The golden lyre of Tuchel to the Maribor Chamber Choir by Hugo Wolf

The Mariborski Komorni zbor Hugo Wolf has emerged as the winner of this year’s prestigious "Zlata lipa Tuhlja" international choral competition held in Croatia. This marks the ensemble's first major victory on the international stage, solidifying its reputation as one of the most accomplished choirs in the region. The competition, now in its 17th edition, attracted 16 participating choirs from Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Slovenia, making it one of the most significant regional choral events. Among the participants were two other Slovenian choirs—Vokalna akademija Ljubljana and Mešani pevski zbor Prosavus from Trbovelj—which received special recognitions for their programs and performances, respectively. The final round saw six top choirs competing, with the Mariborski Komorni zbor Hugo Wolf ultimately securing the grand prize of the golden linden tree.

The choir, which brings together 40 singers under the artistic direction of vocal pedagogue Aleš Marčič and young conductor Mira Podlesnik Marčič, delivered a performance that impressed the jury and audience alike. The ensemble was awarded the golden linden tree for its overall excellence, while soprano Dora Ožvald was named the best soloist of the competition. Additionally, the choir was honored with a special recognition for its contemporary composition, highlighting its commitment to innovation within traditional choral music. The jury, composed of experts from Croatia, Serbia, and Slovenia—including Antoaneta Radočaj-Jerković, Zorica Kozlovački, and Tadeja Vulc—evaluated each choir based on criteria such as musical interpretation, technical precision, and cultural relevance.

The "Zlata lipa Tuhlja" competition has been hosted by the Cultural and Artistic Society (KUD) Naša lipa Tuhelj for 17 years, during which time over 150 choirs from seven countries have participated. This annual event serves as a platform for showcasing the diversity and richness of choral art across Europe. The competition is considered one of the most important regional choral festivals, drawing both local and international attention. It also provides opportunities for choirs to gain exposure and network with professionals in the field, furthering their artistic growth and visibility.

The Mariborski Komorni zbor Hugo Wolf was founded in 2010 on the occasion of the 150th anniversary of the birth of composer Hugo Wolf, who had Slovenian roots. The choir was established by the Association of German-speaking Women of Most in Maribor, with the aim of using music to connect diverse cultures. This mission is reflected in the selection of repertoire and the structure of concert programs, which often feature works that highlight historical and cultural connections between regions. The choir also pays particular attention to preserving the memory of forgotten composers and musicians associated with Maribor, contributing to the city’s rich musical heritage.

Looking ahead, the choir is set to take on another challenge by participating in the International Choral Competition in French Provence, scheduled to take place from July 4 to July 7 in Saint-Raphael. This upcoming event represents a new opportunity for the choir to expand its reach beyond the Balkans and engage with an even broader international audience. The participation in such competitions underscores the choir’s dedication to excellence and its role as a representative of Maribor’s cultural identity on the global stage. As the choir continues to grow and evolve, it remains committed to its founding principles of fostering cross-cultural dialogue through the power of music.