International success
“Cantu Gaudeamus,” held in Bialystok since 2016, was established by local enthusiasts of choral singing. The competition is open to non-professional ensembles from all over the world. The international jury includes experienced conductors and experts in early music. Since the beginning, the artistic director has been Dr. Anna Moniuszko — the initiator and coordinator of Białystok’s “Music of the Baroque Masters” concert cycle and recipient of the Mayor of Białystok’s Arts Award.
The choirs compete in four categories, including: adult choirs and vocal ensembles, children and youth choirs, musica sacra (sacred music), and contemporary music. Each choir can participate in up to 3 categories.
SWPS University Choir performing at “Cantu Gaudeamus”
This year, SWPS University Choir was awarded the Silver Diploma in the adult choirs category, tying with EUFEME Female Choir and Wytwornia Jazz Choir. AFFECTUS Vocal Ensemble from Poznań won first place.
The choristers were required to perform four multi-voice compositions, including one piece written before 1950, one written after 1950, and two pieces of their own choice. In addition, they had to sing at least three of them a cappella.
You can watch all the performances below. SWPS University Choir’s audition begins in the 21st minute of the first video.
The jury included Professor Vaclovas Augustinas from the Lithuanian Academy of Music and Theatre, Professor Jolanta Szybalska-Matczak from the Karol Lipiński Academy of Music in Wrocław, Professor Wioletta Miłkowska, conductor and artistic director of the Bialystok University of Technology Choir and Choir of The Voivodship Headquarters of The Police in Bialystok, and Dr. Zoltán Pad, chief conductor of the Hungarian Radio Choir.
You can watch the results announcement below.
About SWPS University Choir
SWPS University Choir sings early and contemporary music, classical, pop, and folk music from around the world, as well as a variety of church music. The choir participates in various musical events, such as concerts, festivals, and choral competitions. Over the past 20 years, the choir has performed over 150 times and participated in more than 20 festivals and competitions in Poland and abroad.
In 2021, the choir released a unique album in collaboration with the Bastarda Trio, recorded in celebration of the choir's 20th jubilee and the 25th jubilee of SWPS University. “Kołowrót” is a musical journey into Polish traditions, ceremonials, and rituals related to the changing seasons. The album was named the best jazz album of 2021 by JazzPRESS and RadioJAZZ.FM. It also won second place in the Folk Phonograph of 2021, a competition held by the Polish Radio Centre for Folk Culture.
Learn more about SWPS University Choir