- Benedykt Blonski (POL)
Prof. Benedykt Błoński is conductor, choirmaster and university lecturer who graduated from the Fryderyk Chopin Academy of Music in Warsaw. He received the title of professor of musical arts in 1999. He was a dean of the Faculty of Arts of the University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn between 2012 and 2024. He has been running choirs earning the highest awards in international choir competitions since 1982. Błoński has conducted hundreds of concerts in Poland and abroad (European countries, USA, Mexico, Argentina). His achievements include recording of 13 CDs and premiere performances of Polish and foreign music. He has held positions in artistic councils and juries of numerous choral competitions and festivals, both domestic and international. He was the artistic director of the international choir workshops “Eurochor 2001” and also of the Polish-German Choir Academy “In Terra Pax”. Since 2008, Błoński has been a member of the International Choir Olympic Council and the artistic director of the International Choir Festival of Felix Nowowiejski in Barczewo. From 2009 he has conducted the CANTORES VARMIENSES Choir at the Warmian-Masurian Philharmonic in Olsztyn. He has been honored with numerous awards for his artistic, pedagogical and organisational activities.
- Blanka Juhaňáková (SVK)
An outstanding and internationally renowned artist prof. MgA. Blanka Juhaňáková, ArtD. (born Plhalová) has worked as a choirmaster and a principal choirmaster of the Slovak Philharmonic Choir from 1991 to 2000 and from 2005 to 2014. Under her leadership, the choir grew into an ensemble of exceptional quality and nowadays is ranked among the best European ensembles of its kind. Its professionalism and vocal qualities have been praised by many renowned conductors during their collaborations including Claudio Abbado, Serge Baudo, Bertrand de Billy, Jean-Claude Casadesus, Christoph von Dohnányi, Vladimir Fedoseyev, Daniele Gatti, Pedro Halffter, Dmitri Kitayenko, Zdeněk Košler, Ondrej Lenárd, Alain Lombard, Fabio Luisi, Zubin Mehta, Franz Welser-Möst, Libor Pešek, Ľudovít Rajter, Helmuth Rilling, Esa-Pekka Salonen, Pinchas Steinberg, Hans Swarowsky, Emmanuel Villaumenand Ralf Weikert. In addition to major European opera houses and concert halls, she has also performed in Japan and in the United States. She currently teaches at the Academy of Performing Arts in Bratislava, JAMU in Brno and the Conservatory in Bratislava.
- Milan Kolena (SVK)
Assoc. prof. Milan Kolena is one of Europe’s most dynamic choral conductors and educators. As artistic director of major international festivals in Bratislava, he annually brings together over 1500 performers from around the world in powerful harmony through seven festivals. At the Academy of Performing Arts in Bratislava, he mentors future conductors with a passion for choral conducting and Gregorian chant. With his ensembles – Apollo Choir and Schola Gregoriana Bratislavensis – he’s won top prizes and wowed audiences across Europe, Russia, South Africa and Asia. His workshops and masterclasses, from the USA to China, are known for their energy, depth, and inspiration. In 2015, he was named Best Conductor at the Singing World Festival in St. Petersburg. As a jury member at the World Choir Games and competitions worldwide, he supports artistic excellence and young talent. His Apollo Choir has captured Grand Prix titles in Moscow (2018), Barcelona (2023) and Greece (2024). He also serves as Vice President of the World Youth and Children Choral Artists’ Association and Member of the INTERKULTUR World Choir Council. Milan Kolena believes in the power of music to connect hearts, cross borders and change the world – one voice at a time.
- Jason Lester (USA)
Dr. Jason Lester is the Founding Dean of the College of the Arts and Professor of Music at Palm Beach Atlantic University. He has forged impactful partnerships with major arts, education and healthcare organisations, enhancing both university and community engagement, resulting in transformative experiential learning opportunities. In addition to his decanal responsibilities over the years, Lester has continued his service to the profession with the National Association of Teachers of Singing where he was elected the President of the Greater Houston chapter, Governor of the Texoma Region and the national Secretary-Treasurer for the 7000-member organisation. It has been his honor to serve as a Dean mentor several times with the International Council for Arts Deans (ICfAD) and serves on the ICfAD Leadership Development Committee. An accomplished performer, he is at ease in operatic, concert and song literature repertoire and has performed over thirty operatic roles in musical styles from Baroque to 21st Century, with roles including Colline in La Bohème, Mephistopheles in Faust, Raimondo Bidebent in Lucia di Lammermoor, Sarastro in Die Zauberflӧte and Don Basilio in Il barbiere di Siviglia. Bringing a depth of scholarship and artistry to the stage, Dr. Lester combines refined technique, expressive storytelling and a passion for musical excellence.
- Milan Motl (CZE)
Music educator, choirmaster, conductor, organiser and director of the International Choir Festival of Songs Olomouc (since 2023). He received his education at the University of Hradec Králové (fields of study: music education, history, solo singing), went on to study conducting and earned doctorates at the University of Ostrava and Charles University in Prague. Between 1999 to 2003 he was a teacher and choirmaster of the Bonifantes Boys’ Choir in Pardubice. He has been teaching at the Pedagogical School in Litomyšl since 2002, leading local choir KOS and the chamber ensemble KOKOS with which he has achieved significant success both in the Czech Republic and abroad. The Czech Choirs Association awarded him the “Conductor Junior” prize (2012), the city of Litomyšl honored him with the City Council Plaque for his contributions to the Litomyšl development in education and culture (2013) and the choir KOS received the “Choir of the Year” award (2018). Motl is also active singer, workshop lecturer and member of national choral organisations – the music committee of the Czech Choirs Association and the expert council of the National Institute for Culture in Prague.
- Lenka Polášková (CZE)
Lenka Polášková graduated from the P. J. Vejvanovský Conservatory in Kroměříž in Piano and the University of Ostrava in Music Education and Choral Conducting. At the beginning of her studies at the University of Ostrava she renewed the tradition of choral singing in Hulín and in September 1999 she founded the Mixed Choir Smetana – Hulín, of which she is still the choirmaster. Currently, Lenka Polášková is the deputy school director at the Conservatory in Kroměříž, where she also directs the mixed choir of the conservatory's students. This ensemble regularly participates in international choral competitions and under her direction has become one of the best choirs in its category in the Czech Republic. Since 1998, she has been cooperating with the children's choir Moravské děti, which has represented Czech choral art at many concerts, festivals and international competitions (Sweden, Japan, China, etc.). In 2010, she was awarded the “Conductor Junior” award by the Czech Choirs Association for her achievements. Since 2024, she has also directed the Zvonky children’s choir at the Hulín Art School. She is regularly invited to join the juries of international choral competitions. She is a member of the Czech Cultural Institute (NIK) for Children’s Choral Singing.
- Kuldar Schüts (EST)
Kuldar Schüts graduated cum laude from the Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre in 2012, completing his master’s studies under Professor Emeritus Ants Üleoja. Currently he leads the Engineers’ Male Choir, the Estonia Society Chamber Choir, the nationwide boys’ choir “Kalev” of the Estonian Male Choir Society, the Swedbank Mixed Choir, the Kalamaja Mixed Choir, and the male choir “Homme.” Schüts has been actively involved in the boards of the Estonian Chamber Choirs Association, the Estonian Male Choir Society and the Estonian Choral Conductors’ Association. In addition, he has worked as a mentor for the Estonian Choral Association, training teachers and singers across Estonia. He is currently a singer and choirmaster of the Estonian National Male Choir. Kuldar Schüts has conducted boys’ choirs at the Estonian Song Festival in 2014, 2017, 2019, 2023 and 2025. At the upcoming Song and Dance Celebration in 2028, he will serve as assistant artistic director, head of the male choir division and conductor of boys’ choirs. For his successful work, Kuldar Schüts has been awarded the Uno Järvela Scholarship (2022) and the Estonian Choral Association’s “Choir Conductor of the Year” award (2024).
- Michael Šust (USA)
The bass-baritone Michael Šust was born in Hradec Králové, CZE. Three years before the fall of communism, he emigrated to the United States under dramatic circumstances. He worked as a soloist and opera singer. In 1993, he began working as a director of music activities and a soloist and conductor in church circles. He sang in the presence of Czech president Václav Havel during his first post-revolutionary visit to Toronto. In 1999, he premiered the cantata The Trumpet of Salvation. This sacred work was commissioned by the Czech National Heritage Association in Texas from composer Joseph Bertolozzi as a memorial to the Lidice tragedy. Along with A. Dvořák's Biblical Songs (which are still the only existing recording of the entire cycle in English), this composition is part of Šust's vocal profile album Classic Praise. In the last decade, he has served as a music professor at Missouri Baptist University in St. Louis. His musical career is influenced by his spiritual work, including over thirty years of pastoral work. Currently, he works as the director of the Christian organisation Vertical Fellowship, where he focuses on international cooperation with student choirs in Central Europe including musical tours in the USA and Canada.
- Jan Vičar (CZE)
Prof. PhDr. MgA. Jan Vičar, CSc., is engaged in composition, musicology and pedagogical and organisational activities. Among other things, he worked at Palacký University in Olomouc, as editor-in-chief of the journal Hudební rozhledy, published a number of scientific studies and books, lectured at American universities and founded the international festival of contemporary music MusicOlomouc. His compositions have been performed in the Czech Republic and abroad and published on CD and in print. He is a professor at the Faculty of Music and Dance at the Academy of Performing Arts in Prague and the Faculty of Education at the University of West Bohemia in Pilsen. He has been closely associated with the Festival of Songs Olomouc for more than half a century. In 2024 he was inducted into the “Hall of Fame” of the Olomouc Region.
- Antifona – Praha, CZE · conductor: Jan Richter · categories: A5
The Antifona mixed choir was founded in Prague in 2001 and today brings together around forty singers who share an openness to musical experimentation and free time on Tuesday evenings. Antifona’s regular concerts feature an a cappella repertoire spanning every conceivable genre, with unconventional arrangements and in languages that not only we don’t understand, but fortunately neither does the audience – who fill the halls in June to hear Christmas carols and in December to hear Indonesian folk songs. The audience’s good view of the singers has been successfully obstructed by Jan Richter for the past 20 years.
- Bozky – Boskovice, CZE · conductor: Artur Martin Hric · categories: A6
The Bozky Women’s Choir was founded in Boskovice in 2023 to bring shared joy and peaceful moments. The name refers to the origins of our choir, as well as to the origins of our conductor, Artur Martin Hric. We send symbolic “bozky” (kisses) to our audience in the form of songs. Our repertoire includes various musical genres, ranging from folk music to modern pop songs and Slovak and international compositions. We perform at cultural events, fairs and Christmas concerts, primarily in Boskovice and the surrounding area.
- Cantores Graudentes – Grudziądz, POL · conductor: Michał Rajewski · categories: A3
The Cantores Graudentes mixed choir was founded in 2020 by the choirmaster Michał Rajewski. It is made up of students and working professionals from Grudziądz who are united by their love of choral singing. The choir performs throughout Poland at cultural, national, and church events and regularly participates in charity projects, concerts for seniors and children and local music events. Cantores Graudentes has won numerous awards at domestic and international competitions, including the Grand Prix at the Vox Domini competition, as well as gold, silver and bronze prizes and diplomas in Poland, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Ukraine.
- Cantus amici Pardubice – Pardubice, CZE · conductor: Mgr. Ing. Jaroslav Šlais · categories: A8
Cantus amici Pardubice is a choir that has been active since 1985. We are a group of primarily experienced singers, many of whom have been meeting regularly for over 30 years. The choir consists mainly of members whose lifelong passion for singing is combined with the opportunity to maintain regular social contacts while actively participating in the cultural life of the city of Pardubice. Since 2016, we have been led by a young conductor, Jaroslav Šlais, who, through a sensitive yet demanding selection of repertoire, inspires the choir to give their best performances. This year, our concert program focuses on the works of W. A. Mozart, marking the 270th anniversary of his birth in January.
- Dětský pěvecký sbor Cantabile – Hranice, CZE · conductor: Michaela Adameová · categories: A2
The Cantabile Children’s Choir has been affiliated with the Hranice Primary Art School since 1998. It currently has 23 members aged 11 to 18. Under the direction of its founder, Markéta Lásková, the choir has successfully performed at numerous competitions, concerts and choir festivals in the Czech Republic and abroad. Since 2021, the choir has been led by Michaela Adameová. Its repertoire includes compositions by Czech and foreign composers, folk songs, spirituals and sacred music. This year, the choir won a gold award in the regional round of the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports’ choral singing competition.
- Dětský pěvecký sbor Lilium – Litomyšl, CZE · conductor: Lucie Vavřínová · categories: A2
The Lilium Children’s Choir is the concert choir of the Bedřich Smetana Primary Art School in Litomyšl. It was founded in 2008 by choir director Lucie Vavřínová. The name Lilium is associated with the coat of arms of the city of Litomyšl – a silver lily in a red field. The choir’s mission is to educate children to love and respect music and to discover its beauty and depth. The concert choir’s repertoire is very broad. We sing both sacred and secular compositions, Czech folk songs mostly in their original dialects, but we also enjoy rehearsing songs from other nations. Lilium is a friendly group of talented singers who spread joy and good cheer through their singing, not only in Litomyšl.
- DPS Rarášek – Nový Jičín, CZE · conductor: Marek Číp · categories: A1
The Rarášek Children’s Choir is the second preparatory group of the Ondrášek Choir at the Nový Jičín Primary Art School. It brings together the youngest singers who are gaining their first experience with choral singing, vocal training and performing in public. The choir regularly participates in concerts, competitions and training camps throughout the year. Among its greatest achievements are repeated firstplaces in the Primachori competition in Orlová. Rarášek is characterised by its joy of singing, friendly atmosphere and enthusiasm for working together.
- DPS Rosička – Uničov, CZE · conductor: Zuzana Gucká · categories: E
The Rosička Children’s Choir has been active at the Primary Art School in Uničov for many years. Its repertoire consists primarily of works by 20th-century and contemporary composers. The choir’s traditional events include a Christmas concert with a band, a children’s musical performance and a spring concert. Every year, the choir participates in the regional competition in Uničov, as well as in festivals throughout the region (Zlatá lyra, Loučenská vločka). Last year, the choir advanced to the national competition for school children’s choirs, Primachori, where it represented the Olomouc Region. However, the children most enjoy going on weekend retreats, where they always have lots of fun and musical enjoyment together.
- Gloria Brunensis – Brno, CZE · conductor: Natalia Chirilenco · categories: A6, C
The Gloria Brunensis choir was founded in 2014 by its current conductor, Natalia Chirilenco. The choir's greatest achievements include the Grand Prix at the Mundus Cantat Festival (Sopot) in 2024, the Grand Prix at the Varsovia Cantat Festival (Warsaw) in 2023, and the title of overall winner of the 62nd Choralia Chrudim. In 2025, the choir was selected to participate in the Internationaler Kammerchor-Wettbewerb festival in Marktoberdorf, Germany, where it received the Achievement Level II award.
- Grodziski Chór Bogorya – Grodzisk Mazowiecki, POL · conductor: Marcin Łukasz Mazur · categories: B
The Bogorya Girls' Choir was founded in November 2000 at the Grodzisk Mazowiecki Cultural Center. From 2000 to 2026, it performed in over 370 public concerts in Poland and abroad (Austria, the Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Lithuania, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain and Sweden). The choir has recorded six CDs and has won numerous awards at choral competitions (lately golden awards at the 2nd National Choral Festival in Warta and the 18th Henryk Mikołaj Górecki International Choral Festival in Rybnik). The Choir has also premiered several contemporary choral works.
- Hekal – Vsetín, CZE · conductor: Helena Kaločová · categories: C, D
The Hekal Choir was founded in 2010 as a group of graduates from Masaryk Grammar School in Vsetín and young people who wanted to further develop their passion for choral singing. The choir holds regular concerts and participates in festivals and competitions – FOSO, FSU Jihlava, Chrám i tvrz Vsetín, Choralia Chrudim and Choralia Mikulov. It also joined an international choir at Proms Prague to perform Carmina Burana and other works by world-renowned composers. Together with the Song MGV choir, it recorded a CD and, during the lockdown, remotely recorded two songs that are available on YouTube – Mr. Sandman and Night in Bethlehem.
- Chór Dziewczęcy PARADISO – Poznań, POL · conductor: Karolina Piotrowska-Sobczak · categories: A2, B
The PARADISO Girls’ Choir is affiliated with the Poznań Cathedral Music School. The ensemble’s repertoire includes early and contemporary music, works from the Polish Middle Ages and Gregorian chant. Since September 2023, the choir has been led by Karolina Piotrowska-Sobczak, under whose direction the ensemble won gold diplomas in 2025 at competitions in Miedzyzdroje, Białystok and Szczecin, as well as at the 9th Józef Świder International Music Festival in Cieszyn in 2024.
- Chór Mieszany Echo – Bielsko-Biała, POL · conductor: Teresa Adamus · categories: A8
The “ECHO” Mixed Choir from Bielsko-Biała was founded in 1919. It is a group of amateur singers united by a shared love of music. Since 1970, it has operated under the patronage of the Textile Workers’ Cultural Center in Bielsko-Biała. It collaborates with many choral ensembles and cultural organisations across Europe and participates in regional cultural events as well as national and international festivals. The choir’s repertoire includes works ranging from the Renaissance to the present day of Polish and foreign composers, as well as global pop hits and Polish folk music. In the centennial year, it was awarded the Gold Badge of Honor for services to the Silesian Province.
- Chór Quantum Politechniki Warszawskiej – Warsaw, POL · conductor: Katarzyna Karbownik · categories: B
The Quantum Choir of the Warsaw University of Technology was founded in 2019 and is the youngest ensemble affiliated with the university. It brings together primarily students who, alongside their academic pursuits, cultivate their passion for music through choral singing. The choir’s repertoire spans both sacred music and lighter works from the popular genre. Despite its relatively short history, the choir has already achieved notable success, including three Grand Prix awards at the Sacred Song Festival in Grójec and a Gold Diploma at the 16th Warsaw International Choral Festival “Varsovia Cantat” in 2023. As the ensemble continues to grow and expand beyond the framework of a chamber choir, the spirit of a close-knit group remains at its core.
- Chorea pueri ustensis – Ústí nad Labem, CZE · conductor: Veronika Tomsová · categories: A2
The choir was founded in 2009 and is open to children from 2nd grade of primary school who enjoy singing and do not go through any audition process. The choir performs at regular events organised by the city of Ústí nad Labem. Every year we go on retreats and music camps, where children who are not choir members are also welcome to join. For several years now we have been taking part in competitions such as the Litoměřická notička, Zahrada písní and Hrajeme s Orffem. Among larger festivals, we have participated in the FOSO in Olomouc, from which the children brought home a silver medal.
- Komorní sbor Kamile – Frenštát pod Radhoštěm, CZE · conductor: Jan Daniel Mališ · categories: A7
Kamile Chamber Choir is a student mixed choir from Frenštát pod Radhoštěm. Its story began two years ago, when a group of friends from a grammar school choir decided to start their own project. In the short time since its founding, Kamile has grown rapidly under the direction of choirmaster Jan Daniel Mališ, and so has the number of rehearsals, performances and concerts. The choir's repertoire is diverse, spanning works from the Renaissance to contemporary music. The choir prides itself on a playful approach and a friendly atmosphere.
- Konsa Vox – Praha, CZE · conductor: Alina Tumševicová · categories: D
Konsa Vox is a newly founded choir from Prague, bringing together singers from different parts of the world, united by a shared love of vocal music in all its forms. Our focus is mainly on pop, rock and jazz. This year the choir welcomed the majority of its members, so we are currently in an exciting phase of getting to know one another and building our sound together. We are coming to the festival to meet other choirs, share music and find inspiration!
- Lucky Voice Band – Praha, CZE · conductor: Lucie Freiberg · categories: A5
Lucky Voice Band is a mixed choir led by Lucie Freiberg, founded in 2010. In its early days it served as a gathering place for people who wanted to develop their singing skills and share the joy of singing. The choir focuses on a diverse repertoire inspired by music from around the world. It wins the hearts of audiences not only through the variety and quality of its programme, in which everyone can find something for themselves, but above all through its expressiveness and interpretive approach, which allows every piece to powerfully convey its story and emotions. Lucky Voice Band has participated in several international competitive festivals, where it has repeatedly received the highest awards from professional juries. A significant milestone was a concert in December 2023, when it sold out the hall of the Prague Lucerna.
- Lumi Vox – Praha, CZE · conductor: Tatiana Medveděvá · categories: D
Lumi Vox is a vocal ensemble focused on the interplay of voices, expression and a deeper experience of music. Each member brings their unique voice, which blends with the others into a harmonious whole. The repertoire includes both classical and contemporary pieces. Rehearsals develop technique and listening, creating an authentic musical experience.
- Miešaný spevácky zbor Kysuca – Čadca, SVK · conductor: Tomáš Vrškový · categories: A5, C
The Kysuca Mixed Choir has been active since 1977 at the House of Culture in Čadca and is one of the most significant choral ensembles in Slovakia. It has been led by notable conductors, among them Petr Fiala, Vojtech Didi, Pavol Procházka and Ján Procházka; since 2019 the choir has been led by Tomáš Vrškový. The choir has performed both in Slovakia and abroad – in the Czech Republic, Bulgaria, Spain, Italy, England, Malta and elsewhere – and has received numerous awards, including gold medals and top prizes at international festivals. In 2025 it received the Gold award at the “Viva il canto” competition in Žilina.
- Moravští madrigalisté – Kroměříž, CZE · conductor: Mgr. Boris Nykl · categories: B
Moravští madrigalisté is an amateur mixed chamber choir from Kroměříž, founded in 1961. The choir's repertoire is rooted in Renaissance and Baroque music, but today encompasses works from all periods through to contemporary music. Sacred music remains the backbone of the repertoire. The choir performs both a cappella works and pieces with instrumental accompaniment. It gives regular concerts at home and abroad. Since 2021 the choir has been led by choirmaster Boris Nykl.
- Mravenečci Ferdové – Ústí nad Labem, CZE · conductor: Veronika Tomsová · categories: A1
Mravenečci Ferdové were founded in 2015 as a preparatory group of the Chorea pueri ustensis choir. The young singers learn the basics of singing, proper breathing and are introduced to music and rhythm. They perform at regular concerts, such as for Mother's Day, at the Christmas tree lighting ceremony, at Christmas and charity concerts, and at regular civic welcome ceremonies. They have also taken part in several national competitive showcases such as Zahrada písní and Litoměřická notička, where they received bronze, silver and gold awards. We are already looking forward to the new experiences that await us at upcoming events and competitions.
- Palm Beach Atlantic University Choir – West Palm Beach, USA · conductor: Sonia Gonzalez Santiago · categories: A4, B
The College of the Arts at Palm Beach Atlantic University is a place where creativity and calling meet. At the heart of this community is the PBA Concert Choir, one of the University’s premier music ensembles and a living expression of unity, and excellence. This ensemble explores a broad and dynamic repertoire and performs regularly at both campus and community events. From the local stage to national platforms, such as our performance of Mozart’s Requiem at Carnegie Hall, the Choir consistently bears witness to the power of music as ministry. This year, the ensemble continues its mission of global outreach, with a tour through the Czech Republic, Germany and Austria.
- Patika Külakoor – Patika, EST · conductor: Marek Müller · categories: A5, C
Patika Külakoor (Patika Village Choir) is a mixed choir from Rae Parish, Estonia, founded in 2011 as part of the celebrations of Patika village’s 770th anniversary. Over the years, it has grown into a dedicated and vibrant ensemble bringing together singers from Patika and beyond. The choir values musical quality, community spirit, and the rich tradition of Estonian choral singing, performing with warmth, commitment and joy.
- Pěvecký sbor Antonína Tučapského – Vyškov, CZE · conductor: Filip Macek · categories: B
We are a mixed choir of amateur singers brought together by a love of music and the joy of singing together. Our history dates back to 1984, when we began performing as the Vyškov Mixed Choir. Since 2015 we have carried the name of the composer and musicologist Antonín Tučapský – a native of Vyškov with whom the choir worked closely. Tučapský dedicated several compositions to our choir, which we proudly perform at our concerts, sharing the beauty of his music with the world.
- Pěvecký sbor Regina – Vodňany, CZE · conductor: Romana Rédlová · categories: A6, C
The Regina Women's Choir has been active in the small South Bohemian town of Vodňany since 2008. The choir's repertoire is very diverse, encompassing Baroque and classical Czech compositions, folk songs, American spirituals, gospels and popular music. The Regina Choir performs primarily in Vodňany and the surrounding area, and has also taken part in joint projects with conductor Oldřich Vlček and soloists Ester Pavlů, Bára Basiková, Lukáš Randák and Jan Kopečný. In the past the choir has participated several times in the Festival of Songs Olomouc, as well as other festivals in Bad Ischl, Poreč, Bratislava and Linz.
- Proměny – Svitavy, CZK · conductor: Dana Pražáková · categories: A3
The Proměny Mixed Chamber Choir was founded 9 years ago at the Primary Art school in Svitavy, formed from the oldest girls of the Svitavy Children's Choir and 3 young men (this year we even have 4!). The choir's repertoire consists of arrangements of folk songs and compositions ranging from the Baroque period to the present day. Proměny has received a gold award multiple times at the national Zahrada písní competition in Prague and has twice taken part in the national Mezzochori showcase. Its greatest achievement to date – a silver award in the pop category and a wealth of wonderful experiences – was brought home two years ago from an international competition in Bad Ischl, Austria.
- Přípravný pěvecký sbor Cantabilka – Hranice, CZE · conductor: Dominik Bagar · categories: A1
Cantabilka is the preparatory group of the Cantabile Choir, active since 2009. The ensemble was founded by Markéta Lásková and since 2025 has been led by Dominik Bagar, DiS. Over the course of its existence, Cantabilka has received numerous awards at both domestic and international competitions. In 2012 it received a bronze award at the Zahrada písní competition and a silver award at the Festival of Songs Olomouc competition, which it successfully defended in 2013, 2017 and 2018. In 2023 it received a gold award at both the regional and national rounds of the The Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports competition. This year the ensemble received a gold award at the regional round along with a special jury prize for outstanding vocal culture and qualification for the national round.
- Puellae Cantantes – Bruntál, CZE · conductor: Jiří Kutálek · categories: A7
The Puellae Cantantes Women's Chamber Choir was founded in 2008 and is composed predominantly of former members of the Rosnička children's choir. Since September 2021 it has been led by choirmaster Jiří Kutálek. The choir maintains a broad repertoire covering almost the entire developmental spectrum of vocal music, from the Middle Ages through to contemporary music of the 20th and early 21st centuries. Its repertoire also includes arrangements of folk songs from Bohemia, Moravia and Silesia.
- PUNKT – Praha, CZE · conductor: Igor Karpilovskij, Jakub Tomášek · categories: A5, E
Punkt was founded in 2014 as a mixed student choir at the Prague Conservatory. Its first choirmasters were then-students in the composition and conducting programmes, Alena Hron and Jiří Trtík. The original aim was to perform works by fellow student composers, but the choir's repertoire gradually expanded to include other contemporary composers from both the Czech Republic and beyond. To this day the choir regularly takes part in premieres of works by the youngest generation of Czech composers. As part of these projects, the choir performed last season with, among others, the Pardubice Chamber Philharmonic and the West Bohemian Symphony Orchestra of Mariánské Lázně. In addition to its concert activities, Punkt has received awards at domestic and international competitions in Prijedor, Genk and at Festival of Songs Olomouc (2023), and also took part in the prestigious Tolosa Choral Contest (2022).
- Senzakord – Litovel, CZE · conductor: Hana Kaštanová · categories: A5
Senzakord is a mixed choir from Litovel, founded in 2004. The choir collaborates each year on various musical projects with orchestras and bands. Its repertoire spans works from the Baroque period to the present day. In recent years it has focused primarily on contemporary world music and seeks to follow modern musical trends. The choir was founded and is led by choirmaster Hana Kaštanová.
- Smíšený pěvecký sbor Uničov – Uničov, CZE · conductor: Květoslava Folprechtová · categories: A8
The Uničov Mixed Choir is an amateur musical ensemble with a long-standing tradition. It was founded in 2002 through the expansion of the original women's choir and is led by choirmaster Květoslava Folprechtová. The choir's repertoire is highly diverse, ranging from classical compositions and sacred music through folk songs to arrangements of popular melodies. The choir brings the joy of music to a wide variety of events – from formal concerts and performances in churches to friendly gatherings with other choirs. The Uničov Mixed Choir is proof that music knows no age boundaries and that singing together has the power to bring people closer and enrich cultural life.
- Smíšený sbor JITRO – Hradec Králové, CZE · conductor: Václav Metoděj Uhlíř · categories: A5, B
The JITRO Mixed Choir was founded in 1997 as an alumni choir of the Hradec Králové children's choir Jitro, under the direction of Jiří Skopal and Jiří Skopal Jr. It offers its audiences music by world-renowned as well as lesser-known composers, spanning both secular and sacred repertoire from the Middle Ages to the present day. Thanks to its rich repertoire, it prepares varied and imaginative concert programmes. The choir performs not only in its home city and region, but also at other venues across the country and abroad. It takes part in music festivals such as the Choral Celebrations festival in Hradec Králové and the Festival of Sacred Music Šumava–Bayerischer Wald. At its most recent competitive showcase, Choralia Praha (2022), it received a gold award.
- The Girls Choir CANTABILE PSM Olsztyn – Olsztyn, POL · conductor: Agata Wilińska · categories: A3, E
The Cantabile Girls' Choir is a group known and appreciated not only in Poland but also abroad, it is made up of choral music lovers – students and graduates of the State Music School in Olsztyn, who under the guidance of their conductor Agata Wilińska have been touring for nearly 33 years, moving and delighting the audience with their performances. The choir has participated in plenty of artistic events, actively participates in the life of the city and the region, has won a lot of awards and distinctions at competitions and festivals in Poland and Europe.
- Višně z Líšně a Blahoznění – Brno, Ždánice, CZE · conductor: Eva Rohleder · categories: C
The Combined Chamber Women's Choirs focus on arrangements of traditional songs from around the world. The Brno-based group Višně z Líšně has been singing together since 2019, though somewhat sporadically given the maternal and family commitments of its members. More intensive work began in 2025, when a connection was also formed with the newly emerging choir Blahoznění based in Ždánice. Choirmaster Eva Rohleder works with both groups on a similar repertoire, and the two ensembles come together joyfully at dress rehearsals and concerts.
- Vlastimil – Litomyšl, CZE · conductor: Lucie Vavřínová · categories: A5
The Vlastimil Mixed Choir is one of the oldest choirs in the Czech Republic, having never interrupted its activity since its founding in 1862. It has thus been performing in Litomyšl continuously for 164 years. It currently has around 45 members. The choir organises its own concerts and collaborates with other choirs from Litomyšl and the surrounding area. It maintains ties with a choir from the twin town of Levoča. Its repertoire encompasses classical music, folk songs and works by contemporary composers.
- Vox Aura – Pardubice, CZE · conductor: Natálie Štorková · categories: A7
Vox Aura is a chamber mixed choir founded in 2025 by choirmaster Natália Štorková. It focuses primarily on the interpretation of contemporary composers and music of the 20th century. The choir's lineup consists of students and graduates of the Pardubice Conservatory, teachers from arts schools, and active choral singers performing in the men's choir Bonifantes or the Vernum 2013 Ensemble. At the beginning of 2025, Vox Aura performed alongside the Nové Město Philharmonic in a performance of John Rutter's Magnificat. Among its greatest achievements to date is its participation in Festival of Songs Olomouc, from which it brought home a gold award in its category.
- Women choir Lilith – Ptuj, SVN · conductor: Jasna Drobne · categories: C, D
The women’s choir Lilith was founded in 2017 and is led by music professor Jasna Drobne. It brings together amateur singers of different generations, fostering connection, learning and artistic growth. The choir works with a professional approach and positive energy, performing regularly at festivals and competitions across Europe. It has won numerous international awards, including several gold medals and a Grand Prix.
- Young Children Choir of Musamari Choral School – Tallinn, EST · conductor: Christin-Elisabeth Ots-Erm · categories: A1
Musamari Choral School has been active for 30 years. There are preschool groups and many different choirs from children to adults. The Young Children’s Choir of Musamari Choral School has children aged 7–11 years. They have been in Choral School since they were babies. We have been to the Estonian big Song Festival. It is a Musamari Choral School tradition to perform concerts every Christmas and Spring at the Estonian Concert Hall. This is our first competition.
- Zlaténka – Drnholec, CZE · conductor: Dagmar Peřinová, Martina Bejdáková · categories: A1
The Zlaténka Children's Choir has been active since Autumn 2023 at the primary and nursery school in Drnholec. It brings together 24 children from both lower and upper primary school years. The choir's repertoire consists exclusively of Czech music through which the children discover a variety of musical genres and deepen their relationship with. Among the choir's greatest achievements are a concert alongside four other South Moravian choirs at a Christmas concert with Ondřej Ruml in December 2024, and a silver award at the 52nd edition of Festival of Songs Olomouc.
- Ženský komorní sbor Luscinia – Ústí nad Labem, CZE · conductor: Jakub Houdek · categories: A6
The Luscinia Women's Chamber Choir was founded in 1975 by former members of the Ústí nad Labem Children's Choir, which had been led by the husband-and-wife team of Anna and Vlastimil Kobrle. It currently performs under the direction of choirmaster, educator and singer Jakub Houdek. The choir gives concerts primarily in Ústí nad Labem and the surrounding area, and regularly takes part in a variety of cultural events such as the Ludvíkovice Symposium, Night of Churches, Choral Marathon and Advent concerts. Its programmes feature a wide repertoire ranging from vocal polyphony to contemporary choral music, including arrangements of folk songs. In the past the choir received a silver award at the Festival of Choral Art in Jihlava and a gold award at the Musica Orbis in Prague.
