The Maribor Chamber Choir Hugo Wolf won the world summit: "When our name was spoken, tears of happiness also flowed"

The Maribor-based choir Hugo Wolf has claimed victory at an esteemed international choral competition held in France, marking one of the most significant achievements in its history. The choir, composed of around 40 amateur singers of varying ages, was recognized by an international jury for its exceptional performance and artistic excellence, earning the coveted Grand Prix. This triumph underscores the growing reputation of Slovenian choral music on the global stage. The competition featured 26 choirs from 16 countries, with eight finalists competing for the top prize in their respective categories. The Hugo Wolf choir participated in two categories, sacred and mixed choirs, and showcased a diverse repertoire spanning from early musical periods through to contemporary compositions. Their performance impressed both the judges and audience alike, particularly with the piece Valovi, composed by their choir director, Meta. According to choir director Aleš Marčič, the composition’s compelling musical structure and effective choreography played a key role in capturing the attention of the jury and spectators. The preparation for the competition began in January, with intensive rehearsals and additional meetings. The choir organized two concentrated preparation weekends, one in Lendava and another in the form of a workshop led by renowned Slovenian choir director Rahelo Durić. These efforts were aimed at ensuring the highest level of performance, reflecting the choir’s commitment to quality and artistic depth. The Hugo Wolf choir traces its origins back to 2010, founded by the German-speaking women's society in Most in honor of the 150th anniversary of the death of world-renowned composer Hugo Wolf, who had lived in Maribor during his youth. Today, the choir continues this legacy by promoting high-quality choral singing and exploring rich international choral literature. Its programming is characterized by thoughtful selection and a distinct focus on composers associated with Maribor, significant musical anniversaries, and the encouragement of Slovenian composers. The choir’s unique identity lies in its well-thought-out programming approach. While it does not claim uniqueness, its specific direction sets it apart. The group emphasizes a balanced and varied repertoire, ranging from Renaissance and Baroque works to modern compositions. This careful curation reflects a deep understanding of historical context and contemporary relevance. The competition proved to be highly challenging, with all finalists delivering outstanding performances. Despite initial uncertainty about their chances, the choir remained confident in their abilities. When the results were announced, the moment of recognition was unforgettable. As Marčič described, the announcement of the choir’s name after a tense silence brought immense joy and disbelief. Tears of happiness were evident among the performers and members of the choir, highlighting the emotional impact of the achievement. This success follows the choir’s earlier win at an international competition in Tuhl, reinforcing its position among the world’s finest choirs. However, Marčič acknowledges that each new award brings greater responsibility. He believes that receiving such recognition goes beyond the boundaries of the choir itself, affirming that excellent Slovenian choirs truly belong among the best globally. Looking ahead, the choir plans to launch four distinct concert projects in the autumn. These include a concert featuring some of the world’s most beautiful lullabies, a project titled (Iz)vir življenja focusing on the symbolism of water and love, and participation in the premiere of a new oratorio 800. These initiatives reflect the choir’s ongoing dedication to innovation and artistic exploration.