The Melbourne-based Women in Byzantine Music Worldwide Association just won the Chanting Excellence Award at the international Orthodox Arts Festival.
The Orthodox Arts Festival which took place online, is devoted to Orthodox artists and allows them to share their creativity and inspiration with the world.
The Melbournians were the only chanters within Australia shortlisted to participate.
A statement from the organisation in Melbourne said: “We are overwhelmed and overjoyed by the outpouring of support and kindness from the Melbourne community who voted for us,”
The group held rehearsals under the direction of Nektaria Karantzi, an acclaimed vocalist in the contemporary Byzantine music community, and locally led by Ioanna Nikoloulea.
The Association of Women in Byzantine Music is the world’s first official and largest membership platform for women in Byzantine Ecclesiastical Music which was established in Greece in 2013 by Karantzi and her student Glykeria Mpekiari.
Since its establishment the Association has expanded internationally and supports byzantine and sacred music Women Choirs from around the world.
You can listen to the psaltries chant in the video below:
https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=597291824000065
