Winners of the third Canadian Nightingtale 2011 Competition

slavik2011_200_Organization The Slovak House, based in Toronto, successfully organized the third annual Canadian Nightingale. This event builds on the "Slávik Slovakia" which in Slovakia for already 22 years successfully promoted Slovak songs among the youth and admirers of folk art. The guarantor of the Canadian finals was famous Slovak opera singer Peter Dvorsky and the event was financially supported by the Office for the Slovaks living abroad.

In the finals on Sunday November 13, the audience cheered 16 contestants who competed in two categories. During the final evening the contestants were accompanied by a rare guest from Slovakia, accordionist and doyen of Slovak folklore Maroš Veselský who was successfully seconded on the piano by Miro Letko who carefully prepared the children for the finals.

The event was moderated by Paul Džačko and in the program also  performed the Vychodná Slovak Dancers. Finals were also attended by Peter Štilicha who founded Slávik Slovakia 22 years ago and brought to the children a message from Maestro Peter Dvorsky, who, because of other engagements was unable to attend, but promised to surely come to one of the future competitions.

The jury who evaluated the contestants with a critical ear, was chaired by Peter Štilicha from Slovakia and composed of:
Director and dramaturg Olga Turoková, singer Mark Rajna, director of Youth Theatre Scene Mariana Supeková Gregoríková, opera singer Ján Vaculík, production director of the Agency's production JK Ján Kosiba, and vice president of the folk group Východná Slovak Dancers, Dušan Dorich.

The jury evaluated not only the artistic level of delivery, talent and overall impression, but also respect of the rules of the competition, and even this year had to award some penalty points.

Young singers with their approach and enthusiasm lit the heart of every visitor. The winners for their courage and fearlessness become all participants, but the competition trophies on the professional jury verdict were eventually awarded to these competitors:

Category I (children 4-9 years)
Canadian Golden Nightingale: Barborka Benada
Canadian Silver Nightingale: Lucas Timdale
Canadian bronze Nightingale: Ashley Sienna Dobal

Category II (children 9-16 years)
Canadian Golden Nightingale: Izabela Zubek
Canadian Silver Nightingale: Miriam Brazina
Canadian bronze Nightingale: Elisabeth Frynta

Thanks to all who have traditionally contributed to make the Canadian nightingale possible, especially to parents who lead their children to love Slovak songs; to Slovak School teacher Danka Kušnírová; to Miro Letko who intensively prepared children for their competition; to Vychodna Slovak Dancers whose performances are always joyous; to the Jury; to distinguished guests; to TV Slovak World; and not least to the Office for Slovaks living abroad for their support.

What is the future of our Canadian nightingale? This depends on their commitment and love of Slovak songs.

Slovak House also co-organized the premiere edition of the American Nightingale, which was held on November 19 in New York City. Now we all look forward to the fourth annual Canadian Nightingale, to be held in the autumn of 2012. All information on this event will be listed on the website www.kanadskyslavik.com.


Text and photos: The Slovak House
Photos are the Copyright of the Slovak House and are reproduced with permission.

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