Banjalučanke women's choir wins gold at Nordic Voices competition in Finland

The women’s chamber choir “Banjalučanke” from Banja Luka, Republika Srpska, Bosnia and Herzegovina, secured the gold medal in the traditional music category at the International Nordic Voices competition held from 14‑18 May 2024 in Lahti, Finland. The choir was the sole representative of Bosnia and Herzegovina at the event, which featured 22 choirs from Estonia, Finland, Turkey, the United States, China and Sweden and was judged by an international panel that included Marlin de Bo (Belgium), Mia Makrof (Finland) and Ben Pari (United Kingdom).

Directed by Mladen Matović, the ensemble performed in the acclaimed Sibelius Hall and took part in additional gala concerts during their stay. Matović highlighted the win as a continuation of the choir’s historic success, noting previous gold medals in competitions across Europe, Olympic medals in China and the United States, and recent inclusion in the Interkultur Top‑50 list of world chamber choirs. Upcoming plans include participation in World Music Day events, recording a new compact disc and competing in the forthcoming Venice competition.