Warwick Chamber
Choir (UK)
Cannock Chase Orpheus
Chamber Choir (UK)
1990
Bergerdorfer Kammerchor
(Germany) – Joint winners with
Oldham Girls Choir (UK)
1991
Bela Bartok Mixed Choir
(Hungary)
Tideswell Male Choir (UK)
Bela Bartok Female Choir
(Hungary)
1992
luvenes Bohemiae
(Czechoslovakia)
Grazer Vokalensemble (Austria)
Taban Male Voice Choir
(Hungary)
1993
Moscow Engineering and Physics
Institute (Russia)
Chorea Academica (Czech
Republic)
Amadeus Chamber Choir (Malta)
GOLD
SILVER
BRONZE
GOLD
SILVER
BRONZE
GOLD
SILVER
BRONZE
GOLD
SILVER
BRONZE
GOLD
SILVER
BRONZE
GOLD
SILVER
BRONZE
1994
Karlovy Vary Girls Choir (Czeck
Republic)
Chamber Choir of Augsburg
University (Germany)
Phoenix Choir (Hungary)
1995
Froncysyllte Male Voice Choir
(Wales)
Amadeus Chamber Choir (Malta)
– Joint second with Classica
Mixed Choir (Russia)
Risca Male Voice Choir (Wales)
1996
Lucnica Mixed Choir (Slovak
Republic)
Chor Akademicki (Poland)
“Ave Vita” Pedagogical
University Mixed Choir
(Lithuania)
1997
Chorea Academica (Czech
Republic)
Halikko Ensemble (Finland)
Dornkrone Chamber Choir
(Russia)
1998
New Israeli Vocal Ensemble (Israel)
“Langas” St. Bernardins Church
Mixed Choir (Lithuania)
Haberdashers’ Monmouth School
for Girls Chamber Choir (Wales)
1999
St. Monica Choir (Malta)
Decinsky Pevecky Sbor (Czech
Republic)
St. Stythians Male Voice Choir
(U.K.)
GOLD
SILVER
BRONZE
GOLD
SILVER
BRONZE
GOLD
SILVER
BRONZE
GOLD
SILVER
BRONZE
GOLD
SILVER
BRONZE
Akademicki Choir (Poland)
Kamaralny Adam Mickiewicz
Univ. Choir (Poland)
Sallskapet MM Choir (Finland)
2001
Alania Choir (Russia)
Detstvo Choir (Russia)
Coro (England)
2002
Ad Una Corda (Slovakia) - Joint
winners
Bielski Chor Chameralny
(Poland) - Joint winners
Sol Oriens (Hungary)
2003
Muklajs Chamber Choir (Latvia)
- Joint winners
Gdansk University Choir
(Poland) - Joint winners
Pueri Cantores Tarnovienses
(Poland)
2004
Tonos Humanos Mixed Choir
(Colombia)
Bach Singers (Hungary)
Ausma Female Choir (Latvia)
2000
34 35

Kumitat Artistiku
Artistic Committee
36 37

{ the artistic committee }
Christian Ljunggren
was born in 1942. He studied music at the
Royal Academy of Music in Stockholm as well
as musicology and theology at the University
of Uppsala. For many years he worked
at the Music Department of the Swedish
National Broadcasting Comp., responsible for
presentation and programmes on music. He is
the conductor of the Nicolai Chamber Choir
since its start in 1974. He was the President of
the Swedish Choral Directors Association 1986
- 1998 and president of KÖRSAM, the joint
committee of the Swedish choral organisations
from 1997 - 2004. He was the Secretary General
of IFCM, the International Federation for
Choral Music 1997-1999. He is one of the artistic
directors of Interkultur as well as Artistic
Director of the World Choir Games. He is
Artistic Director of the Malta Festival.
Dr. Ralf Eisenbeiß
Ralf Eisenbeiß was born in 1952. He studied
pedagogy, German philology and musical
education and received his doctorate in 1979.
He was appointed professor in the Franz Liszt
Conservatory in Weimar in 1987. He was
also lecturer at the central seminar for choral
conductors in Berlin. His choir the renowned
Pedagogical University Zwickau Choir toured
in many countries. He often appears as guest
conductor at home and abroad. Ralf Eisenbeiß is
one of the Artistic Directors of INTERKULTUR
Foundation as well as artistic director of the
World Choir Games.
Gábor Hollerung
Gábor Hollerung was born in Budapest in 1954.
He studied choral and orchestral conducting
at the Liszt Academy of Music. He has been
the principal conductor of the Dohnányi
Symphony Orchestra Budafolk since 1989.
He is also the Music Director of the Budapest
Academic Choral Society since 1980. Since 2001
he is the music director of Honvéd Ensemble
and conductor of its professional male choir.
In 2002 he became Principal Guest Conductor
of the Jerusalem Symphony Orchestra and
Musical Advisor of the Philharmonic Singers
Tel-Aviv. In 2002 he was awarded the Knights’
Cross Order of the Hungarian Republic and in
2004 the Liszt Prize.
Rev. John Galea
Rev. John Galea started his musical training
as a clarinet player with the St. Julian’s Band
Club. Later he studied with Fr Albert Borg, and
Carmelo Pace and also attended master classes
in orchestral practice and conducting with Julius
Kalmar in Vienna and with Franco Ferrara in
Siena’s Accademia Chigiana. Between 1965 and
2000, he directed the St. Julian’s Choir. In 1990 he
was nominated Musical Director of the Cappella
Diacono whose main activity is the performance
of the liturgical music composed by Carlo
Diacono in the many parishes that use its services.
Between 1993 and 2000 he served as Maestro di
Cappella of the Metropolitan Cathedral and setup
the Cappella Cathedralis choir to perform
during the principal liturgical feasts at Mdina
Cathedral and St. John’s Co-Cathedral. In 1998
he was appointed Musical Advisor to the annual
Malta International Choir Festival organised by
the Malta Tourism Authority. In spite of a busy
schedule of teaching and performing, he still
finds time to compose and to edit and perform
old Maltese music.
38 39

Il-Ìurija
The Jury
40 41

Gary Graden
is choral director at St. Jacob´s Church in Stockholm.
He has also been on the faculty of Stockholm´s
Musikgymnasium where he founded and
conducted the Stockholm’s Musikgymnasium´s
Chamber Choir. With this choir and the S:t Jacobs
Chamber Choir he has won grand prizes and first
prizes in several of Europe´s most prestigious
competitions, including the European Grand
Prize. Gary Graden is in demand as conductor,
teacher and adjudicator throughout the world.
He was elected Sweden´s 2005 Choral Conductor
of the year.
Maria Frendo
obtained her LRSM and FTCL diplomas in
pianoforte performing in 1982 and 1983 respectively.
She took up singing at a very early age and in 1986
she passed her FLCM singing diploma.
She is also leader, organist, and main soloist of
the well-known Laudate Pueri Choir of St George’s
Basilica Gozo. With the Choir, Maria has recorded
nine Compact Discs.
In November 1996 Maria was chosen to
represent Malta on the adjudicating panel of
the coveted International Symposium Premio
Valentino Bucchi held in Rome.
In December 2000 she graduated PhD summa
cum laude in English Literature and Music Studies
from Durham University. She has had articles
published both in the Durham Quarterly and the
Downside Review. She is a full-time lecturer at the
University of Malta and the Junior College.
Karmina Šilec
is a choral director from Maribor in Slovenia.
Her choir Carmina Slovenica is a world famous
girls choir. It is one of the foremost avantgarde
vocal ensembles, creating contemporary music
projects. With “Choregie – vocal theatre”
Carmina Slovenica introduces a new concept
which incorporates music, drama, movement
and other stage elements. Among such
productions can be mentioned Vampirabile,
Slovenian sounds and Adiemus. Karmina Šilec
has toured with her choir all over the world.
She is also the leader of the orchestra Chorus
Instrumentalis, and of the Slovenian national
project choir.
Andre J. Thomas
is Director of Choral Activities and Professor
of Choral Music Education at Florida State
University. He is in demand as a choral
adjudicator, clinician throughout the United
States, Europe, Asia, New Zealand, and
Australia. He has been the guest conductor for
many orchestras and choirs as the Birmingham
Symphony Orchestra in England, and guest
Conductor for the Berlin Radio Choir in
Germany and the World Youth Choir. He has
also distinguished himself as a composer/
arranger.
42 43

Prof. Joseph Vella
Maltese composer and conductor. Studied
with his father, was admitted a Fellow of the
London College of Music in 1967, graduated in
music from the University of Durham, UK, and
continued his studies with Franco Donadoni in
Composition and Franco Ferrara in Conducting
in Siena, Italy.
Joseph Vella is a leading and internationally
widely played Maltese contemporary composer.
As a conductor, Vella has a wide repertoire.
Since 1970 Joseph Vella has been the musical
director of the Astra Opera Theatre in Gozo,
Malta. He was also appointed as the first
resident conductor of the National Orchestra in
Malta.
His pioneering work and continuing
interest in early Maltese music has led to a
renewed awareness of significant 17th and
18th Cent. compositions. Vella has rightly been
accredited as being the father of the Maltese
revival movement.
He has also acted both as Chairman and
as a member on various music jury panels for
international Music Competitions.
Sir David Willcocks
is maybe the most legendary English choral
conductor. After the second world war he raised
the King’s College Choir to a unique position
in the choral world. The choir performed
and recorded numerous now famous choral
works from earlier centuries. The “even-song”
tradition has been internationally known very
much because of King’s College Choir. Sir
David’s many arrangements and collections of
English Carols are used by choirs all over the
world.
44 45

Skeda
Schedule
46 47

Thursday 9 November
Registration
15.30-17.00: Workshops – Mediterranean
Conference Centre
Room A: Sir David Willcocks
Room B: Gary Graden
19.00: Opening ceremony in the ruins of
the Opera House , Valletta
19.45: Parade through the streets of
Valletta
20.15: Gun Salute at Upper Barrakka
Gardens
20.30: Auberge d´Italie: reception
Friday 10 November
9.45: Competitions – Sacred music for
children and youth choirs
(St. Dominic Church, Valletta)
11.00: Friendship concert
(Freedom Square, Valletta) Hof
Yamim Ashkelon (Israel)
11.30: Competition – Secular Music
(MITP Theatre Hall)
12.00: Friendship concert
(Queens Square, Valletta)
Vox iuventutis Gyermekkar
(Hungary)
Sjölund Kammerkor (Denmark)
13.00: Friendship concert
(Freedom Square, Valletta)
Chamber Choir Vera (Russia)
Longgang Female Teacher’s choir
(China)
16.30: Workshops (Mediterranean
Conference Centre)
Room A: Sir David Willcocks
Room B: Andre J. Thomas
19.30 Inter-Religious Meeting
Singing together for Peace
St. John’s Co-Cathedral (Valletta)
Saturday 11 November
9.30: Competitions – Sacred Music
(St. Dominic Church, Valletta)
11.00: Friendship concert
(Queens Square, Valletta)
Suhler Knabenchor (Germany)
Chór Akademicki – Uniwersytet
Kazimierza Wielkiego (Poland)
12.00: Friendship concert
(Freedom Square, Valletta)
Voix du C.I.E.M. (France)
Studentkören Pedavoces (Finland)
Encore (Malta)
Friendship concret
(Queens Square, Valletta)
Springmood (Malta)
12.15: Competitions – Folklore
(MITP Theatre Hall, Valletta)
13.00: Friendship concert
(Queens Square, Valletta)
Cantores Cathedrales (Sweden)
OTE’s Mixed Choir of Athens
(Greece)
16.30: Workshops (Mediterranean
Conference Centre, Valletta)
Room A: Gary Graden
Room B: Andre J. Thomas
19.30: Gala Concert with the National
Orchestra
Sunday 12 November
Services in churches all around Malta with the
participation of the festival choirs
11.00: Friendship concert (Maritime
Museum, Vittoriosa)
Madrigalkören – Ladies Choir
(Sweden)
Hof Yamim Ashkelon (Israel)
Longgang Female Teacher’s choir
(China)
17.00: Finals Ceremonies
(Mediterranean Conference
Centre, Valletta)
48 49

Avvenimenti Prinçipali
Main Events
50 51

Thursday 9th November
Opening Ceremony
19.00: Opening ceremony in the ruins
of the Opera House, Valletta.
Presentation of all the participating choirs.
Mini Concert with the ‘Versatile Brass
Ensemble’ and ‘Nafra Group’.
‘Il-Bandu’ official announcement of the choir
festival and competition in traditional ritual
19.45: Parade through the streets of Valletta
20.15: Gun Salute at Upper Barrakka Gardens
20.30: Reception for the participating choirs
hosted by the Ministry for Tourism and
Cultrure at Auberge d´Italie, Valletta.
Friday 10th November
Singing together for Peace
(Inter-Religious Meeting)
at St John’s Co-Cathedral Valletta
at 19:30
52 53

Saturday 11th November
Gala Concert with the National Orchestra
at the Mediterranean Conference Centre
W.A. Mozart Overture to La Clemenza di Tito Orchestra
Rev. J. Galea Salve Regina Sjölund Kammerkor and orchestra
W.A. Mozart Laudate Dominum Margaretha Ljunggren, Sjölund
Kammerkor and orchestra
C. Muscat Stabat Mater (first performace) Margaretha Ljunggren, Sjölund
Kammerkor narrator and orchestra
W.A. Mozart Ave verum Corpus Cantores Cathedrales and Sempre
W.A. Mozart Overture to The magic Flute Orchestra
INTERVAL
N. Isouard Overture to Jeonnotte et Colin Orchestra
Balanssi and orchestra
P.E. Lange-Müller Madonna over bølgerne Sjölund Kammerkor
F Biebl Ave Maria Cantores Cathedrales
J Mäntyjärvi Pseudo-Yoik Lite Sempre Balanssi
C. Diacono Intermezzo and choir from opera l’Alpino Cantores Cathedrales and Sempre
G. Verdi from Nabucco Orchestra
Balanssi and orchestra
G. Verdi Va Pensiero (Nabucco) Audience and orchestra
R. Lukowski Viva, musica mundi Audience and orchestra
The first national orchestra in Malta was
founded on 1st April 1968 and was known as
the Manoel Theatre Orchestra. It comprised a
number of musicians who previously formed
part of a chamber orchestra in the employ of
the Commander-in-Chief of the British Navy
(Malta), better known as the C-in-C Orchestra
that was disbanded one year earlier. It was
the orchestra in residence at the homonymous
theatre and regularly performed operas and
symphonic concerts under the direction of its
resident conductors Joseph Sammut (1968-1992)
and Michael Laus (1992-1997).
In September 1997 the orchestra became an
independent body and was officially recognised
as the National Orchestra of Malta. Michael Laus
became the resident conductor, a post he still
occupies to date. The Orchestra currently enjoys
a nucleus of forty-five full-time musicians that
are supplemented by a number of musicians
for particular concerts. Since January 2005 the
orchestra was often augmented to symphonic
proportions, performing Grand Concerts
throughout the seasons. Its calendar of events
consists mainly of symphonic concerts at the
Manoel Theatre, the Mediterranean Conference
Centre and other venues apart from opera
productions in Malta and Gozo. The National
Orchestra is frequently invited by the President
of the Republic of Malta to perform in state
concerts in honour of the various distinguished
visiting Heads of States.
Among the many distinguished conductors
and soloists who have performed with the
National Orchestra one can mention Peter Stark,
Charles Olivieri-Munroe, Paolo Ponziano Ciardi,
Rene Clement, Brian Schembri, Jonathan Butcher,
Ghena Dimitrova, Alexander Rudin, Miriam
Gauci, Sergei Glavatsky, David Campbell, Cecilia
Gasdia, Roberto Cominati, Andrea Griminelli,
Igor Ardasev, Lukas Vondracek, Mats Rondin,
Carmine Lauri and Joseph Calleja.
During the season 2001-2002 the National
Orchestra toured for the first time. In Belgium
the orchestra performed at the City Hall in
Brussels under the direction of Michael Laus,
while in Sicily the National Orchestra, in
collaboration with the Manoel Theatre (Malta)
and Operalaboratorio (Palermo), took part in a
five-performance production of Mozart’s Cosi`
fan tutte at Palermo’s Teatro Orione. In June 2003
the National Orchestra of Malta participated in
the production of Leonard Bernstein’s Candide
at Rome’s Teatro Argentina and also performed
a symphonic concert in the evocative ruins of
Villa Adriana in Tivoli.
Having just returned from the Spilberk
2006 Festival in Brno, Czech Republic, the
National Orchestra teamed up with the Brno
Philharmonic Orchestra through EU’s Leonardo
Mobility Project which saw a number of our
string musicians joining one of the world’s
top orchestras in workshops and two concerts
under the direction of Petr Altrichter and Leoš
Svárovský respectively. January 2007 will see
the National Orchestra teaming up with the
Philharmonic Orchestra of Pesaro in two concerts
at the Mediterranean Conference Centre in Malta
and the Teatro Gioacchino Rossini in Pesaro, Italy
under the direction of Paolo Ponziano Ciardi and
Michael Laus respectively.
The National Orchestra also organises
community projects from time to time. Music
education programmes bring the orchestra
and its music to the widest possible audience
through interactive music making, performing
for children of different ages and involving them
in creative talks and workshops.
55

The Orchestra
Music Director and Principal Conductor: Michael Laus
1st Violins Violas Flutes/Piccolo Trumpets
Marcelline Agius** Guido Mamo* Fiorella Camilleri Kevin Abela*
Nadia DeBono Savio Debono Natascha Chircop Sigmund Mifsud
Stephen Galea Vladyslav Beliavskyi Nathalie Fenech Joseph Chircop
Natalia Filipenko Jacob Portelli
Fiona Giambra Oboes Trombones
Rosanne Dimech Cellos John McDonough* Roderick Bugeja*
Roberta Attard Mario Psaila* Anne Lofgren Dennis Camilleri
Joanna Aquilina Yaroslav Miklukho Jesmond Azzopardi
Diane Chircop Angelica Galea Clarinets
Frank Camilleri Joseph Camilleri* Tuba
2nd Violins Paul Micallef Grimaud Tony Galea Paul Borg*
Stephen Zammit*
Susan Borg Double Bass Bassoons Timpani
Stephen Debattista Carmel Lino Cremona* Archibald Mizzi* Joseph Camilleri*
Mario Micallef Dione Xuereb Mario Micallef
Mario Ciantar Christopher Xuereb Percussion
Graziella Mizzi Horns Daniel Cauchi
Odile Micallef Emanuel Spagnol* Emanuel Busuttil
Valhmor Montfort Bernardette Vella Noel Micallef
Alfred Spagnol
Harp
AnnMarie Camilleri Podesta`*
** Orchestra Leader * Section Principals
National Orchestra Board of Directors
Council of Management & Administration
Chairman and Managing Director
Lino Attard
Artistic advisors to the Board & Council of Management
Emy Scicluna
Michael Laus
Concert Planning
Lino Attard
Emy Scicluna
Librarian / Personnel & Staff relations
Mario Psaila
Sunday
12 th November
Prize-giving
Ceremony
and Concert at the
Mediterranean
Conference Centre
David Willcocks – Starry Night
Sir David Willcocks conducts festival choirs
Jan-Ake Hillerud: Three Swedish “Staffan Carols”
Gary Graden conducts festival choirs
Prize giving ceremonies
for Categories S1-3 and G4-6
(The category winners will perform one piece each)
Education & Youth Programmes
Marlene Schranz
Christopher Muscat
Human Resources
Alina Darmanin
Board Member
Rosette Fenech
Secretary to the Board of Directors
Marlene Schranz
General Manager
Christopher Muscat
Press & Publicity
Emy Scicluna
Joyce Guillaumier
Albert G. Storace
Martina Caruana
P.R. Co-ordinators
Alina Darmanin
Marlene Schranz
Web-site Management
Emy Scicluna
Logistics Officer
Stephen Zammit
– Interval –
Prize Giving ceremonies
for categories B1-3, A1-3 and F
(The category winners will perform one piece each)
Andre J. Thomas conducts festival choirs
Andre J. Thomas: “I youre happy-Amen”
Secretary / Finance Officer
Fiorella M Gerada
56 57

kompetizzjoni
Competition
59

Categories
of Competition
SACRED MUSIC
Categories S1 - S3 are intended for adult choirs.
The choirs can be mixed /SATB/, female
/SSA/ or male /TTBB.
S1 Sacred vocal polyphony a cappella
This category encompasses Christian sacred
vocal polyphony and related musical
traditions.
Number of pieces: 4
Maximum pure singing time: 20 minutes
Instrumental accompaniment: not permitted
Programme
• one piece by a composer born before 1490
• one piece by a composer born between 1490
and 1566
• one piece by a composer born after 1808
• one piece of a contemporary composer (alive
in the time of application)
S2 Sacred music with accompaniment
This category relates to Christian sacred music
traditions from 17th century to the present
Number of pieces: 4
Maximum pure singing time: 20 minutes
A maximum of two compositions can be
performed with original accompaniment
Programme (number of pieces 4)
• one piece by a composer born between 1567
and 1795
• one piece by a composer born between 1796
and 1873
• one piece by a composer born after 1874
• one piece by a contemporary composer
(alive in the time of application)
S3 Sacred music - open category
This category is designed for choirs with
less experience of international choral
competition and who cannot meet the
requirements for categories S1 and S2.
Liturgical songs and other music used
in religious services from any religion or
church are welcome
Number of pieces: not defined
Maximum pure singing time: 15 minutes
Programme: free choice of programme
Original instrumental accompaniment may
be used in every piece
Sacred Music
– categories for children and youth choirs
Number of pieces: 4
Maximum pure singing time: 15 minutes
Programme: free choice
Original instrumental accompaniment may
be used in 2 pieces
G4 Sacred music for children’s choir
S(S)A(A) singers (treble voices) not older
that 16 years
G5 Sacred music for youth choirs of
equal voices
• female singers up to 19 years of age (SSAA)
• male singers up to 25 years of age (TTBB)
G6 Sacred music for mixed youth choirs
singers up to 25 years of age (SATB9
SECULAR MUSIC
Categories A – a cappella - Difficulty level I.
Only secular music is permitted
A1 • Mixed choir
A2 • Male choir
A3 • Female choir
Number of pieces: 4
Maximum pure singing time: 20 minutes
Programme:
1. One piece of a composer born before 1750
2. One piece of a composer born from 1750 - 1920
3. One piece of a composer from the home country
of the choir born after 1920
4. One piece of the choir own choice
Categories B with accompaniment - Difficulty
level II. Only secular music is permitted
B1 • Mixed choir
B2 • Male choir
B3 • Female choir
Number of pieces: 4
Maximum pure singing time: 15 minutes
Programme: 4 free chosen pieces
Original accompaniment is allowed in 2
pieces
FOLKLORE
Number of pieces: not defined
Maximum pure singing time: 15 minutes
Programme: the programme should reflect
the folk music of the participant’s country or
a specific vocal tradition. Choirs specialized
in a particular foreign singing tradition may
present a programme in this style.
Instruments: folk instruments significant for
the singing tradition is permitted as well as
scenic elements and traditional costumes.
However the singing should be in the
centre of the performance.
.
60 61

Prizes
and Awards
Artistic
regulations
Pure singing time
Pure singing time is the duration of the
performed pieces excluding applause or
going onto or leaving the stage.
Jury
and Evalutation
In accordance with the evaluations carried out
by the juries, the following prizes, diplomas
and certificates may be awarded:
1. Diplomas
Choirs will be awarded bronze, silver and
gold diplomas, depending on their score.
If a choir is not awarded a diploma, it will
receive a certificate of participation instead.
2. Category Winner
The choir achieving a golden diploma with
the highest number of points in a given
category will be declared category winner.
3. Special Awards
The jury may award special prizes for
outstanding performances and presentations.
4. Prizes for Conductors
The jury may award outstanding conductors
prize in the form of certificates.
Participation
All lay choirs of any kind are entitled
to take part provided they observe the
number of singers, the scoring and the age
limits of the respective category. Except
for the conductor, the choir members must
be amateurs, e.g. they must not earn their
livelihood by professional singing. A choir
may perform with several conductors.
Multiple participation
A choir may choose to take part in only one
category, but it is also possible to take part in
two categories in the following combination
of categories:
• Choirs in categories S1-2 may also take
part in category A or F .
• Choirs in category S3 may also take part
in category B or F.
• Choirs who take part either in category A,
B or G may also take part in category F.
Age limit
In categories with age limits a maximum of
10% of the members of a choir may exceed
the age limit. In case of doubt the organisers
reserve the right to check the age of the
singers.
Competition
programme
Competition programmes approved by
the artistic committee may not be changed
subsequently in any way.
Order of performances
The order of performances within a
category will be arranged at random.
Except for organisational necessities (e.g.
multiple performances).
Changes of key
In case of changes of the keys printed in
the scores, the jury has to be informed in
writing prior to the competition.
Scores
Five scores have to be handed in of every
piece of choral music. One score remains
with the organiser after the competition.
Please note that choral pieces, if they have
already been published, may only be sung
using the original scores or authorized
copies. The use of unauthorised copies or
handwritten copies is not allowed. The
scores can be collected from the organiser
after the award presentation ceremony.
Scores, that were not collected will not be
sent by mail.
Instrumental
Accompaniment
Organ and piano will be provided for
categories where musical accompaniment
is permitted. Only original accompaniment
is allowed, which means, that any
reduction in orchestration or transcriptions
of other instruments that were not planned
by the composer are excluded from the
competition.
1. The jury consists of internationally
acknowledged choral experts.
2. The decisions of the jury can not be
contested.
3. As is customary in the MUSICA MUNDI
Festival Series, the MUSICA MUNDI
evaluation system will be used.
4. The jury will evaluate the choirs according
to the following criteria:
a) intonation
b) sound quality of the choir
c) fidelity to the score
(authenticity in folklore category)
d) overall artistic impression
In categories where the number of pieces is
determined the jury will evaluate every single
piece according to criteria a) intonation and c)
fidelity to the score or interpretation practice
and they will evaluate the overall performance
according to criteria b) sound quality of the choir
and d) overall artistic impression.
In categories, for which the number of pieces
is not determined, the jury will evaluate only
the overall performance according to the abovementioned
criteria.
The jury decides whether a choir qualifies for
a diploma or not. Choirs which do not qualify will
receive a certificate of “successful participation”.
All other choirs will get a score between 1 and 30
points. The final score is the average of all points
achieved. Depending on the points achieved the
adjudicators award bronze, silver and golden
diplomas in levels I to X.
62 63

Diplomas will be awarded for the number of
points achieved as follows:
Diploma Level Points
Bronze
Diploma
Silver
Diploma
Golden
Diploma
I 0,5 – 1,49
II 1,5 – 2,49
III 2,5 – 3,49
IV 3,5 – 4,49
V 4,5 – 5,49
VI 5,5 – 6.49
VII 6,5 – 7,49
VIII 7,5 – 8,49
IX 8,5 – 9,49
X 9,5 – 10,49
I 10,5 – 11,49
II 11,5 – 12,49
III 12,5 – 13,49
IV 13,5 – 14,49
V 14,5 – 15,49
VI 15,5 – 16,49
VII 16,5 – 17,49
VIII 17,5 – 18,49
IX 18,5 – 19,49
X 19,5 – 20,49
I 20,5 – 21,49
II 21,5 – 22,49
III 22,5 – 23,49
IV 23,5 – 24,49
V 24,5 – 25,49
VI 25,5 – 26,49
VII 26,5 – 27,49
VIII 27,5 - 28,49
IX 28,5 – 29,49
X 29,5 – 30,00
In case at least one adjudicator does not give even
1 point for three criteria or three adjudicators do
not give even 1 point for at least one criterion,
the jury will take a vote to decide whether the
choir will receive a diploma or not.
Category winner is the choir with the
highest score above 20.50 points. In case of equal
scores or if the difference between the scores of
two choirs is less than 0.1 point the jury will
take a vote to determine the category winner. If
no choir has achieved a score above 20.50 points
(Gold I), then there will be no category winner
in that category.
In case a choir exceeds the maximum pure
singing time of the respective category, their
final score will be reduced. Each choir will
receive their scores in written form.
Competitions
Friday November 10, 2006
St. Dominic Church
- 9.45 -
Category G6 Sacred music for mixed youth choirs
sine macula youth choir
Malta
Tony Pace, conductor
G.P. da Palestina: Sicut servus
Michael Praetorius: Psallite
P.A. Borg: Veni electa mea
Jean Richaford: Ecce quam bonum
Category G4 Sacred music for children’s choir
Vox Iuventutis Gyermekkar
Debrecen, Hungary
Etelka Pallagi, conductor
Lázló Halmos: Jubilate Deo
N. David Childs: Ave Maria
József Karai: A madarak éneke
Miklós Kocsár: Ave Maris Stella
Chamber Choir „Vera“
Moscow, Russia
Tatiana Kovalenko, conductor
Liturgical song: „Bogoroditshe Devo“
Liturgical song: „Angels appear above the Cave
Charles F Gounod: Kyrie from Mass in C
Charles F Gounod: Gloria from Mass in C
Friday November 10, 2006
MITP Theatre Hall
- 11.30 -
Category B3 Secular music for female choir
with accompaniment Difficulty level II
“FJUR T’ASSISI (Gozo, Malta)
George Cremona, conductor
Medley consisting of ‘Vivo per Lei’, ‘All I ask
of You’ and ‘Sa l-Ahhar’
Knock Three Times
Song for the World
Longgang Female Teacher’s Choir
Shenzhen, China
Zhou Ya Li, conductor
Yao Ming: Love Songs on the River
Lu Zai Yi: Rainbows
Tian Feng: On the Way to the Market
Zhang Jun: The Blowing of Calabash Sheng
- 12.00 -
Category B1 Secular music for mixed choir
with accompaniment Difficulty level II.
OTE’s Mixed Choir
Athens, Greece
Alexandros Papagiannopoulos, conductor
64 65

Luca Marenzio: Zefiro torna
Arr. by Arion: Gianni mou to mantili sou
Mikis Theodorakis/A. Theodoros: Mana kriti
Mikis Theodorakis/M. Handidakis: Tis
Dikeosinis Ilie Noite
Chór Akademicki Uniwersytet
Kazimierza Wielko
Bydgoszcz, Poland
Benedykt Odya, conductor
Orlando di Lasso: Matona mia cara
Josef Gabriel Rheinberger: Abendfriede
Jan Maklakiewicz: Kolysanka
Andrzej Koszewski: Three Polish Dances
SINE MACULA CHOIR (MALTA)
Tony Pace, conductor
Carmelo Pace: L-Imnarja
Michael East: How Merrily
Emily Crocker: The Miracle of Hanukkah
Negro Spiritual: Is There Anybody Here
Suhler Knabenchor
Suhl, Germany
Markus Teutschbein, conductor
arr. Walter Rein: Wach auf, meins Herzens Schöne
arr. E. Quaegber: Im Frühtau
Gunther Erdmann: Wenn der Topp aber nu en
Loch hat
Ulf Priess: Rensch’teig Liid
- 13.10 -
Category A1 Secular music for mixed choir a
cappella Difficulty level I
Studentkören Pedavoces
Vasa, Finland
Johan Sundqvist, conductor
Heikki Samanto: Moment musical – Kun kello seisoo
Einojuhani Rautavaara: Sommarnatten
David Wikander: Kung Liljekonvalje
Orlando di Lasso: Matona mia cara
VoiX du C.I.E.M.
Les Côtes d’Arey, France
Françoise Thaize Tournier, conductor
Pierre Passereau: It est bel et bon
Claude Debussy: Dieu! Qu’il la fait bon regarder
Roger Calmel: Le temps a laissé son manteau
arr. Rolf Lukowsky: Babylon’s fallin’
- 13.50 -
Category A3 Secular music for female choir a
cappella Difficulty level I
Sempre Balanssi
Pori, Finland
Ognian Vassilev, conductor
Alessandro Scarlatti: Cor mio, deh non languire
Robert Schumann: Meerfey
Jouko Linjama: Pöytälaulu (Istu soweliast
pöytän)
Ivan Spassov: Zashto ma maicho, ne dade
DRUŠTVO ŽENSKI AKADEMSKI PEVSKI
ZBOR VUGAS
Murska Sobota, Slovenia
Tomi Businoski, conductor
Pierre Passerau: II est bel et bon
Fanny Mendelssohn: Wandl’ich in dem Wald
des Abends
Damijan Mocnik: Blagri
Pavel Šivic: Veter pomladni
- 14.30 -
Category A2 Secular music for male choir a
cappella Difficulty level I
Cantores Cathedrales
Lund, Sweden
Eva Svanholm Bohlin, conductor
Giovanni da Nola: Canzon Villanesca
Eugen Suchon: from Three Slovak Folk Songs
i. Cosa Stalo Nove
ii. Ej,dziny, dziny dom
Stig Gustav Schönberg: Du är skön sâsom Tirsa
Veljo Tormis: Kaksikpühendus
Saturday November 11, 2006
St. Dominic Church
- 9.30 -
Category S3 Sacred music open category
Chór Akademicki Uniwersytet Kazimierza
Wielko
Bydgoszcz, Poland
Bernhard Mendlik, conductor
Heinrich Schütz: Also hat Gott die Welt geliebt
Jacek Rózycki: Aeterna Christi Munera
Jacek Rózycki: Laudes ad laudes
Vic Nees: De profundis clamavi
Zdenek Luká: Pater noster
G.P. da Palestrina: Alma redemptoris mater
OTE’s Mixed Choir
Athens, Greece
Alexandros Papagiannopoulos, conductor
Byzantine Hymn: Exelexato Kryiostin Sion
– Psalm 131
Byzantine Hymn: Is Agios, Enite
Orlando di Lasso: from Missa “Octavi Toni”
Joseph Haydn: Dona Nobis Pacem
DRUŠTVO ŽENSKI AKADEMSKI PEVSKI
ZBOR VUGAS
Murska Sobota, Slovenia
Mileva Kralj Buzeti, conductor
Damijan Močnik: Blagri
Zoltán Kodály: Ave Maria
Knut Nystedt: Sök Herren
Miklós Kocsár: Salve Regina
SINE MACULA CHOIR (MALTA)
Tony Pace, conductor
G.P. da Palestrina: Sicut servus
Joseph Sammut: Pater Noster
P. A. Borg OSA: Veni Electa Mea
Jean Richaford: Ecce Quam Bonum
- 10.15 -
Category S1 Sacred vocal polyphony a cappella
Sjölund Kammerkor
Copenhagen, Denmark
Brian Grönbaeck Jensen, conductor
Ludwig Senfl: Ave, Rosa sine spinis
Bartholomeus Stockmann: Sicut Iuvenis
Egil Hovland: How long, o Lord
Petr Eben: Cantico delle creature
66 67

VoiX du C.I.E.M.
Les Cotes d’Arey, France
Francoise Thaize Tournier, conductor
Johannes Ockeghem: Alma Redemptoris Mater
Tomás Luis da Victoria: O magnum mysterium
Anton Bruckner: Os justi
Aleksandar S. Vujič: Pater noster
CANTORES CATHEDRALES
Lund, Sweden
Eva Svanholm Bohlin, conductor
Gregoriansk Sâng: Puer natus est
Ludovico G da Viadana: Ave verum corpus
Francis Poulenc: Ur Quatre petites priéres de
Saint François d’Assise
I Salut, Dame Sainte
II Tout puissant
III Seigneur, je vous en prie
IV O mes très chers fréres
Einojujani Rautavaara: Legenda
Saturday November 11, 2006
MITP Theatre Hall
- 12.15 -
Category F Folklore
Longgang Female Teacher’s Choir
Shenzhen, China
Zhou Ya Li, conductor
Enkhbyar Se: Ode to Eight Horses
Zhang Yida: The Songs of the Villagers
Zhang Chao: The spring has come
Sempre Balanssi
Pori, Finland
Ognian Vassilev, conductor
Juha Holma: Synnyin ilokylässä
Jukka Linkola: Primitive Music – I The Sunrise
Jaakko Mäntyjärvi: Pseudo-Yoik Lite
Vox Iuventutis Gyermekkar
Debrecen, Hungary
Etelka Pallagi, conductor
Bela Vavinetz: Széles a Balaton
Mihály Hajdu: Két párositó
György Ligeti: Négy lakodalmi tánc
József Karai: Estéli nótázás
Hof Yamim Ashkelon
Ashkelon, Israel
Doron Shenkar, conductor
Manos Hadyidakis: Bat Azilim
Consuelo Velazques: Besamo mucho
Arr. Doron Shenkar: Top of the World
Doron Shenkar: Al Hasaf
Arr. Doron Shenkar: Shir Sium
DRUŠTVO ŽENSKI AKADEMSKI PEVSKI
ZBOR VUGAS
Murska Sobota, Slovenia
Mileva Kralj Buzeti, conductor
Gustav Gonza: Dvanajst dikeu se kopat slo
Radovan Gobec: Ne óuri, ne sejaj
arr. Matilja Tomc: Aj zelena je vsa gora
Jakob Jez: Igraj kolce
Merkú Pavle: Cami kus I – II
Trophy
The original trophy is modelled in the shape of a
folded banner with one side broken by a relief of a
silhouette of a singing mouth which is multiplied
to imply a choir. The material used is ceramics
which has been fired to 1100 degrees centigrade.
It is the work of contemporary Maltese artist Paul
Haber who is a ceramics graduate of the Central St.
Martin College of Art and Design in London. Haber
is well known for his artistic trophies exclusively
designed for various important occasions and
festivals on the Maltese Islands.
His ceramic art pieces have been shown in solo and
collective exhibitions in many important museums
and galleries in Malta, Europe and USA. His works
have received various medals and accolades both
in Malta and abroad.
68 69

Il-Korijiet
the Choirs
70 71

LONGGANG FEMALE TEACHER’S CHOIR (B3-F)
Shen Zhen, People’s Rep. of China
Conductor: Zhou Ya Li
SEMPRE BALANSSI (A3)
Pori, Finland
Conductor: Ognian Vassilev
SJÖLUND KAMMERKOR (S1)
Copenhagen, Denmark
Conductor: Brian Grönbaek Jensen
STUDENTENKÖREN PEDAVOCES (A1)
Vasa, Finland
Conductor: Johan Sundqvist
72 73

LAPSI-JA NUORISOKUORO KATAJANMARJAT (Festival)
Pori, Finland
Conductor: Mira Vassilev
SUHLER KNABENCHOR (B1)
Suhl, Germany
Conductor: Markus Teutschbein
VOIX DU C.I.E.M. (A1-S1)
Les Côtes d’Arey, France
Conductor: Françoise Thaize Tournier
OTE’S MIXED CHOIR OF ATHENS (B1-S3)
Athens, Greece
Conductor: Alexandros Papagiannopulos
74 75

BABA JAGA (F-G5)
Komádi, Hungary
Conductor: Mária Debreczeni
HOF YAMIM ASHKELON (F)
Ashkelon, Israel
Conductor: Doron Shenkar
VOX IUVENTUTIS GYERMEKKAR (F-G4)
Debrecen, Hungary
Conductor: Etelka Pallagi
SINE MACULA JUNIOR CHOIR (G4)
Malta
Conductor: Tony Pace
76 77

SINE MACULA CHOIR MALTA (B1-S3)
Malta
Conductor: Tony Pace
CHÓR AKADEMICKI – UNIWERSYTET KAZIMIERZA WIELKIEGO (B1-S3)
Bydgoszcz, Poland
Conductors: Benedikt Odya (B1) - Bernard Mendlik (S3)
KOR FJUR T’ASSISI (B3)
Malta
Conductor: George Cremona
CHAMBER CHOIR VERA (G4)
Moscow, Russia
Conductor: Tatiana Kovalenko
78 79

DRUŠTVO ŽENSKI AKADEMSKI PEVSKI ZBOR VUGAS
Murska Sobota, Slovenia
Conductor: Mileva Kralji Buzeti and Tomi Businoski
CANTORES CATHEDRALES (A2 – S1)
Lund, Sweden
Conductor: Eva Svanholm Bohlin
MADRIGALKÖREN - LADIES CHOIR (Festival)
Stockholm, Sweden
Conductor: Christian Ljunggren
80 81

Musica Mundi
World Ranking List
World Ranking List
1 Jauniešu Koris KAMĒR.. Māris Sirmais Latvia 1221
2 Cantate Ferenc Sapszon Jr. Hungary 1198
For over eighteen years the MUSICA MUNDI
competitions have been amongst the most
innovative events in the international choral
scene. Almost 3000 choirs have sung in well over
70 events carried out worldwide, also having
been evaluated by high-ranking international
adjudicators and awarded gold, silver and
bronze diplomas and medals. Since the year
2000 the Choir-Olympic idea has created
an unprecedented and unique worldwide
resonance. Approximately 1200 choirs have so
far participated in this competition alone, the
world’s largest choral competition.
With this background in mind, the cultural
INTERKLUTUR Foundation proudly presents
the MUSICA MUNDI World Ranking List,
having retroactive effect back to the year 2000.
3 University of Louisville Cardinal Singers Kent Hatteberg USA 1173
4 Inner Mongolia Guangdian Choir Wu Ren China 1150
5 Nyíregyházi Pro Musica Kamarakórus Dénes Szabó Hungary 1138
6 Guangdong Experimental Middle School Choir Ming Jing Xie China 1131
7 Taipei Male Choir Tien-ming Tang Chinese Taipei 1116
8 Cantemus Children’s Choir Dénes Szabó Hungary 1111
9 Victoria Junior College Choir Nelson Kwei Singapore 1104
10 Inner Mongolia Youth Choir Gerile Yulun China 1095
11 Magnificat Gyermekkar Budapest Valéria Szebellédi Hungary 1093
12 Elfa’s Singers Elfa Secioria Indonesia 1081
13 Stellenberg Girls Choir André van der Merwe South Africa 1074
13 University Choir of Stellenbosch André van der Merwe South Africa 1074
15 Ensemble “Amarcord” Leipzig - Germany 1072
16 Shtshedrik Marianna Sablina Ukraine 1071
17 Piedmont Children`s Choir Robert Geary & Sue Bohlin USA 1068
18 Coral San Justo Silvia Francese Argentina 1065
19 VICTORIA CHORALE Singapore Nelson Kwei Singapore 1060
20 Calmus Ensemble Ulrich Barthel & Ludwig Böhme Germany 1056
21 Kamernhy Khor Moskovskoy Konservatorii Boris Tevlin Russia 1055
22 Kearsney College Choir Angela Stevens South Africa 1051
23 CÄCILIA Lindenholzhausen Matthias Schmidt Germany 1043
82 83

23 Jubilate Schola Budapest Ferenc Sapszon Jr. Hungary 1043
25 Kamerny Khor Lipetsk Igor Tsilin Russia 1042
25 Korallerna Eva Svanholm Bohlin Sweden 1042
27 Pilgrim Mission Choir Jae-Joon Lee Republic of Korea 1037
28 Gyeong Ju YWCA Children’s Choir In Ju Kim Republic of Korea 1035
29 Kammerkoret Hymnia Flemming Windekilde Denmark 1034
30 Elfa’s Singers Elfa Secioria & Paulus Henky Yoedianto Indonesia 1033
31 Concert Singers of Mississippi University Jerry Jordan USA 1032
31 Music Project Altmark West Sebastian Klopp Germany 1032
33 Cantamus Girls’ Choir Pamela Cook Great Britain 1028
34 AUP Ambassadors Chorale Arts Society Ramon Molina Lijauco Jr. Philippines 1026
35 Cantus Animae Fumiya Amamori Japan 1025
35 Den Norske Studentersangforening Thomas Caplin Norway 1025
37 Western Michigan University Chorale Joe Miller USA 1023
37 Okazaki High School Choir Satoko Kondo Japan 1023
39 Cantabile Limburg Jürgen Faßbender Germany 1021
40 Kammerkoret Collegium Vocale Thomas Caplin Norway 1017
41 Sofia Vokalensemble Bengt Ollén Sweden 1015
42 ELTE Pro Musica Hungarica Vegyeskar Erdős Ákos Hungary 1013
43 Solovushka Tatiana Sedelnikova Russia 1011
44 Voci Nobili Høgskolen I Bergen Maria Gamborg Helbekkmo Norway 1008
45 Ensemble 22 Dr. Ulrich Haspel Germany 1006
45 University of the Philippines Singing Ambassadors Ed Manguiat Philippines 1006
45 Tokyo Ladies Consort “Sayaka” Ko Matsushita Japan 1006
48 Elfa`s Male Vocal Ensemble Elfa Secioria Indonesia 1001
49 Shen Zhong Girl’s Philharmonic Choir Liu Mei China 999
50 Cantemus Vegyeskar Szabó Soma Hungary 998
Diplomas
Place/Country Year Nations Choirs Gold Silver Bronze
Budapest (H) 1988 9 29 12 14 3
Budapest (H) 1989 9 51 14 20 10
Riva del Garda (I) 1990 8 34 14 23 2
Budapest (H) 1991 18 79 35 34 9
Riva del Garda (I) 1992 12 71 29 35 7
Zwickau (D) 1992 5 8 6 2 -
Budapest (H) 1993 10 57 18 31 8
Riva del Garda (I) 1994 21 119 26 58 34
Litomyšl (CZ) 1994 14 85 23 42 20
Budapest (H) 1995 14 61 20 34 12
Zwickau (D) 1995 13 27 8 10 7
In... canto sul Garda (I) 1995 11 22 6 13 3
Litomyšl (CZ) 1995 13 55 13 25 17
Riva del Garda (I) 1996 20 91 26 67 18
Dautphetal (D) 1996 17 71 17 44 9
Netanya (IL) 1996 7 43 19 28 1
Budapest (H) 1997 16 43 19 28 1
Litomyšl (CZ) 1997 13 33 9 25 6
Gießen (D) 1997 24 51 27 38 -
In... canto sul Garda (I) 1997 20 77 36 62 19
Riva del Garda (I) 1998 20 74 27 47 13
Zwickau (D) 1998 10 18 7 7 4
Pohlheim (D) 1998 13 40 19 26 3
Salsomaggiore Terme (I) 1998 8 8 8 1 1
Salò (I) 1998 7 12 3 9 -
Netanya (IL) 1998 9 84 23 48 18
84 85

Budapest (H) 1999 14 62 38 34 4
Grado (I) 1999 12 18 6 12 2
Pohlheim (D) 1999 15 46 19 17 8
Wernigerode (D) 1999 14 24 17 12 1
In... Canto sul Garda (I) 1999 13 48 21 19 15
Fort Lauderdale (USA) 1999 7 20 15 9 -
Riva del Garda (I) 2000 18 45 25 23 4
Grado (I) 2000 8 18 11 6 3
Budapest (H) 2001 21 61 27 29 11
Grado (I) 2001 14 30 13 18 6
Wernigerode (D) 2001 15 35 21 20 3
In…Canto sul Garda (I) 2001 22 36 23 25 3
Riva del Garda (I) 2002 22 38 19 21 -
Grado (I) 2002 12 16 10 6 4
Zwickau (D) 2002 15 30 18 9 1
Budapest (H) 2003 25 78 38 35 4
Grado (I) 2003 14 24 12 16 2
Wernigerode (D) 2003 13 34 21 16 2
In…Canto sul Garda (I) 2003 20 36 25 22 6
Riva del Garda (I) 2004 21 63 33 36 6
Helsingborg (S) 2004 20 52 37 32 3
Grado (I) 2004 14 28 20 14 2
Budapest (H) 2005 16 61 30 24 7
Wernigerode (D) 2005 13 42 20 12 1
Rom (I) 2005 17 34 16 9 1
In… Canto sul Garda (I) 2005 16 43 28 30 4
Riva del Garda (I) 2006 24 49 30 26 -
87

Giselle, the Presenter
of the Main Events would like
to thanks her team:
• Hair Styling by Nigel
Bonnici of Toni&Guy
• Clothes by GTI Group
operators of Kenjo and
Kyoto, Valletta
• Make-up by Diane Nikolic
• Jewellery by Robert
Desira Buttigieg of
Classic Jewellers
Prizewinners
1988 - 2006
Riva del Garda 2000
CANTATE (H) - Ferenc Sapszon jr.
Kammerchor der H für M. “Franz Liszt” (D) - Prof.
Jürgen Puschbeck
Männerkammerchor Ensemble 85 Saarbrücken (D)
- Martin Folz
Trondhjems Kvinnelige Studentersangforening (N)
- Anne Karin Sundal
Camerata Coral (PR) - Amarilis Pagán-Vila
Benedek Elek Nöikar (H) - Arpád Dárdai
Andor Ilona Gyermekkar (H) - Judit Bárdos
SERIOSO GIOCOSO (PL) - Mariusz Konczal
“Isola del Sole” Grado 2000
Kammerchor Notabene Basel (CH) - Christoph Huldi
Camerata Vocale Siegen-Wittgenstein (D) - Jens
Schreiber
Anima Solla (LV) - Marite Purina
Aija (LV) - Gunta Vite
Dzeguzite (LV) - Irena Irbe
Morten Borup Skolens Kor (DK) - Alice Vestergaard
Budapest 2001
Cantemus Vegyeskar (H)– Szabó Soma
Zenski Hor Somborskog Pevackog Drustva (YU)– Hajnal
Szilveszter
Ensemble Vocale Lindenholzhausen (D) - Andreas Jung
Muski Hor Somborskog Pevackog Drustva (YU) – Hajnal
Szilveszter
Óbudai Kamarakórus (H) – Erdős Ákos
Discantus Énekegyüttes (H) – Heim László
Pearls of Odessa (UA) – Larysa Garbuz
Kodály Iskola „Aurin” Leánykara (H) – Durányik László
Mesani Mladinski Pevski Zbor Veter (SLO) – Ursa Lah
Sola (LV) – Valdis Butans & Arturs Ankans
”Isola del Sole” Grado 2001
Akademicki Chór Politechniki Lubelskiej (PL)
Elzbeta Krzeminska
Nankai University Student Chorus (PRC)
Chaomei Meng
Nankai University Student Chorus (PRC)
Chaomei Meng
Ensemble 22 (D) Dr. Ulrich Haspel
Bat Kol (IL) Anat Moragh
ELTE Pro Musica Hungarica Vegyeskar (H) Erdős Ákos
Ensemble 22 (D) Dr. Ulrich Haspel
Wernigerode 2001
University of the Philippines Singing Ambassadors
(RP) Ed Manguiat
DelicaTon Freigericht e.V. (D) Willy Trageser
Kori i përzier i të rinjve i Qendrës Kulturore Tetovë
(MK) Arifikmet Xhemaili
Discantus Énekegyüttes (H) László Heim
University of the Philippines Singing Ambassadors
(RP) Ed Manguiat
Via Stella (LV) Liene Alencika
Harmonie Kammerchor (RUS) Tatiana Tshetkova
In…Canto sul Garda 2001
Cantabile Helsinki (FIN) Pasi Hyökki
Harbin Jianshe Chorus (RPC) Chen Guang Hui
Rygge Vocalis (N) Tone Bianca Dahl
ACCOLADA Youth Choir (LV) Oksana Cerkasova
Werbitza Folklore Ensemble (BY) Tamara Choroshilowa
Las Cien Voces de los Hermanos Zavala (Mex) Javier Zavala
Kulturno Društvo Komorni zbor Ipavska (SLO) Matjaž Šcek
Coro Juvenil PSALLITE (E)Amaya Añua
Riva del Garda 2002
Cambridge Chorale (GB) Michael Kibblewhite
Voci Nobili Høgskolen I Bergen (N) Maria
Gamborg Helbekkmo
Coro “Ferdinando Paër” (I) Ugo Rolli
Coro Valcavasia (I) Cesarino Negro
Obraztsovy Khor LIRA (UA) Natalja Pereyaslavskaya
Dekliski Zbor SVSG Ljubljana (SLO) Janja Dragan
Gombać
Kammerchor CLARA WIECK (D) Uwe Moratzky
Ladies’ Choir ANGELICA Kunitachi College of Music
(J) Ko Matsushita
“Isola del Sole” Grado 2002
Latvijas Kūlturas Akadēmijas Koris “SŌLA” (LV)
Valdis Butans
Śaleśki Akademski Pevski Zbor Velenje (SLO) Danica
Pirećnik
Fazekas Gyermekkar (H) Mária Halmai
Kodály Iskola Aurin Leánykara (H) László Durányik
89

Latvijas Kūlturas Akadēmijas Koris “SŌLA” (LV)
Valdis Butans
Budapest 2003
Esztergomi Monteverdi Kórus (H) Zoltán Hunyadi
Tokyo Ladies Consort “Sayaka” (J) Ko Matsushita
Erkel Ferenc Vegyeskar (H) Zsófia Cseri
CLASSICA (RUS) Marina Voronovskaya
Kammerkoret Nova (N) Anne Karin Sundal
Tokyo Ladies Consort “Sayaka” (J) Ko Matsushita
Kodály Iskola Miraculum Gyermekkara (H) László
Durányik
Scala (B) Stijn Kolacny
Karcag Város Vegyeskara (H) Ferenc Mészáros
“Isola del Sole” Grado 2003
AD LIBITUM KÓRUS (H) Andrea Kővári Pethő
Korallerna (S) Eva Bohlin
Komorni Zbor Emanuel Celje (SLO) Bernarda Kink
Lielvarde (LV) Baiba Klepere
Chor des “Goethe-Gymnasiums Rutheneum” (D)
Christian Frank
Korallerna (S) Eva Bohlin
Wernigerode 2003
“die lautmaler” kammerchor perg (A) Josef Waidhofer
MGV “Frohsinn” 1906 Baiertal e.V. (D) Walter Muth
Ceglédi Kossuth Lajos Gimnázium Leánykara (H)
Judit Lédeczi
Ceglédi Kardos Pál Pedagógus Kórus (H) Judit Lédeczi
ensemble 85 männerkammerchor (D) Martin Folz
Lipetsk Chamber Choir (RUS) Igor Tsilin
Kinderchor 7/8 des Landesgymnasiums für Musik (D)
Carmen Lietz
Berliner Mädchenchor (D) Sabine Wüsthoff
Kammerchor Wernigerode (D) Peter Habermann
Ceglédi Kossuth Lajos Gimnázium Leánykara (H)
Judit Lédeczi
University of Louisville Cardinal Singers (USA) Kent
E. Hatteberg
In Canto Sul Garda 2003
KAMERNIY KHOR ALANIYA (RUS) Agounda
Khodova
Kauppakorkeakoulun Ylioppilaskunnan Naislaulajat
(FIN) Kaija Viitasalo
KIVI Lithuanian (LIT) Danguole Aukseliene
KAMERNIY KHOR ALANIYA (RUS)
Agounda Khodova
Dekoor Close Harmony (NL) Johan Rooze
Compagnia della Gru (I) Enrico Salvato
Dekoor Close Harmony (NL) Johan Rooze
Ensemble Vocale (ROK) Ki Hwan RO
Yunosheskiy Khor Vozrozhdenie (RUS) Elena
Pachomova
Riva del Garda 2004
Kamerny Khor Lipetsk (RUS) Igor Tsilin
La Cappella (S) Karin Eklundh
Vocalensemble DIE FREUNDE Zellhausen (D)
Matthias Herr
Liederkranz Netphen e.V. (D) Hubertus Weimer
Benedek Elek Noikar (H) Árpád Dárdai
Konzertny Khor Detskoy Khorovoy Shkoly (RUS)
Marina Stuknina
Marczibány Téri Kodály Iskola Leánykara (H)
Csilla Ori & Eszter Uhereczky
East Rand Youth Choir (RSA) Richter Grimbeek
Vokalensemble Stadthagen (D) Gerald A. Manig
Helsingborg 2004
Simon Phipps Vokalensemble (S) Simon Phipps
Den Norske Studentersangforening (N) Thomas Caplin
Da Capo (S) Gunilla Frödén
Kammarkören Vox Magna (S) Tony Margeta
Les Jolies (S)
Ars Nova Vocal Ensemble (H) Katalin Kiss
KIVI Children’s Choir (LT) Danguole Aukseliene
Kinder- und Jugendchor Magdeburg (D)
Barbara Müller
Vokalni Ansambl “Brevis” (HR) Antoaneta Radocaj
Risbergska Skolans Vokalensemble (S)
Björn Johansson
Kammerkoret Collegium Vocale (N) Thomas Caplin
“Isola del Sole” Grado 2004
Podlipki Academic Choir (RUS) Inna Yakovleva
Westerwälder Vocalisten (D) Hubertus Weimer
Shenzhen Futian Teachers’ Chorus Team (PRC)
Yang Yuejun
GV Eintracht 1869 Watzenborn-Steinberg e.V. (D)
Hubertus Weimer
Coral San Justo (ARG) Silvia Francese
Blagaya Vest (RUS) Ekaterina Avetisyan
St.Stephen’s Girls’ College Choir (PRC) Josephine Li
Elfa’s Mixed Youth Choir (RI)
Tommyanto Kandisaputra
Coral San Justo (ARG) Silvia Francese
Budapest 2005
Kongliga Teknologkören (S) Fredrik Winberg
Cenestra Male Choir (RSA) Themba Madlopha
Balta (LV) Māra Marnauza
Mješoviti Kamerni Hor “Srbadija” (BIH)
Desanka Trakilović & Jelena Trakilović
Stockholms Musikgymnasium Male Choir (S)
Bengt Ollén
Aula Kamarakórus (H) Dóra Halas
Mješoviti Kamerni Hor “Srbadija” (BIH)
Desanka Trakilović & Jelena Trakilović
Kodály Iskola Miraculum Gyermekkara (H)
Durányik László
Kodály Iskola Aurin Leánykara (H) Durányik László
Die Primaner (D) Jan Olberg
Wernigerode 2005
Kodály-Chor Hamburg (D) Fritz Bultmann
Thüringer Männerchor “Ars Musica” e.V.(D)
Hubert Voigt
Bachl Chor (A) Harald Pill
Kamerny Khor “Lad” (RUS) Elena Varshavskaya
Kammerkoret Hymnia (DK) Flemming Windekilde
Vdokhnovenie Moskva (RUS) Olga Skvortsova
Raffles Voices (SGP) Toh Ban Sheng
Mädchenchor Wernigerode (D) Bertram Zwerschke
KwaZulu-Natal Youth Choir (RSA) Gérard’d du Toit
Taipei Chamber Singers (ROC) Yun-Hung Chen
Rom 2005
Kamtshatskaya Khorovaya Kapella (RUS)
Yevgeny Morozov
Vox Cantabilis (A) Andreas Gassner
Shtshedrik (UA) Marianna Sablina
Mandragora (RUS) Elena Oumanskaya
Shtshedrik (UA) Marianna Sablina
In… Canto sul Garda 2005
Gema Sangkakala (RI) Wenny F. O. Pantouw &
Tommyanto Kandisaputra
AD LIBITUM (N) Bodil Egseth
Coro Sasslong (I) Willy Runggaldier
Solafide (N) Janicke Damm Rusti
SLAVÍČCI (CZ) Alice Stavelová
Solafide (N) Janicke Damm Rusti
Coro Sasslong (I) Willy Runggaldier
Sandefjord Vokalensemble (N) Guy Poupart
Melodia (RUS) Albina Pugacheva
Daltrocanto a cappella quintet (I) Fabio Ferrari
Gema Sangkakala (RI) Wenny F. O. Pantouw &
Tommyanto Kandisaputra
Daltrocanto a cappella quintet (I) Fabio Ferrari
Riva del Garda 2006
Šaleški Akademski Pevski Zbor Velenje (SLO)
Danica Pirecnik
Hämeenlinnan Mieskuoro (FIN) Anneli Julén
Kvindelige Studenters Sangforening (N)
Anne Karin Sundal
Nizhni Novgorod State University Academic Choir
(RUS) Larisa Yarykalova
GV Eintracht 1869 Watzenborn-Steinberg e.V. (D)
Hubertus Weimer
4x4 Frauenchor der Pädagogischen Hochschule
Heidelberg (D) Heike Kiefner-Jesatko
Kinderchor des Musikgymnasiums Demmin (D)
Christine Richter
Victoria Junior College Choir (SGP) Nelson Kwei
Bøler Vokalensemble (N) Vigdis Oftung
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The organising team would like to thank:
Ministry for Tourism and Culture
Malta Tourism Authority
Malta Council for Culture and the Arts
Metropolitan Cathedral Chapter
Mediterranean Conference Centre
The National Orchestra of Malta
Manuel Theatre, Valletta
Heritage Malta
Prior and community of St Dominic, Valletta
St Dominic’s External Festivities Committee
Mediterranean Institute Theatre Programme (M.I.T.P.)
Department of Tourism
Valletta Local Council
Commissioner of Police
Public Broadcasting Services