Participants Universitas Cantat 2024

Siparantum Choir, KOSOVO
Conductor: Memli Kelmendi

Siparantum Choir

 https://www.facebook.com/siparantumchoir/

Siparantum Choir is the most prominent choir in the Kosovo music scene, formed in 2017 by a group of volunteers. Led by the dedicated conductor, Memli Kelmendi, the choir's current artistic structure includes soloists, a female choir, a male choir, a mixed choir, and the "Siparantum Kids" children’s choir.

Under Memli Kelmendi's leadership, the choir joined the World Choir Council in 2018, earning recognition as Kosovo's representative on the global choral stage. Memli Kelmendi's appointment as a member of the WORLD CHORAL CONDUCTING NETWORK (WCCN) further solidifies the choir's international standing. Siparantum Choir has won numerous competitions and festivals worldwide, securing first prizes and gold diplomas. Notable achievements include victory at the World Choir Games in 2021 and historic performance as the first Kosovar choir at the Berlin Philharmonie.

Collaborating with esteemed conductors, composers, and singers like Simon Carrington and Ēriks Ešenvalds, Robin Tyson, Mihaly Zeke, Mia Makaroff, William Bennett, Christian Behrens, Josip Degl’Ivellio, the choir has graced renowned venues globally, from Berlin Philharmonie, Queen Elisabeth Hall in Antwerp to the Gangneung Art Center in South Korea. Their performances have garnered acclaim and touched audiences in over 140 activities across countries such as Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, South Korea, Sweden, Croatia, North Macedonia, Portugal, Albania, Slovenia, and Switzerland.

Siparantum Choir's artistry and dedication have earned them a place among the top 180 choirs globally, as recognized by the World Ranking List - INTERKULTUR. Serving as the Ambassador of Albanian Choral Culture, the choir has brought 13 significant awards to Kosovo, including prestigious honors at the European Music Festival for Young People and the World Choir Games 2021/2023.

Siparantum Choir officially operates on a voluntary basis and is registered as a non- governmental organization (NGO). Our choir predominantly consists of students from esteemed institutions such as AAB College, the University of Prishtina, UBT College, High Music School “Halit Kasapolli” etc.

Memli Kelmendi, born in 1986 in Peja, Kosovo, is a distinguished composer and conductor making waves in the global music scene. He completed post-graduate studies in conducting and composition in Pristina and North Macedonia and is currently pursuing a doctoral degree in choral conducting at Sh. Cyril and Methodius in Skopje.

Known for masterpieces like "Agnus Dei" and "Ater Umbra," his compositions have gained international acclaim. "Ater Umbra" was published in France by "EVOC Ensemble," and featured on the CD "Les Choristes Aux Milles Couleurs." "Silentium Est Pax" was recorded at Les Musicales de Redon, France. Memli Kelmendi's influence extends to film composition, with works showcased at prestigious events like the Berlinale Film Festival and Festival de Cannes. He is an AAB University professor lecturing on film and theater musicals, choir, orchestration, and choral conducting.

A member of the World Choir Council – INTERKULTUR, Memli serves as the National Ambassador of Kosovo in the ICCF and is a member of the WORLD CHORAL CONDUCTING NETWORK (WCCN).