Kamerton, the choir of the Witold Lutosławski State Music School of the first degree in Bolesławiec, will take part in the International Choir Festival “Musica Religiosa”, which will be held on 3–4 April in Olomouc, Czech Republic. The trip received financial support from: the Municipality of Bolesławiec, Junior S.C. Mieczysław and Andrzej Seneszyn, Stalbet, Techbol, Mirko company and private individuals.
The Bolesławiec choir will perform five pieces, including the song “Our Father” arranged by the conductor and director of Kamerton – Aleksandra Samostrokova. The choir’s participation in the Czech festival is not accidental. “Sacred music plays the main role in our repertoire. That is where we started,” says Samostrokov. Kamerton often provides musical accompaniment for Masses at the Shrine of the Assumed Mother of the Church. The choir’s tradition also includes “The Passion According to St John”, performed every year on Good Friday at the Church of Our Lady of Perpetual Help.
In addition to sacred music, Kamerton’s repertoire includes spirituals, folk songs and works by contemporary composers. The choir has existed since 1999 and has approximately 50 members. It has achieved many successes, including the Golden and Silver Bells of Lubin and second prize at the Ukrainian Golden Orpheus festival.
How does the conductor assess his students’ chances at the Czech festival? “I am not going there to win. I want my children to hear how other choirs sing. This greatly stimulates development,” explains Aleksandr Samostrokov. “But if we win some award, I will be very happy,” he adds.
(information ii)