Dear participants of the ABB 2023 festival, dear guests,
On behalf of the Matej Bel University, I warmly welcome you to the beautiful town below Urpín, in the city of Banská Bystrica. It is a city that, with its central location, tourist attractiveness and cultural background, is precisely created to be associated not only with scientific and research, sports, but also with artistic activities.
The Akademická Banská Bystrica Festival began its tradition in 1985, and these days we have the opportunity to participate in its twentieth jubilee year. Over the years, the ABB festival has become not only an integral part of the life of Matej Bel University, but also of cultural Europe. It appeals to lovers of choral singing in the university, but also in the high school environment. I am glad that despite the hectic times, there are still enough young people who devote their time, effort and energy to cultural traditions and quality musical art. I believe that they will use their experience not only in student choir competitions, but also in the development of choral singing in various corners of Slovakia and Europe.
Our university appreciates the participation of all choirs that have applied for this year's festival and will participate in any of the three sections (high school choir competition, mixed choir competition and sacred music competition), as well as the participation of choirs in individual concerts. Our respect and thanks also go to all the teachers and students who devote their time and effort to representing their educational institutions at this year's festival. The ABB Festival could not take place without the enthusiastic and self-sacrificing approach of the preparatory committee and without the financial, personal and material support of the organizers.
I wish the Akademická Banská Bystrica 2023 festival a successful and trouble-free course, flawless artistic performances, fair decisions of the judges, and especially unforgettable cultural experiences for all participants, guests and the general public.
doc. Ing. Mgr. et Mgr. Miroslava Knapková, PhD.
the president of the festival
Dear participants of the Academic Banská Bystrica!
The meeting of high school and university choirs of various categories is a holiday in itself. This year, however, the international competition festival has even more reason to celebrate. The jubilee, twentieth year, will, I believe, once again be a confirmation of the traditionally high level of quality of the performing arts.
I am proud that our city in the heart of Slovakia has become an established venue for the prestigious festival. Members of choirs from various corners of Slovakia and abroad have this spring date marked in their calendars, and I am happy that they will be resounding in Banská Bystrica for a few days with captivating tones of choir singing. Thanks to its focus, the festival is rich in its uniqueness. It offers not only the interpretation of the works of the old masters, but also the opportunity to get acquainted with the work of contemporary composers. And in addition, what gives it charm and attractiveness is its competitive nature and high level, which is guarded by the members of the international expert jury.
Music as a universal language and within it captivating choral singing is a phenomenon that cannot be resisted. I am convinced that this truth will be repeatedly confirmed during the current, 20th year of the festival. It is also an opportunity to take stock of the previous decades, compare, evaluate, and get inspired. Last but not least, it is important to once again express our gratitude and admiration to the organizers. Without their enthusiasm, commitment and endless hours of preparation, the meeting of lovers and connoisseurs of choral singing would not be at such a high level, which it can rightly be proud of.
Ladies and gentlemen, friends of Akademická Banská Bystrica,
let me conclude by expressing my thanks to the organizers, admiration to all whose singing performances will make our city resound and an invitation to those who desire the musical beauty and harmony of choral singing. Welcome to Banská Bystrica! Let the jubilee Academic Banská Bystrica bring us joy from the tones of youth.
Ján Nosko
the mayor of Banská Bystrica
Dear guests, lovers of choral singing!
It is my pleasure to welcome you to the jubilee, 20th year of the festival Academic Banská Bystrica, 2023. The history of this event began in 1985 and since then it has become an important cultural event with its importance exceeding the borders of the region.
I would like to express my gratitude to all those who participated in the establishment of the festival, its preparation and development as a meeting place for young people to showcase their performing arts and spread its beauty and cultivate this noble art as an important component of our cultural and artistic identity. I would like to thank everyone who supported and continues to support the festival with their expertise, organizational skills, and moral support. Gratitude goes to all those who have participated during the 20 years and will participate in this event this year as well. Without them, this festival would not be possible. I appreciate the time you spent preparing for the festival, the time you spend cultivating the art of music. I believe that this sacrifice will be returned to you in the form of appreciation by the listeners and the joy you bring to them with your art.
I very much appreciate that even after a difficult period caused by the unexpected interruption of most cultural events, we can meet again on the grounds of the Matej Bel University, in the city in the heart of Slovakia, in Banská Bystrica, and once again stir up the choir life, from which, I firmly believe, you you too will take a grain of joy to your schools and homes, so that it can continue to grow, strengthen and bring joy to all who will listen to you.
I wish you a pleasant time spent, deep cultural and artistic enjoyment and excellent performances!
Pavel Martinka
Artistic director and director of the festival secretariat