Due to the individual approach to the work over voice training, harmony of sounding, originality of interpretation, versatility of performance and ingenuousness of expression as well as to high discipline and particular intonation of the word, basing on the best traditions of the art of Russian choir singing, the choir started its active concert live.

The choir took part in regional and international choir festivals and competitions that brought prizes. Cantus Albarutenicae got its fame due to the concerts in Belarus and abroad (Belgium, Germany, the Netherlands, Italy, Austria, Poland, France and Turkey) and is currently going on with its active concert live performing in the leading concert halls and cathedrals such as the Belarussian State Philharmonic Hall, the red Church of Minsk, the Cologne Cathedral, the Vienna Cathedral, and the Ahen Cathedral. The choir concerts were broadcasted on the radio and TV. Cantus Albarutenicae carries out some projects of cultural interchange with its partner choirs from different countries of the world. Thanks to the close and active contacts with our friends from Köln region for more than 10 years the choir gained a certain status. Number of CDs with variety of repertoire reflects high standards of performance and peculiarities of artistic style of the choir.

In the course of time many of the members of the choir finished their education and started working. That's why at this stage in 2006 the choir board decided to reflect a new status of the choir in a new name Cantus Albarutenicae (Singing of Belarus).

BELLE CANTO WOMEN'S ENSEMBLE, CANADA
The Belle Canto women's ensemble was founded in 1991 by director Heather Johnson. Originally a group of university students, the choir now consists of amateur singers from all walks of life. The women of the choir share a common interest in making music of the highest quality, and enjoy singing primarily a cappella music from all periods and styles. The choir particularly enjoys exploring the contemporary repertoire of Eastern Europe and Scandinavia and has recorded much of this repertoire on their CD Invocation.
Since its inception, this ensemble has received national and international recognition. Belle Canto has been honoured to receive first prize for women's choirs in three consecutive rounds of the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation's National Choral Competition, as well as an award for the best performance of a Canadian work by adult choirs in 2000. In July 2003, Belle Canto was invited to attend the 3rd annual International choral Olympics held in Bremen, Germany where they were awarded second place in the prestigious Women's Chamber choir category. Following the festival the choir gave concert performances during their tour of Germany and the Czech Republic. The choir travelled to Powell River, B.C. in July 1998 to participate in the international Choral Kathaumixw and was awarded first place in the Equal Voices category. As well, the choir has received consistent first place standings in the Canadian National Music Festival from 1995 through to 2005. In May 2006, Belle Canto has been invited to represent Alberta at the bi-ennial conference of the association of Canadian Choral Conductors, ChorPodium in Victoria, B.C. The choir is currently recording material for their second CD. Belle Canto 3rd Annual International Choral Olympics, Bremen, Germany 2nd Place, Women's Chamber Choirs - 2004 Finalists, Sacred Music, Gospel Music - 2004 CBC National Radio Competition for Amateur Choirs 1st Place, Women's choirs - 2002, 2000, 1998 2nd Place - 2006 Best Performance of Canadian Work - 2000 Richard W. Cooke Award, Canadian National Music Festival 1st Place, Ensembles - 2000 to 2006 City of Lincoln Award, Canadian National Music Festival 1st Place, Adult Choirs - 2006, 2005, 2004, 2002 2nd Place, Adult choirs - 2001 Alberta Provincial Music Festival - Adult Choirs 1st Place - 2001 to 2006 Alberta provincial Music Festival - Choral Ensembles 1st Place - 2000 to 2006 Rose Bowl Award - St Alberta Rotary Music festival 2004, 2003 Invited Choir of festival 500, St John's, Newfoundland - 2001 Invited Choir of ISME 2000 - Music Spheres, Edmonton, Alberta - 2000 International Choral Kathaumixw, Powell River, B.C. 1st Place, Women's Choirs - 1998

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BOHEMIACHOR,
CZECH REPUBLIC

Bohemiachora mixed choir from the Czech Republic, was founded in 1991. The choir is very special in several respects. It is comprised of singers coming from all over the Czech Republic (most of who are members or even conductors of other various choirs) and so the choir does not have regular rehearsals every week, but only weekend rehearsals several times a year and one ten-day rehearsing session in summer. At present, the choir has approximately 50 members, most of which have been with the choir for at least several years. Since the very beginning the main choirmaster has been Mr Jan Stanek, but the choir has two more assistant choirmasters, Mr Libor Sládek and Mrs Kamila Fojtová. Quite often we invite other guest conductors of international standing (both from the Czech Republic and other countries, e.g. from Slovakia, Germany and the U.S.A. - to name just a few) to rehearse with the choir some of their favourite pieces of choral music of various periods, chosen after the consultation with our choirmasters and the choir committee. This way, the choir builds its varied repertoire and ensures that it reflects modern trends and multi-cultural approach. During the rehearsing meetings, held in various towns and villages of our country, we give concerts, sometimes in cooperation with the local choirs or orchestras. Thus we bring our music to ordinary people even in small places, which we believe is an important aspect of our work. We have also made several CDs and recently we have been collecting our recordings for the next CD to be published next year. The choir regularly takes part in Czech and international music festivals and it has achieved some remarkable results. For example in 1997 it won the first prize at the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod where it was ranked among the four Choirs of the world and 2004 we were awarded silver medals at Choir Olympics in Bremen. FLORAKÖREN, FINLAND Florakören of Åbo Akademi University is an academic women's choir with around 40-60 active singers. Its goal is to provide its members with the opportunity to participate in ambitious and high-standard choral programmes. Florakören also works in close co-operation with Studentkören Brahe Djäknar (the men's choir of the University), Akademiska Orkestern (The Academic Symphony Orchestra of Åbo Akademi University) and Åbo Stadsorkester (Turku city orchestra) Florakören was founded in 1944. During its first years, the choir was conducted by Otto Andersson. His successor was Gottfrid Gräsbeck, who conducted both Florakören and Studentkören Brahe Djäknar for 35 years. Gräsbeck worked hard to develop the student choirs, who during this time became the most substantial representatives of Åbo Akademi University. Gräsbeck was followed by the choir's present conductor Ulf Långbacka in 1991, who took over the conductorship as part of his post as senior lecturer in music at the University. The choir has also been conducted by Heikki Seppänen in 2000-2001, during leave of absence by Långbacka. To prepare its participation in the Cork International Choral Festival, the choir will work with Hanna Kronqvist who will also be conducting the choir at the festival. Hanna Kronqvist (1980) graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Music Education from Turku Music academy in 2005. She currently conducts three choirs in Turku and is the artistic director of the youth musical group Loud'n'Proud. Florakören frequently goes on tour abroad and has performed e.g. in France, England, Spain, Estonia, Russia, the Czech Republic, Poland, Germany, Luxembourg, Iceland and the Scandinavia countries. In 1996 Florakören won second prize in the International Festival of academic choirs in Pardubice, Czech Republic. In 1998 Florakören together with Brahe Djäknar won the Evert Ekroth prize for Best Swedish-Speaking Musical Group in Finland. In 2003, the choir participated in the choral competition "Europe and its Songs" in Barcelona, and won first prize in its own category in addition to scoring an overall second place. Florakören's latest tour took the choir to the Baltic countries of Estonia and Latvia in August 2006. The year before, the choir went on tour to Canada and USA together with Brahe Djäknar. Florakören makes frequent recordings, regularly appears on television and radio and gives concerts throughout Finland. The choir offers a traditional spring concert each year, and its annual Christmas concerts with Brahe Djäknar and the Academic Symphony Orchestra are a given tradition for thousands of residents of Turku since 1956. NEW DUBLIN VOICES, IRELAND The Chamber Choir New Dublin Voices was assembled by well-known conductor Bernie Sherlock in October 2005 and went on to enjoy successful Christmas concerts at both the National Concert Hall, Dublin and the Waterfront Hall, Belfast. In February 2006 New Dublin Voices performed an all-Italian programme - Ciao Italia - ranging from Monteverdi to Dallapiccola at the national Gallery of Ireland. Soon after, the choir took part in the Feis Ceoil and won both the Culwick cup and the McAuliffe Cup in competitions adjudicated by Stephen Cleobury. New Dublin voices did well in its first visit to the Cork International Choral Festival where it won the Premier National Chamber Competition, the Contemporary Music Centre Trophy for music by a contemporary Irish composer, and the John Mannion Memorial Trophy on its way to being voted National Choir of the festival. The choir capped off these achievements by winning the Boyne Valley National Choir of the Year competition at the Navan Choral festival. NIDAROS CATHEDRAL CHOIR, NORWAY   Nidaros Cathedral Choir was established in 1946, and consists of 40 singers. The choir gives some 15 concerts yearly, and plays a central role in the cathedral services. The choir sets high standards for itself, aiming at performing the main sacred works from the rich repertoire of choir works. Pieces for a cappella choir are their main priority, but they also perform works with soloists and with orchestral accompaniment. The choir spans musical expressions ranging from Gregorian chants, via renaissance music sung in smaller groups, to pieces for double choir by contemporary composers. The choir has established a central position in the rich musical scene of Trondheim, and has been under the leadership of cantor Vivianne Sydnes since 2002. The choir has participated at the Trondheim Chamber Music Festival, and cooperates regularly with the Trondheim Symphony Orchestra, the Norwegian Baroque Orchestra and National Broadcasting. The activities include tours abroad; in July 2006 the choir performed in the Notre Dame cathedrals of Paris, Chartres and Rouen. About the conductor: Vivianne Sydnes (born 1974) received her education as church musician from the Norwegian Academy of Music in Oslo, and undertook a diploma degree in choir conducting from the Royal Academy of Music in Sweden. Sydnes has been Cantor in Nidaros Cathedral since 2002, where she leads both the Nidaros Cathedral Choir and the Nidaros Cathedral Oratorical Choir. Under her leadership the choirs yearly perform choral works of the great masters, including Bach, Brahms, Händel, Mozart, Mendelssohn, Rachmaninov and Duruflé. In addition she leads the choirs at a cappella concerts and during regular church service. Sydnes has premiered music by the Norwegian composers Torbjørn Dyrud, Ståle Kleiberg, Wolfgang Plagge, Henning Sommerro and Olav Anton Thommessen. Sydnes cooperates with professional singers from Norway and abroad, as well as with individual musicians and ensembles. Projects typically involve collaboration with the Trondheim Symphony Orchestra, the Trondheim Soloists, the Norwegian Baroque Orchestra and the Royal Norwegian Airforce Band. Beyond her responsibilities at the Cathedral, Sydnes is involved in cultural and liturgical work in the Church of Norway. In addition she is often involved as an instructor at courses for choirs and conductors in Norway and abroad. Sydnes is currently giving tuition in choir conducting at the Norwegian Academy of Music in Oslo. BYDGOSZCZ MUSIC ACADEMY CHAMBER CHOIR, POLAND   The choir came into existence in 1986 on Janusz Stanecki's initiative. The choir consists of students from faculties such as instrumental faculty, theory, composition and music education. There is Polish and European music from the middle ages to the present age in the repertoire of our choir. The choir cooperates with chamber orchestras from Bydgoszcz, Torun, Gdansk, Wloclawek and Bialystok. The most important achievements of our choir in latest time:-   International Choir Festival in Fivizzano (Italy) 1st Prize in Chamber Choirs Category - 1999 54 Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod - Great Britain 2000 2nd Prize in Chamber Choirs Category 3rd Prize in Youth Choirs Category 2nd Prize Polish National Festival Legnica Cantat - 2001 4th Prize International Festival Cantonigros, Spain 2001 3rd Prize International Choral Festival of Sacred Music in Rumia (Poland) 2002 Gold medal in Mixed Choirs Category Silver Medal in Chamber Choirs Category (Gold Medal not awarded) Silver Medal in Young Choirs Category (Gold Medal not awarded) International Choir Contest of Sacred Music Preveza - Greece - 2003. A Diploma with the result: Tres Bien - International Festival - Montreux - 2004 Grand Concert in Pomeranian Philharmony in Bydgoszcz - G. F. Handel - Messiah - Paul Esswood conductor 2005 Grand Prix - National Polish Festival Legnica Cantat 2006 V International Choral Festival - San Juan (Argentina) and Concert Tour in Argentina (Buenos Aires, Mendoza, Rosario) 2006.

KONGL. TEKNOLOGKÖREN, SWEDEN Kongl. Teknologkören - originally founded in 1930 - is the official student choir of the Royal Institute of Technology (KTH) in Stockholm, Sweden, where most of the 35-40 members are studying engineering sciences. Our repertoire includes both sacred and profane music from a wide variety of countries and time periods.

THE WAYNE STATE UNIVERSITY CONCERT CHORALE, U.S.A. The Wayne State University Concert Chorale is a mixed choral ensemble from the Department of Music. A mixed ensemble of 30 voices, this highly select choral emsemble performs literature of the 16th through 21st centuries, including compositions with orchestra and works in contemporary formats. The concert chorale strives, through its diverse and demanding repertoire, to bring its audiences the best choral literature performed with the highest possible artistry and professionalism.

The Concert Chorale has performed throughout the United States and Europe and has produced two critically acclaimed recordings. Its International appearances have included performances at the International Eisteddfod choral Festival in Llangollen, Wales and at the International Festival of choirs at the Adam Mickiewicza University in Poznan, Poland.

As music ambassadors from a major research institution located in the heart of the City of Detroit, Michigan, the Concert Chorale presents many concerts in Metropolitan Detroit area, particularly where such presentations are not readily available.

On a more recent note, The Wayne State University received an invitation to perform at the annual Michigan American Choral Director's Association's fall convention.

The Conductor
Norah Duncan IV is Associate Chair and Associate Professor of Music at Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan (USA). He is the director of the Wayne State University Concert Chorale, and coordinator of the many choral concerts presented by the Department of Music.

Duncan received Bachelor of arts degree from the University of Detroit, A Master of Music degree from Wayne state University, and a Doctor of Musical Arts degree from the University of Michigan.

Norah Duncan IV is a multi-faceted musician. As an organist, he has performed extensively in both the United States and Europe. Recently, he presented organ recitals in Trier, Germany and Sydney, Australia. He is a champion of organ works by American composers, in particular, organ works by African American composers.

As a liturgical musician, Dr Duncan has been Music director for the Cathedral of the Most Blessed sacrament of the archdiocese of Detroit for over 26 years, both planning and directing music for both major Archdiocesan liturgies and local parish celebrations. He is the second longest serving Roman Catholic Cathedral musician in the country. Among his greatest achievements as liturgical musician was as director of music for the historic visit of Pope John Paul II to Detroit in 1987. With the Benedictine Monastery in Solesmes, France, Norah established the Gregorian Institute of Detroit for the study of Gregorian chant. He has presented papers on liturgical music at International Congresses, clinics and workshops in Rome, Dublin, and for the Diocese of Engu and the archdiocese of Abuja, in Nigeria.

As an editorial consultant, Duncan has been on the editorial review board for Oregon Catholic Press, and presently is a member of the music review committee for the revision of "Lead Me, Guide Me" the African American Catholic Hymnal. He is also a member of the Education Board of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra.

As a Choral Director, Norah has presented major concerts under the Cathedral cultural series with the Archdiocesan Chorus and Orchestra. He has also conducted the chorus in concerts in England, France, Ireland and Eastern Europe. Furthermore, Norah has collaborated in the production of major concerts with the Wayne State university choral ensembles, the Brazeal Dennard Chorale ensembles, the Grosse Pointe Symphony Orchestra, the Detroit Symphony Civic Orchestra and the Detroit Symphony Orchestra. In both 2004 and 2005, Dr Duncan directed the Michigan Youth Choral Emsemble in Carnegie Hall in New York.

Norah Duncan is the recipient of the award for Excellence for Musical Direction from the American College theatre Festival, Washington DC, the Sr Thea Bowman award of the Archdiocese of Detroit, the Spirit of Detroit award, the mother Teresa Duchemin Award for exemplary community service, and in 2006 became the first recipient of the "Changing Lives Through Music" Award presented to him by Anne Parsons, President of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra.