On October 9, at the Poznań General Music School concert hall, the Folkloristic Group “Wielkopolanie” organized provincial qualifiers for the 2nd National Vocal Competition named after Stanisław Jopek.

The cooperation between the National Folk Song and Dance Group “Mazowsze” and the Provincial Public Library and the Center for Cultural Animation began in 2019, when both institutions signed a cooperation agreement. The library became a regional representative for the entire Greater Poland, and it entrusted organizational activities to the Folkloristic Group “Wielkopolanie” operating within its structures.

The patron of the competition is the legendary soloist of the “Mazowsze” group, Stanisław Jopek, and the program of the competition includes works from the repertoire of this soloist and the entire ensemble.

Each of the contenders for the victory came to the auditions with the accompanist or the band; he could also present his vocal skills with the accompaniment played from a sound carrier or sing a’capella. The competition regulations provided for four age categories: 8-13 years old, 14-19 years old, 20-25 years old and 26+.

Stage I of the auditions took place in 16 local partner institutions all over Poland; in each province. 24 soloists from all over Wielkopolska participated in the competition in Poznań during the provincial qualifications.

During this year’s edition, the five-person Jury awarded many prizes, including:

– 1st place in category II Maja Murmiłło, dancer of “Wielkopolanie” and

– 2nd place in cat. I Helena Mikołajczak, dancer of the children’s group “Wielkopolanie”.

The girls for the Competition were prepared by Zuzanna Paprzycka – Powel, violinist of “Wielkopolanie”

The management of the Provincial Public Library and the Cultural Animation Center as well as the management of the Wielkopolanie Folk Group would like to thank all participants for their participation and congratulate the winners. It was them, in each age category, who were invited to participate in the second stage, which will take place at the seat of the “Mazowsze” Group in Otrębusy. The winners of the Competition will perform during the Gala Concert with the “Mazowsza” choir, orchestra and ballet on November 27, 2021.

PK