KGBL CHAMBER CHOIR

ČAS for mixed choir (SATB div.) a cappella Text: Jakob Šešerko (1914–1995) Music by: Lojze Lebič (b. 1934) Composed: 1980 / this version: 2016 PREMIERE PERFORMANCE / LIVE RECORDING: 14th International Choral Competition ''Gallus'', Maribor (Slovenia) Grand Prix, April 23, 2017, Unionska dvorana, Maribor The Chamber Choir of the Ljubljana Conservatory for Music and Ballet, Slovenia Ambrož Čopi, Conductor Video provided by JSKD RS About the composer: Lojze Lebič (b. 1934) graduated from the University of Ljubljana in archaeology, composition and conducting. His compositional style originates from the musical association Pro musica viva, however, he deepened his knowledge in Darmstadt, where he became acqainted with modern compositional trends. Through his studies, he crystallized his own musical language. He was an active educator – he lectured at the Faculty of Education in Ljubljana and at the Musicology department of the Faculty of Arts in Ljubljana; and an outstanding conductor – important choirs such as APZ Tone Tomšič and Chamber choir RTV Ljubljana performed around the Europe and recorded with well-known producers under his leadership. Lebič’s style combines sophisticated modernity and fascination with cultural inheritance, and leans towards musical universality – however, he still creates keen socially sensible music of his time. His music flows between the majestic sound and meditative quietness. Many awards and memberships prove that Lojze Lebič is an accomplished composer in Slovenia as well as abroad: memberships of Slovenian Academy of Sciences and Arts, Royal Academies for Science and the Arts of Belgium, Croatian Academy of Sciences and Arts; and honourable membership of the Slovenian Philharmonic Society. The composer on his work: The composition ČAS (Time) dates in 1980, when the lyrics of my vocal compositions became less personal, and the music more disobedient. The piece is a meditation about circling of the time – not the linear progress as is instructed and shown by today’s mechanization, artificial intelligence, technical toys … but the circular appearance, as “time past and time future are both present in the time present”. Also the lyrics by Jakob Šešerko (1914 – 1995) and the form of the composition are supporting this idea: first conjuring of the nature, then a metaphor for entrapped time, and finally its end and returning. Compositions was written in last decades of the 20th century on initiative of my Carinthian compatriots and conductor Jožko Kert. The version for mixed choir was created in 2016 on the initiative of Ambrož Čopi and the KGBL Chamber Choir. Čas navije klobčič niti, spredenih iz živih bitij, jih nastavi poleg statev. Človek tke si šoto sreče, dokler čas se ne izteče, dokler nit se ne pretrga. Ko pa zadnja nit poteče, in ko šota se raztrga... ..., času se rodi - NOV ČAS --- *** Time winds up a ball of threads, weaved from living beings, set them next to the loom. Man weaves his turf of happiness, until the time runs out, until the thread is torn. When the last thread expires, and when the thread tears up ... ..., to time - a NEW TIME - is born (Non-edited translation by Vito Primožič). Slovenian text and English translation prepared by Rebeka Dobravec Editing for youtube channel prepared by Matej Kastelic and Tom Varl Conservatory of Music and Ballet Ljubljana, Slovenia / Konservatorij za glasbo in balet Ljubljana (http://www.kgbl.si) Sheet Music Published by Astrum Music Publication, Slovenia-Europe (www.astrum.si) Copyright © 2020 by KGBL Chamber Choir (https://www.choirkgbl.eu)

OTCHE NASH for mixed choir (SSA TBB) a cappella  Text: Old Church Slavonic Music by Matej Kastelic (1994) Composed: August 4, 2021  Dedicated to Conductor Ambrož Čopi and KGBL Chamber Choir ONLINE PREMIERE:  December 30, 2021 Posneto 5. decembra 2021, Cerkev sv. Terezije deteta Jezusa na Kodeljevem, Ljubljana / Recorded December 5, 2021, Church of St. Theresa of the Child Jesus at Kodeljevo, Ljubljana The Chamber Choir of the Ljubljana Conservatory for Music and Ballet, Slovenia  Ambrož Čopi, Conductor Отьчє нашь Отче нашъ, иже еси на небесехъ, да свѧтитьсѧ имѧ Твое, да прiидетъ царствiе Твое. Да бѫдетъ воля Твоя яко на небеси и на земли. Хлѣбъ нашъ насѫщьнъ даждь намъ дьньсь, и остави намъ длъгы нашѧ, яко[же] и мы оставляемъ длъжникомъ нашимъ. И не въведи насъ въ искушенiе, нъ избави [насъ] от лѫкавого. яко твое есть царствiе и сила и слава въ вѣкы. Аминь. Our Father Our Heavenly Father, hallowed be Thy Name,Thy Kingdom come, Thy Will be done,on Earth, as it is in Heaven.Give us this day our daily bread,and forgive us our trespasses,as we forgive those who trespass against us.And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory,for ever and ever.Amen. Composer about composition: After a long period of studying Alfred Schnittke"s Choir concertos and his other choral compositions, I decided to compose an Orthodox prayer Otche nash as a "hommage" to Schnittke. The composition is six-parted SSA TBB, sopranos are divided for colors, basses for vertical harmonic density. I was insisting on having just one part tenors and altos for stability and powerful sound. Female and male sections are constructed as three voices - minor and major chords which are sectional independent, but together sounding bicordal. From the view of music dramaturgy "Otche nash (Our Father)" is firstly presented as a majestic hymn full of sound, then it slowly goes to pianissimo as a humble prayer. Then there is the espressivo part "da budet volya Tvoya (thy will be done)", which slowly goes to the higher voices "yako na nebesi (as it is in heaven)" and to the lowest "i na zemli (on earth). "Khleb nash (Give us this day our daily bread)" is a very dark part composed as an argument of people weeping for a daily piece of bread. The musical climax goes to the forte fortissimo ("yakozhe i mi ostavlyayem dolzhnikom nashim (as we forgive those who trespass against us)" then there is a temptation part, more eteric and spectral. I concluded with the unisono espressivo line "no izbavi nas ot lukavago (deliver us from evil)" which leads to reprise of "Otche nash" - humble prayer. The composition also includes "Yako tvoye jest tcarstvije i sila i slava vo vyekim. Amin.", a common phrase in Orthodox liturgy. The last chord "Amin" has open fourths as an unfinished question in the way: is there a light or dark. You decide. About the composer:  One of the youngest Slovenian composers Matej Kastelic (b. 1994) is currently finishing his Master’s degree at Academy for Music in Ljubljana. He composes mainly choral music, though he was writing music for the theatre in the last year. His musical language is very penetrating, exposing the highlights of the lyrics, which he chooses very attentively. However young, Kastelic’s music has already been performed worldwide – at festivals and competitions of choral music.  English translation prepared by Rebeka Dobravec  Design and editing for youtube channel prepared by Matej Kastelic  Audio and video recording by Žiga Čopi Conservatory of Music and Ballet Ljubljana, Slovenia / Konservatorij za glasbo in balet Ljubljana (http://www.kgbl.si)  Sheet Music Published by Astrum Music Publication, Slovenia-Europe (www.astrum.si)  Copyright © 2021 by KGBL Chamber Choir (https://www.choirkgbl.eu)

AVE REGINA CAELORUM for mixed choir (SSATB-div) a cappella Text: Marian antiphon Music by: Tine Bec (b. 1993) Composed: August 28, 2021 Dedicated to conductor Ambrož Čopi and KGBL Chamber Choir ONLINE PREMIERE:  December 29, 2021 (20:00) Posneto 5. 12. 2021, Cerkev sv. Terezije deteta Jezusa na Kodeljevem, Ljubljana / Recorded December 5, 2021, Church of St. Theresa of the Child Jesus at Kodeljevo, Ljubljana The Chamber Choir of the Ljubljana Conservatory for Music and Ballet, Slovenia  Ambrož Čopi, Conductor Ave, Regina cælorum Ave, Regina cælorum ave, Domina angelorum, salve, radix, salve, porta ex qua mundo lux est orta. Gaude, Virgo gloriosa, super omnes speciosa; vale, o valde decora, et pro nobis Christum exora. Hail, o Queen of Heaven enthroned Hail, o Queen of Heaven enthroned, hail, by angels mistress owned, root of Jesse, Gate of Morn whence the world's true light was born. Glorious Virgin, Joy to thee, loveliest whom in heaven they see; fairest thou, where all are fair, plead with Christ our souls to spare. Composer about composition: Ave Regina Caelorum was written during the COVID pandemic in 2020. The short piece is part of a cycle of three compositions all starting with Ave as a greeting to the Virgin Mary. In the midst of all things COVID I wanted to compose something cheerful. I went back to some of my old ways and found a Gregorian chant with Ave Regina Caeloum text and started improvising – singing and piano. Improvising Gregorian chants is one of my favorite musical activities and it gives me a lot of ideas about different rhythmic possibilities and harmonies. The improvisation led to the piece being written mostly in mixolydian mode and a constant mixture between 6/8 and 3/4 measurements, creating a kind of hemiolic feel. Every voice sings the Gregorian chant melody or a variant of the melody at least once and there are fragments of double choirs and imitations throughout the piece. The lively and diverse rhythmical structures indicate joyfulness. About the composer: Vocal and vocal-instrumental music of young Slovenian composer Tine Bec is smooth and light, but in order to sound like this it requires devotion. Bec (b. 1993) studied composition with professor Jani Golob at Academy for Music in Ljubljana and graduated in 2018. His mentor for choral composition was Ambrož Čopi. He was member of many choirs during his studies and learned from best conductors in Slovenia. Today he teaches music and conducts various vocal groups. His compositions are often rewarded on competitions, and always well accepted among international public. English translation prepared by Rebeka Dobravec Editing for youtube channel prepared by Matej Kastelic Conservatory of Music and Ballet Ljubljana, Slovenia / Konservatorij za glasbo in balet Ljubljana (http://www.kgbl.si) Sheet Music: Published by Astrum Music Publication, Slovenia-Europe (www.astrum.si) Copyright © 2021 by KGBL Chamber Choir (https://www.choirkgbl.eu)

Lojze Lebič: FČELICA ZLETEILA … (after the folk motifs from Prekmurje, East Slovenia) for mixed choir (SATB div.) a cappella Text: folk song Music by: Lojze Lebič (1934) Composed: 1991 / This version: 2016 LIVE RECORDING: Video provided by Tolosa Choral Contest 49th Tolosa Choral Contest November 2–5 , 2017 Leidor Theatre in Tolosa (Basque Country, Spain). KGBL Chamber Choir Ambrož Čopi, conductor About the composer: Lojze Lebič (b. 1934) graduated from the University of Ljubljana in archaeology, composition and conducting. His compositional style originates from the musical association Pro musica viva, however, he deepened his knowledge in Darmstadt, where he became acqainted with modern compositional trends. Through his studies, he crystallized his own musical language. He was an active educator – he lectured at the Faculty of Education in Ljubljana and at the Musicology department of the Faculty of Arts in Ljubljana; and an outstanding conductor – important choirs such as APZ Tone Tomšič and Chamber choir RTV Ljubljana performed around the Europe and recorded with well-known producers under his leadership. Lebič’s style combines sophisticated modernity and fascination with cultural inheritance, and leans towards musical universality – however, he still creates keen socially sensible music of his time. His music flows between the majestic sound and meditative quietness. Many awards and memberships prove that Lojze Lebič is an accomplished composer in Slovenia as well as abroad: memberships of Slovenian Academy of Sciences and Arts, Royal Academies for Science and the Arts of Belgium, Croatian Academy of Sciences and Arts; and honourable membership of the Slovenian Philharmonic Society. The composer on his work: Choral work FČELICA ZLETEILA is made of fragments of folk music, mostly from the Prekmurje region, hiding and then appearing in the contemporary choral-vocal sonority. The plan of the composition is simple. Above the steady rhythmical motif “don diri diri …”; moving the music on, the same chorus and contra-chorus repeat several times. Every repetition is harmonically sequentially moved for a minor third, and chorus and contra-chorus change are used in different voices. When the tonal interval is the biggest, the composition intentionally collapses, and we can hear naturalistic elements. After the “disorder” (that the performers as well as the listeners have to accept as a release), the music ends with a vastly accented chorus. Delo je nastalo v zadnjih desetletjih prejšnjega stoletja na pobudo koroških-prevaljških rojakov in dirigenta Jožka Kerta za moški zbor. Compositions was written in last decades of the 20th century on initiative of my Carinthian compatriots and conductor Jožko Kert for male choir. Slovenian text and English translation prepared by Rebeka Dobravec Editing for youtube channel prepared by Tom Varl Conservatory of Music and Ballet Ljubljana, Slovenia / Konservatorij za glasbo in balet Ljubljana (http://www.kgbl.si) Sheet Music Published by Astrum (info@astrum.si) Copyright © 2020 by KGBL Chamber Choir (https://www.choirkgbl.eu)

SINE SOLE NIHIL SUM for mixed choir (SATB div.) a cappella Text: from Sundials Music by: Tadeja Vulc (1978) Composed: 2019 Dedicated to Ambrož Čopi and Taipei Philharmonic Chamber Choir LIVE RECORDING: Oktober 1, 2020, cerkev sv. Frančiška Asiškega v Šiški, Ljubljana KGBL Chamber Choir Ambrož Čopi, conductor Sine sole nihil sum is one of the compositions from the Sundial cycle. In this cycle are compositions for various choral ensembles (from children’s, youth, women’s, men’s and mixed a capella choirs to choirs accompanied by various instruments) to lyrics of short truths, thoughts found on sundials around the world. These inscriptions are interesting and often have a strong philosophical value, so they caught my attention and I have set them to music and there will be more collections. A sundial is a device that tells the time of day when there is sunlight by the apparent position of the sun in the sky. We can find lot of sundials all around the world. They are in museums, churches… By tradition, many sundials have a motto. The motto is usually in the form of an epigram: sometimes somber reflections on the passing of time and the brevity of life… In the song Sine sole nihil sum I used 5 different inscriptions from sundials from Italy, England and France, written in Latin or English. The main motto of the song is: Sine sole nihil sum, which means Without the Sun, I am nothing, but we find it on a sundial in Ornavasso, Italy. A very important part of the text is the inscription A ring is round and hath no end So is my love unto my friend, who was listed from a watch at the British Museum. MOTTO 1 Suns rise and set, Till men forget The Day is at the door When they shall rise no more. O everlasting Sun, Whose race is never run, Be thou my endless light, Then shall I fear no night. moto from England (Trefnant): MOTTO 2 Sine sole nihil sum (Without the Sun, I am nothing). MOTTO 3 Sum si sol sit (If the Sun is, I am). At Viriville v Franciji. MOTTO 4 Make time, save time, While time lasts. All time is no time When time is past. MOTTO 5 A ring is round and hath no end So is my love unto my friend. This posy is on a ring dial in the British Museum, probably the same one that was exhibited by the Society of Antiquaries, 1884, and described in their Proceedings, vol. xi., No. 1. Tadeja Vulc (1978) started her musical career in Radlje ob Dravi and continued in the High School for Music and Ballet in Maribor. She perfected her knowledge by studying at the Academy for Music in Ljubljana and refined her skills at the University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna. During her studies, she already gained numerous awards for composition (4th prize at the competition Rostrum in the Netherlands, the France Prešeren Student Prize for the composition Tri iveri /Three Slivers/). She was also actively involved in leading different music ensembles with which she performed projects at home and abroad. We can see her on stages in Slovenia and abroad as the author of music or as the conductress of different ensembles. Her work is a constant intertwinement of conducting and composing. At the moment, she is the artistic director of male vocal quartet Štirje študenti and the conductress of the Academic Choir Maribor (APZ Maribor). She is also a lecturer at the Faculty of Education of University of Maribor.

POMILUI MYA for mixed choir (SATB div.) a cappella I. Ghospodi Iisusye Khristye 0:14 II. Spaseniye sodelal 1:55 Commissioned and dedicated to conductor Ambrož Čopi and KGBL Chamber Choir Music by: Andrej Makor (b. 1987) Composed: 2020 WORLD ONLINE PREMIERE: June 26, 2020 Cerkev Marije Pomočnice na Rakovniku / Parish Church of Our Lady of Help in Rakovnik, Ljubljana The Chamber Choir of the Ljubljana Conservatory for Music and Ballet, Slovenia Ambrož Čopi, Conductor About the composer: Andrej Makor graduated in music teaching, in solo singing and in music composition at the Academy of Music in Ljubljana. He has also recieved a Prešeren Award for students of University of Ljubljana (Slovenia). Andrej continued with Masters studies of music composition at the Conservatory of music at Padua (Italy). In 2017 he finished his Masters Degree, graduating summa cum laude. His compositions have been published by Astrum, Carus-Verlag, Schott, Nomos, Walton. He was awarded several prizes and recognitions as a composer: SI, IT, ES, DE, GB, USA, CAN. His compositions have been performed throughout Europe and all around the World. Andrej works as a singing teacher at the Koper Music School and at the Artistic Gymnasium of Koper. He is also an artistic director and conductor of the Mixed choir Obala Koper and the Male choir Srečko Kosovel. The composer on his work: Conductor of the Chamber choir KGBL, Ambrož Čopi stimulated me to create a cycle “Pomilui mya”, that is made of two compositions in the Orthodox style. The first one, “Gospodi Iisusye Khristye” is based on the imitative technique with interlacing voices, however it still incorporates the distinctive Orthodox harmony. The second in the cycle is “Spaseniye sodelal” in which I used the melismatic movement of the lyrics to create a flowing melody. Throughout the composition this melody occurs in different voices and creates the various texture, which gives us a feeling of constant swinging and movement. Slovenian text and English translation prepared by Rebeka Dobravec Editing for youtube channel prepared by Matej Kastelic Conservatory of Music and Ballet Ljubljana, Slovenia / Konservatorij za glasbo in balet Ljubljana (http://www.kgbl.si) Sheet Music Published by Astrum Music Publication, Slovenia-Europe (www.astrum.si) Copyright © 2020 by KGBL Chamber Choir (https://www.choirkgbl.eu)

SPASENIYE SODELAL for mixed choir (SSAATTBB div.) a cappella Music by: Damijan Močnik (b. 1967) Composed: 2020 Dedicated to conductor Ambrož Čopi and KGBL Chamber Choir WORLD ONLINE PREMIERE: June 26, 2020 Cerkev Marije Pomočnice na Rakovniku / Parish Church of Our Lady of Help in Rakovnik, Ljubljana The Chamber Choir of the Ljubljana Conservatory for Music and Ballet, Slovenia Ambrož Čopi, Conductor About the composer: Damijan Močnik (b. 1967) graduated in composition from Academy for music in Ljubljana, where he achieved student Prešern’s award for composition Symphonic movement. After the graduation he continued his studies with various professors – among them also Swedish choral conductor Eric Ericson. He was overwhelmed by composing and conducting vocal music and today he is one of the leading creators of choral music in Slovenia. As a conductor he mainly works at Diocesan Classical Gymnasium in Ljubljana, where he – the first in Slovenia – built “choral pyramid” that allows more than 60% of all students to sing in prosperity choirs. Močnik is conducting Mixed youth choir of St. Stanislav and Chamber choir Megaron – they are preparing more advanced programme and performing on stages all over the world. Močnik’s musical language is innovative, using unconventional rhythmical and melodical structures, that often originate in Gregorian chant and Slovenian folk music. His choral works are being performed by international choirs worldwide, and for his oeuvre in general Močnik won many national and international awards. The composer on his work: Ambrož Čopi and KGBL Chamber choir, who are preparing a project of new composition on Orthodox lyrics written by Slovenian composers, invited me to write a composition – Spaseniye sodelal. It is made of two parts that both use the same leading motive – as convention dedicates in Orthodox music, I choose an old Kiev chant – the one that was already used by P. Chesnokov. I transformed the melody in a different, more modern way. The first part starts very transparently and broadens into a magnificent culmination, after which music again disappears in pianissimo. The second (Alliluia) part starts with complex rhythmical structures and various metrical texture. I believe that the composition is an interesting contribution to Orthodox music written by Slovenian authors. Slovenian text and English translation prepared by Rebeka Dobravec Editing for youtube channel prepared by Matej Kastelic Conservatory of Music and Ballet Ljubljana, Slovenia / Konservatorij za glasbo in balet Ljubljana (http://www.kgbl.si) Sheet Music Published by Astrum Music Publication, Slovenia-Europe (www.astrum.si) Copyright © 2020 by KGBL Chamber Choir (https://www.choirkgbl.eu)

SALVE REGINA for mixed choir (SATB SATB) a cappella  composed: September 2, 2020  Dedicated to guest conductor Sebastjan Vrhovnik and HRT Choir, Croatia WORLD ONLINE PREMIERE:  June 27, 2021  Cerkev Marije Pomočnice na Rakovniku / Parish Church of Our Lady of Help in Rakovnik, Ljubljana  The Chamber Choir of the Ljubljana Conservatory for Music and Ballet, Slovenia  Ambrož Čopi, Conductor Text: in Latin: Marian Antiphon  O, holy Queen, Mother of Mercy, Hail our life, our sweetness and our hope. To thee do we cry, Poor banished children of Eve; To thee do we send up our sighs, Mourning and weeping in this valley of tears. Turn then, most gracious advocate, Thine eyes of mercy toward us; And after this our exile, Show unto us the blessed fruit of thy womb, Jesus. O clement, O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary. About the composer:  One of the youngest Slovenian composers Matej Kastelic (b. 1994) is currently finishing his Master’s degree at Academy for Music in Ljubljana. He composes mainly choral music, though he was writing music for the theatre in the last year. His musical language is very penetrating, exposing the highlights of the lyrics, which he chooses very attentively. However young, Kastelic’s music has already been performed worldwide – at festivals and competitions of choral music.  Slovenian text and English translation prepared by Rebeka Dobravec  Design and editing for youtube channel prepared by Matej Kastelic  Audio and video recording by Žiga Čopi Conservatory of Music and Ballet Ljubljana, Slovenia / Konservatorij za glasbo in balet Ljubljana (http://www.kgbl.si)  Sheet Music Published by Astrum Music Publication, Slovenia-Europe (www.astrum.si)  Copyright © 2020 by KGBL Chamber Choir (https://www.choirkgbl.eu)