MĀRIS SIRMAIS, president of the jury (Latvia)
"Firstly, I would like to thank you for the great idea of organizing an international competition both for conductors and youth choirs in one place and at the same time. It’s crucial that the main attention is paid to children and youth! Without the passion of specialists working with this age group, there would be no future development possibilities in our countries and throughout the world. Secondly, I would like to express my gratitude to all the organizing team, jury members about their responsible and professional work. During the competition days, I felt like I was surrounded by the most wonderful people. I would also like to compliment the choirs that were selected for the work for conductor competition. Their performance was outstanding! But above all, I would truly like to thank everybody, especially you, Ambrož, for your passion, excitement, humanity and sincerity – you have done an amazing job!"
BERNIE SHERLOCK, jury member (Ireland)
"A huge congratulations on your first edition of Aegis Carmina! Apart from being very honoured to serve on the jury, I was truly impressed with what you and your team managed to put together in 6 months: two conducting competitions, two choral competitions and a composition competition - with so many carefully thought-out prizes. It was phenomenal! Your deep knowledge of the choral world was clearly a major factor in its success. How fortunate Slovenians are to have this on their doorstep. Video feed: this was excellent. The hall had very suitable acoustics. The printed programme was excellent - it had everything - it was a lot of work to prepare! The opening concert was very enjoyable The hospitality was great - we were very well taken care of. The atmosphere and buzz were wonderful. I like that you had such a diverse and international jury. I think you selected it very carefully. Yes we had some challenges. There is nothing wrong with difference of opinion and at the end of the day, all results were democratic and fair. I really enjoyed it and again thank you so much for inviting me."
THEODORA PAVLOVITCH, jury member (Bulgaria)
"Once again I would like to express my deep thankfulness to you for the kind invitation to serve as a Jury member at 2019 AEGIS CARMINIS Choral Festival & Competition! It has been more than a pleasure for me to take part in your wonderful event and my compliments go to you for all your ideas and vision that bring such a fantastic result. AEGIS CARMINIS International Choral Festival&Competition is an impressive example for the artistic and social power of choral music. In addition, to encourage the young people to sing in choirs and unite them through music – this is one of the best ways of strengthening the modern society. And you have done something very important in that direction. Thank you also for this!"
