Conductor Igor Kudeljnjak

Igor Kudeljnjak (1979) graduated from the Music Academy in Zagreb with the title of Professor of Music Culture. Since 2003, he has been employed at the Croatian Radiotelevision in the Tambura Orchestra, and since 2005, he has been working at the Albert Štriga Music School in Križevci as an external collaborator - a tambura teacher and conductor of the school's tambura orchestra,as well as a mentor for chamber tambura ensembles. With his students, he has won high awards in solo categories at national competitions. At the "One future" World orchestra festival in Vienna, under his leadership, City tambura orchestra Križevci won golden award and opportunity to perform in the Golden hall of Musikverein as the first tambura orchestra in history of this famous hall. He has been artistic conductor of the Croatian radiotelevision tambura orchestra in season 2021./22. Since January 2024, he has taken over the artistic leadership of the Dobreč Tambura Orchestra from Dragatuš, Republic of Slovenia.

Tambura orchestra of the Albert Štriga Križevci Music school was founded in 1978. This orchestra can be proud of its numerous performances, where it best presented its work and the work of the School, regardless if it performed in Križevci, other parts of Croatia or abroad. However, the most significant are the performances at local, county, state or international competitions and festivals. Orchestra had numerous performances abroad, Germany, Italy, Austria, Slovenia, Macedonia, Portugal, Belgium, Czech Republic, Slovakia, US, France, Bosnia and Herzegovina. Orchestra participated at the European music festival for young people in Belgium town of Neerpelt, Young Prague festival, International youth music festival II. in Bratislava. At these festivals, the orchestra achieved significant success, such as gold awards or Grand prix. Members and directors of Albert Štriga Križevci Music school Tambura orchestra invested a significant amount of effort, knowledge and time, setting a bright example to all youth that effort, practice and dedication pave the way to outstanding results.

Conductor Milan Kolena

Milan Kolena is one of Europe's most dynamic choral conductors and educators. As artistic director of major international festivals in Bratislava, he brings together over 1,500 performers annually through seven festivals that unite musicians from around the world in powerful harmony. At the Academy of Performing Arts in Bratislava, he mentors future conductors with passion for choral conducting and Gregorian chant. With his ensembles — the 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 U.S. 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 champions artistic excellence and youth 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. Dr. Kolena believes in the power of music to connect hearts, cross borders, and change the world —one voice at a time.

Mixed Choir Apollo was founded in 1995 and quickly achieved significant success, earning recognition in Slovakia and receiving numerous awards at festivals and international competitions, including in Prague (1998), Český Krumlov (2002), Olomouc (2005), St. Petersburg (2015), and Rimini (2016). The choir frequently performs at prestigious local and international events. Apollo has toured in various countries and performed at concerts and festivals in cities such as Città di Nuoro, Rome, Fano, Loreto, and Olbia (Italy); Poznań (Poland); Banja Luka (Bosnia and Herzegovina); Szeged and Miskolc (Hungary); Munich (Germany); Prague, Olomouc, Brno, and Pardubice (Czech Republic); Vienna (Austria); Yekaterinburg and St. Petersburg (Russia), as well as in many cities across Slovakia. The choir's repertoire focuses on contemporary Slovak sacred music – especially large-scale compositions by the prominent Slovak composer Pavol Krška (including Stabat Mater, Requiem, and Te Deum for soloists, choir, and organ; and Missa Solemnis for organ, soloists, and mixed choir). Apollo's repertoire also includes sacred choral works ranging from Gregorian chant through Renaissance and Romantic selections, spirituals, folk songs, and Christmas carols arranged for choir. In 2003, the choir recorded a CD featuring Anton Bruckner's Motets, and in 2012 released a recording of Krška's Requiem for double choir, soloists, and organ. In 2015, the choir received four first prizes and two special awards (for best interpretation of Renaissance music and best conductor) at the international competition "Singing World" in St. Petersburg, Russia. In 2018, the choir won 1st prize and the Grand Prix in the Musica Sacra category at the international festival "Moscow Sounds" in Moscow, Russia. In 2023, the choir won 1st prize and the Grand Prix at the international festival "Cancó Mediterrania" in Barcelona – Lloret de Mar. In 2024, the choir again won 1st prize and the Grand Prix at the international festival "Music and Sea" in Paralia, Greece. The choir regularly organizes charity concerts for the Children's Oncology Clinic in Bratislava andactively participates in local community events.

Conductors Kadri Hunt, Kaie Tanner

Kadri Hunt (b 1964) is a choral conductor, singer, composer, arranger and music teacher. She is the conductor of St Michael's Boys' Choir since 1995, and the chief conductor of Children's Singing Studio of Estonian Radio since 1999. Kadri has been an atelier leader in several Estonian children's choirs festivals, conducted joint choirs in Estonian Song Celebrations and Church Song Festivals, and has lead several international choral workshops in EUROPA CANTAT festivals (Pärnu, Pecs, Ghent). Kadri's choral works have been performed by choirs both in Estonia and abroad, also in several Estonian Song Celebrations. Kadri Hunt is also active as a soloist, sings in sacred music ensemble Heinavanker (since 1997), Gregorian chant ensemble Vox Clamantis (since 2001) and has also performed with Capella Royal de Catalunya and Jordi Savall. As a singer she has recorded 6 CDs.

Kaie Tanner (b 1975) is a choral conductor and manager. She holds the position of Secretary General in Estonian Choral Association and conducts the choirs of Children's Music Studio of Estonian Radio since 2010. Kaie Tanner has conducted children's choirs in several Estonian Song Celebrations, Church Song Festivals and Estonian Mixed Choirs Festivals, conducted workshops and made presentations at numerous Estonian and international festivals and conferences, published articles in Estonian and international magazines and newspapers, worked in juries of international choir festivals (Bejing, Neerpelt, Hong Kong, Kaunas, Jurmala, Bratislava) etc. Kaie Tanner is the president of Choral Festival Network and Board Member of International Federation for Choral Music (IFCM) and Estonian Choral Association. Since 2001 she has organised several Estonian and international choral festivals, competitions and singing weeks.

Estonian Radio Girls' Choir consists of 25 girls at the age of 15-19. They regularly record for Estonian Radio and Estonian Television, have premiered choral works of several Estonian composers and has given concerts in co-operation with professional concert agencies and festival organiser (Eesti Kontsert, Viru Folk, Jazzkaar etc). Girls have toured both in Estonia and abroad: Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Greece, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Luxembourg, Norway, North Macedonia, Poland, Russia, Spain, Sweden, UK and USA. Estonian Radio choirs have released 18 CDs of children's and youth music by Estonian composers under the label of Estonian Public Broadcast. CD "Songs of Childhood" with children's songs by Arvo Pärt, which was released in October 2015, was awarded Golden Disc Prize as the best-selling CD in Estonia in 2015. Some highlights of Estonian Radio Girls' Choir during past years:
- Arvo Pärt 90 concerts with chamber orchestra in co-operation with Eesti Kontsert, in Tallinn, Pärnu, Jõhvi and Tartu 2025;
- Participation in Montana International Choral Festival in Missoula 2025;
- 1st prize, and special prizes for the best early music interpretation and for the best stage performance in Ohrid International Choral Festival (North Macedonia) 2024;
- Live broadcast concert in Estonian Radio in March 2024 (new choral works by Siim Aimla);
- Concerts and workshops in in Koyasan and Sanda Youth Choir Festivals in Japan, 2023;
- Concerts in Toronto, Canada, and Midsummer celebration with Estonian community, 2022;
- Two 1st prizes in youth choirs and folk music categories in Antonio Vivaldi International Choir Festival in Carpenisi (Greece) 2019.

Conductors: Kadri Hunt, Kaie Tanner
Vocal coaches: Karis Trass, Anu Aimla
Dance teachers: Maria Uppin, Triin Kauber
Solfeggio: Elina Kaasik

Conductor Stanisław Gortat

Stanisław Gortat – the conductor. The group's long-time leader, Stanisław Gortat, has served as both manager and conductor for many years. His unwavering commitment to youth and music has earned him great respect and continues to inspire students to develop their musical skills and creativity.

Harcerski Zespół Mandolinowy - Frygi The Frygi Scout Mandolin Band was founded in 1976 in Scholastykowo. Over the years, it has grown into a scouting music group and now operates at the Janusz Korczak Primary School inŁąkie. The ensemble's young musicians are known for their diverse repertoire and remarkable artistic accomplishments, performing widely across Poland and Europe, including three tours in Italy. During the 50th anniversary celebration on April 11, 2026, the band was honored with the "Meritorious for Polish Culture" award from the Minister of Culture.

Since 2012 and for the following years, the Choir has been the main attraction for the Christmas concert produced by Associazione Borgognissanti and A.T.T. Associazione Toscana Tumore (Cancer Trust Tuscany) held in St. James Church in Florence and in Ognissanti Basilica, inviting numerous foreign gospel artists.

Of particular value was the 2018 edition with partner Borgognissanti Association, which promoted a workshop before the magnificent concert with the famous artists Isaac Cates and Rosmary Crosby.

Conductor Melody Tang

TANG Hei Yan Melody is a Hong Kong musician, conductor, vocal coach, and music educator. A prize-winning performer from an early age, she studied voice at The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts, where she performed leading operatic roles including Guadalena in La Périchole and Dorabella in Così fan tutte. She has appeared as a soloist in concerts, operas, and musical productions in Hong Kong and abroad. Since 2003, Melody has devoted her career to music education and the artistic development of young people. After serving as conductor and vocal coach with the Hong Kong Children's Choir and as Music Director of the Hong Kong Children's Integrated Arts Center, she returned to Good Hope School in 2010 and became Music Director (Vocal) in 2012. Under her leadership, the Good Hope School Choir has achieved outstanding results in numerous international competitions. Her conducting excellence has been recognized with the Conductor's Prize at the International Copernicus Choir Festival (Poland, 2017) and a Special Prize for Young Conductor at the International May Choir Competition in Varna, Bulgaria (2019). She is committed to fostering musical excellence, confidence, leadership, and cultural awareness among young musicians.

Founded in 1959, the Good Hope School Choir is one of Hong Kong's longest-established and most distinguished youth choirs. Through choral music training, the Choir promotes artistic excellence, leadership, commitment, and personal growth among its members. The Choir has achieved outstanding success both locally and internationally, winning major awards at prestigious competitions worldwide. Highlights include Gold Awards at the World Choir Games (2008, 2010), category victories in Poland (2017), the championship of the World Peace Choral Festival in Vienna (2018), and the Grand Prix at the International May Choir Competition in Varna, Bulgaria (2019), where it became the first Chinese choir to achieve this distinction. More recently, the Choir won three Gold Awards and three category championships at the Bratislava Festival (2024) and received Third Prize and three Special Awards at the International Baltic Sea Choir Competition in Latvia (2025). The Choir regularly undertakes international cultural exchange tours and performs at prestigious public, civic, and ceremonial events in Hong Kong and abroad.

Conductors Rana Ulucay, Erkan Dağlı

Rana Uluçay began her piano education at an early age and completed the ABRSM piano examinations up to Grade 8. She graduated from the Department of Music Education at Gazi University in 1987 and worked as a music teacher until her retirement in 2023. During her studies, she trained in piano, choral techniques and conducting, and later attended Piano Accompaniment courses in Oxford, England. A founding member of the Otello Polyphonic Choir, established in 2010, she currently serves as President of the Cyprus Polyphonic Choirs Association and as one of the choir's conductors. She has participated in numerous international choral festivals and competitions across Europe, earning awards including a Silver Diploma in Spain and Third Prize in Montenegro. In 2018, she founded the MAKAMER Voices of Freedom Women's Choir, promoting women's empowerment, gender equality and social awareness through music. She also serves as Director of the Gülsin Onay Piano Festival.

Erkan Dağlı graduated from the Music Education Department of Gazi University in 1990. During his university studies, he received training in voice, choir, and choral conducting under Prof. Suna Çevik and performed as both a chorister and soloist in various polyphonic choirs. He further developed his conducting skills through workshops with Prof. Mustafa Apaydın, Dr. Mete Gökçe, Dr. Justin Smith (USA), and Masis Aram Gözbek. A retired music teacher, Dağlı continues to teach choral studies as a lecturer. He has served as the artistic director of numerous festivals, workshops, and music projects, including the TRNC International Choir Festival, and has also directed the Gülsin Onay Piano Festival. He currently conducts several prominent polyphonic choirs in Northern Cyprus, making significant contributions to choral music education and artistic excellence.

Othello Polyphonic Choir, founded on 10 November 2010 in North Cyprus, is a distinguished choir inspired by Verdi's Othello opera and the historic Othello Castle in Famagusta. Conducted by Rana Ulucay and Erkan Dagli, the choir performs world choral literature, Polyphonic Turkish Cypriot Folk Music and works from various musical eras. The choir has gained international recognition through participation in festivals and competitions across Europe, winning Second Prize at the XI International Choir Festival and Competition in Budva, Montenegro (2024) and a Silver Medal in the Folk Music Category at the International Choir Competition and Festival in Barcelona (2019). It has performed in Cyprus, Turkey and Europe, including concerts with the Presidential Symphonic Orchestra. The choir also hosted international choir festivals and published the 'Otello's Dream' music book and CD in 2021, promoting choral music and Cyprus cultural heritage worldwide.

Conductor Aristides Tsigaras

Aris Tsigaras had music studies at National Conservatory of Athens. Under professor Stathis Kallianos, Diploma in Counterpoint and Diploma in Fugue (1993-1998), both with excellent distinction. Session musician (1988 -1993) in concerts with Greek artists and bands. Music Instructor in various Cyprus' Conservatories. Choir Director at Synchrono and Classico Conservatories. Instructor of Harmony at Nicosia State Music High School. Arranger for theatrical producers Katerina Christofidou and Marinos Xenophontos (1998-2000). Voice arranger, vocal coaching for musical "Esmeralda" produced by Emfasis Cultural Association (2007). Founding member of the Cyprus Composers' Centre, 1999. Works for orchestra, piano, chamber and vocal music, also electronic music. "New Day" "Second Illusion" "Little Journey" and "Like Rock" were performed by Cyprus Symphony Orchestra. Compositions for ensembles have been performed in Cyprus and Italy from 2001 onwards. aristsigaras.bandcamp.com

SATB vocal ensemble is a newly formed (2025) ensemble from Cyprus with the primary artistic goal of creating a high standards vocal group. Marios Ioannou - tenor and coordinator, Margarita Elia - mezzo-soprano, Anastasia Vorka - soprano, Thomas Daskalakis - baritone and Aris Tsigaras at piano & score creation, are individuals with all required educational background in their respective musical fields. However, beyond knowledge, the group acknowledges that experience and professionalism are empowering the handling of demanding scenarios, both in production and in artistic output. The expressive pursuits of the ensemble are based on a theorem: arrangements, harmonizations and original compositions should be characterized by innovation, authenticity and uniqueness. The group firmly believes that such creative elements must be presented in a form that can directly reach as wide an audience as possible, without compromise in quality.

Conductor Zou Yuan

Graduated from East China Normal University with a master's degree in Choral Conducting, majoring in Musicology. He studied under Professors Liu Fang, Zhang Rui, and Associate Professor Tan Yaru. He currently serves as the Conductor of the Boy's Choir of Shanghai Yangjing High School, the Conductor of the Boy's Choir of Pudong New Area Youth Activity Center, and concurrently as the Assistant Conductor of the Shanghai Campus Male Chorus Base.Major Conducting Achievements:Under his guidance, the Boy's Choir of Shanghai Yangjing High School has won:First Prize in the Vocal Music Category at the 8th National Primary and Secondary School Students' Art Exhibition in 2025 (one of the highest national-level awards) First Prize at the Shanghai Experimental Model High School Youth Song Festival in 2023. Most Beautiful Harmony Award" at the Shanghai Student Choral Festival in 2024 Under his guidance, the Boy's Choir of Pudong New Area Youth Activity Center has won:Gold Medal (Highest Honor) in the Youth Category at the 2025 Songjiang · Thames Town "Heart of Choral" Shanghai International Choral FestivalSilver Award at the 7th Shanghai A Cappella Competition in 2025

The Boy's Choir of Shanghai Pudong New District Youth Activity Center, a district-level student art group, was established in 2021. It is composed of young music enthusiasts from grades 3 to 9 across various schools in Pudong New District. The choir has specially appointed Ms. Liu Fang as its Artistic Director. Ms. Liu Fang is the recipient of the Best Conductor Award at the Puccini International Choir Competition in Italy, the winner of the Outstanding Contribution Award from the Interkultur Foundation, and a standing member of the Choral Professional Committee of the Shanghai Musicians Association. Together with the choral teaching team of the Pudong New District Youth Activity Center, she is responsible for the choir's regular rehearsals. The choir won the Gold Medal in the "Youth Category" at the 5th "Heart of Chorus" Shanghai International Choir Competition. They have recorded the music video for "Mom," the original work "I Have a Little Cat," the adapted folk song "The Ussuri River Boat Song," as well as a promotional video. The choir has been invited to perform at various events, including the "Sound • Infinity" special concert at the Shanghai Summer Music Festival, the Pudong New District Teachers' Day Celebration Conference, and the Student Art Group's New Year's Reception Performance, showcasing the talent of young singers through diverse musical expressions.

Conductor Wang Xuelian

Senior Teacher, graduated from the School of Music at Shaanxi Normal University. She is a member of both the Vocal Music Professional Committee and the Choral Professional Committee of the Shanghai Musicians Association. She currently serves as the Director and Resident Conductor of the Student Art Troupe Choir of Pudong New Area, Shanghai. Over the past decade, students under her guidance have repeatedly won gold medals in the vocal music category of the Shanghai Primary and Secondary School Students' Artistic Individual Competitions as well as the Pudong New Area level competitions.

The Choir of Shanghai Pudong New District Youth Activity Center was recognized as a "Shanghai Student Art Group" in 2022. With a focus on enhancing young people's aesthetic taste and artistic literacy, the choir enables children to learn cooperation, expression, and empathy through singing. By combining professional training with stage practice, every member can find their own artistic brilliance through the immersion of aesthetic education. The choir has won numerous accolades, including the Gold Medal in the Folk Category at the 7th and 9th World Choir Games, the Gold Medal in the Secondary School Choir Category at the 13th World Choir Games, the Gold Medal in the Children's Music (Choir) Special Session at the 32nd, 33rd, and 35th Shanghai Spring International Music Festival, the First Prize in the Shanghai division of the 5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th National Primary and Secondary School Art Performances, and the Gold Medal in the Children's Category at the 7th Shanghai A Cappella Choir Competition. Additionally, the choir was rated as a Level 1 Ensemble at the China Chorus Convention & 2023 National Youth Choir Exhibition and Performance.

Conductor Lucia Sargenti

Lucia Sargenti is an Italian singer, pianist, choral conductor and music educator. Active in both the performance and educational fields, she combines her concert activity with a strong commitment to music education and choral singing.
In 2013, together with Federico Piras, she founded Solo Per Voice, a vocal ensemble dedicated to contemporary a cappella music and original vocal arrangements. As artistic director and conductor, she leads the ensemble in developing a distinctive musical language that blends choral tradition with international pop and rock influences, while giving special attention to the repertoire of renowned Italian songwriters.
Alongside her choral work, Lucia regularly performs as a singer and pianist in concerts, cultural events and musical productions. She is also President of the cultural association 4quARTI APS, promoting artistic and educational projects aimed at encouraging musical participation and creativity among younger generations.
Her artistic vision is rooted in the belief that music is a powerful tool for connection, dialogue and sharing across cultures, generations and communities.

Founded in 2013 by Lucia Sargenti and Federico Piras, Solo Per Voice is a vocal ensemble born from a passion for contemporary choral arranging and a desire to explore the endless expressive possibilities of the human voice.
The choir brings together around fifteen singers from diverse musical backgrounds, united by the goal of creating a modern, dynamic, and engaging choral sound. Performed entirely a cappella, the ensemble's repertoire reinterprets the very best of pop and rock music, as well as timeless classics, through original arrangements written specifically for the group.
Over the years, the project has expanded its repertoire to include songs by some of Italy's most celebrated composers and singer-songwriters, alongside internationally renowned classics, creating a musical journey that combines tradition and innovation, artistic research and immediate emotional appeal.
Through an accessible yet refined musical language, Solo Per Voice offers audiences a journey across cultures, generations, and musical styles, demonstrating how the human voice alone can transform itself into a complete orchestra.

Conductor Markus Leppoja

Markus Leppoja has been chief conductor of the Tartu Youth Choir since 2019. He also conducts the mixed and girls' choirs at Miina Härma Gymnasium and the Female Choir of Estonian Choral Conductors. Markus studied choral conducting privately with Triin Koch and formally at the Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre under Professors Ants Soots and Tõnu Kaljuste. Additionally, he has been a music teacher at Miina Härma Gymnasium and sings in the Estonian National Male Choir. As composer and arranger, Markus has created choral works and ensemble arrangements. Recent career highlights include an author's concert where Tartu Youth Choir and Mari Visnapuumägi performed his compositions, conducting the mixed choirs at the XIII Youth Song Celebration in summer 2023, writing arrangements for Tartu Youth Choir and preparing choristers to conduct a full concert.

Founded in 1983, the Tartu Youth Choir brings together mostly university students and is dedicated to creating meaningful musical experiences for both its singers and audiences. Alongside traditional choral concerts, the choir frequently takes part in competitions in Estonia and abroad and participates in special musical projects. It has also performed major choral-symphonic works in collaboration with various orchestras and has taken part in musical theater productions. In recent years, Tartu Youth Choir has been awarded the Grand Prix at Karpenisi, Greece, 2022, won third place in Contemporary Music at Tallinn 2023, and achieved Gold and Silver Diplomas at the Bratislava International Youth Music Festival in 2024. Notable recent projects have included concerts of Estonian pop song arrangements by chief conductor Markus Leppoja, and a concert where five choristers conducted most of the programme. Riho and Kadri Leppoja serve as assistant conductors and Viviane Kallaste as vocal coach.