Carmen Manet (Slovenia) wins Eurovision Choir of the Year 2017
Fantastic show, fantastic choirs in Arena Riga
Thousands of people were thrilled by the high-level performances of amateur choirs from all over Europe in Arena Riga on Saturday evening. Nine terrific acts and a fantastic show climaxed in the awarding of the Eurovision Choir of the Year 2017: Carmen Manet from Slovenia, conducted by Primož Kerštanj convinced the jury with an impressive performance of victory with Scarf (Music: Katarina Pustinek Rakar / Lyrics: Traditional) and And So We Dance in Resia (Music: Samo Vovk / Lyrics: Samo Vovk, Ljoba Jenče, Matej Šekli, Barbara Grahor, Silvana Paletti).
The jury members – British composer John Rutter, Latvian mezzosoprano Elīna Garanča and Swiss conductor Nicolas Fink – were amazed by the choir’s stage presence, technical skills and passion. John Rutter, commenting the competition and its concept, said, ‘I am looking forward to this competition immensely. At this turbulent time in the political history of our world, it is more important than ever to show how music and singing can bring people together in harmony. The competition promises to be exciting and I am sure it will be difficult to decide who is the winner, but in a way, everyone wins when the music is glorious and the spirits of the singers are high.‘
Along with the title “Eurovision Choir of the Year 2017” the singers of Carmen manet were awarded a special prize from the City of Riga – a trophy made by Vineta Groza, professor of the Latvian Academy of Fine Arts. Elīna Garanča, mezzosoprano and jury member, presented the trophy to the winner in the name of the City of Riga.
The show was broadcasted by 12 public televisions across Europe.
Eurovision Choir of the Year, organized by EBU and German-based festival promoter INTERKULTUR is an addition to the Eurovision Family of Events led by the well-known Eurovision Song Contest. Eurovision Choir of The Year takes place within the leading international competitions Grand Prix of Nations Riga 2017 & 3rd European Choir Games, organized by INTERKULTUR in collaboration with LIVE RIGA. 150 choirs from all over the world gather for this event in Riga.
More about information about the show can be found at www.eurovisionchoir.tv.
