Time is inexorably running out, and it seems that not long ago the traditional XXII International Stasys
Simkus Choir Competition, won by the American BYU Singers under the artistic direction of Andrew Crane, has just ended, and the XXIII International Stasys
Simkus Choir Competition is on the
doorstep.
The competition, which was cultivated little by little for more than 48 years by the Klaipėda city choirmasters and later by the Klaipėda city choral society "Aukuras", has developed into an international choir competition. Thanks to the efforts of its creators and main organisers - Assoc. Prof. Vytautas Blūšius, Assoc. Prof. Robertas Varnas, Prof. Algis Zaboras and the current Council of the Klaipėda City Choir Community "Aukuras", the competition has become a solid phenomenon of choral culture with its own traditions, a great deal of experience, a recognised international choral genre event, and is well-known not only in Klaipėda, Lithuania, and Europe, but also in a wider world.
This competition, which is known as a competition for the selection of well-known Lithuanian and foreign ensembles of high artistic level. The jury of the competition is composed of renowned Lithuanian and foreign choirmasters.
The International Competition in Klaipėda is a continuation of Klaipėda's choral traditions, supplemented by a choral competition, and at the same time a promotion and recognition of our city in the international arena. Of course, for the city of Klaipėda it is a great honour and a great responsibility.
The 23rd International Stasys Šimkus Choir Competition will take place in Vilnius this year. The 20thXXXXIIIth St.Šimkus Choir Competition will take place on 16-19 May in Klaipėda Concert Hall (Šaulių st. 36) and Klaipėda Martian Queen of Peace Church (Rumpiškės st. 6, Klaipėda).
The organisers are the Klaipėda City Choral Society "Aukuras", in cooperation with Klaipėda Municipality and the Lithuanian National Culture Centre.
Chairman of the Competition Commission, Prof. Dr. Paweł Łukaszewski, one of the most famous representatives of Polish sacred and choral music in the world, choir conductor and composer.
COMPETITION PROGRAM05/16/2024 / Thursday
5:00 p.m. – Competition opening and concert in Klaipėda Concert Hall (Šaulių St. 36, Klaipėda)
05/17/2024 / FridayROUND I OF THE COMPETITION at the Klaipėda Concert Hall (Šaulių St. 36, Klaipėda)
10:00 a.m. – Children's choir competition (category D).
12:05 p.m. – Competition of equal voices choirs (category B)
3:00 p.m. – Folk choirs (category G)
7:00 p.m. – Concerts in Klaipėda, Kretinga, Palanga05/18/2024 / SaturdayROUND I OF THE COMPETITION at the Klaipėda Concert Hall (Šaulių St. 36, Klaipėda)
9:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. – Mixed choirs (category A)COMPETITION ROUND I Klaipėda Mary Queen of Peace Church (Rumpiškės St. 6, Klaipėda)
4:00 p.m. – Sacred music (category E)
7:00 p.m. – Concerts in Klaipėda, Palanga, Plunge
05/19/2024 / SundayKlaipėda Concert Hall (Šaulių St. 36, Klaipėda)
9:30 a.m. – Seminar for choir directors and guests. Choir conductors and members of the evaluation committeemeeting and discussion "Current affairs of our choral life"
12:00 p.m. – BIG AMBER prize competition (Competition Round II)
3:00 p.m. – Concert "Friends for Friends" by choirs, contestants
4:00 p.m. – Awarding of competition winners, presentation of special prizes. BIG and SMALLAnnouncement of the results of the GINTARO prize competition and awards. Laureate concert. Competitionclosure
