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Grażyna Brodzińska

 

Grażyna Brodzińska (Poland)
Chair of the Panel of Judges, Honorary Guest of the “Vistula Sounds” Festival.

The First Lady of the Polish Music Scene, known and admired by tens of thousands of fans across the world. With perfection in every move and gesture, Grażyna Brodzińska amazes spectators with her voice, elegance and temperament. Offering listeners the highest levels of vocal performance, Brodzińska’s repertoire covers classical pieces, musical gems, as well as world hits in a variety of musical genres. She could be seen and heard in many leading roles in operettas, musicals and musical comedies, including as Hanna Glawari in “The Merry Widow” by F. Lehar, Sylvia Varescu in “The Riviera Girl” by E. Kálmán, Countess Zedlau in the “Viennese Spirit” and Annina in “A Night in Venice”, both by J. Strauss, and La Périchole in “La Périchole” by J. Offenbach. She also played and sang the parts of Dolly Galagher Levi in “Hello Dolly” by J. Herman, Eliza Doolittle in “My Fair Lady” by F. Loewe, and Dorothy Brock in the “42nd Street” by H. Warren. At the Kammeroper in Vienna Grażyna Brodzińska sang the part of Eurydice in “Orpheus in the Underworld” by J. Offenbach, and the part of Zerlina in Mozart’s opera “Don Giovanni”. She was also guest performing the part of Adela in “The Flittermouse” by J. Strauss and the part of Kasia in M. Kamieński’s opera “Poverty Made Happy”. With her Adela pieces from “The Flittermouse” Grażyna Brodzińska completed a tour of Germany, amazing listeners across many musical scenes of the country. She was a soloist of the Szczecin Musical Theatre, the Warsaw, and the Gliwice Musical Theatre. Her performances are frequently accompanied by leading philharmonic and opera orchestras of the world. She has given multiple performances at home and abroad, including in the USA, Canada, France, Austria, England, Italy, Belgium, Israel, the Netherlands, and Australia. She is the main star of dedicated multimedia performances, including the “Musical Alley of Stars”, “The Best of Broadway”, “Do Not Forget Me”, “Magical Hollywood”, and “Sing and Dance”. She performed on multiple occasions at the Jan Kiepura European Festival in Krynica. Grażyna Brodzińska produced many television and radio recordings, and was frequently presented with prestigious awards for her stage accomplishments.

   

Jarosław Wasik

Jarosław Wasik (Poland)
Vice Chair of the Panel of Judges

Vocalist, cultural studies expert, lyricist, songwriter. Jarosław is a well-known performer in Poland and abroad. He is one of the winners of the “Debiuty” (“Debuts”) concert of the Polish Song Contest “Opole '94”, Student Song Contest in Krakow, Olsztyn Castle “Śpiewajmy Poezję” (“Let’s Sing Poetry”) Vocal Reunions, and many other festivals. Jarosław is a two-time recipient of the “The Lyre of Orpheus” – the grand prize of the central qualifiers for the national recitation contest in the “Sung Poetry” category. Jarosław has released 4 records: “Nastroje” (“Moods”), “Zielony z niebieskim” (“Green and Blue”), “Fabryka nastrojów” (“The Mood Factory”) and “Nie dotykaj” (“Do Not Touch”). Since 2000 Jarosław Wasik has been a member of the Board of Directors of the Student Song Contest in Krakow, and since 2017 – a member of the Board of Directors of the Polish Song Contest in Opole. He has also been the managing director of the Polish Song Museum in Opole since 2013. Jarosław Wasik has served as judge at numerous vocal contests and festivals worldwide.

   
Illaria

ILLARIA (Ukraine)

Singer, composer, songwriter, music producer, actress, vocal coach, founder of own creative studio “Illaria's Vocal Workshop”, tutor at the Glier Kyiv Institute of Music. In the Ukraine ILLARIA is well known for her mystical image, original repertoire and a sensual, strong voice, covering a range of three octaves. In her songs and performances ILLARIA attempts to combines folk motifs with contemporary world trends. For her love of Ukrainian lyrics and folk songs, the musician is often referred to as the “soul of the country”. To date ILLARIA has released 5 studio albums, held performances in many countries around the world, including in Canada, Greece, Italy, Kazakhstan, Lebanon, Poland, and the UK. She also took part in the Ukrainian TV show, “Voice”, as well as in the national selection for the Eurovision Song Contest. ILLARIA holds several national awards, including “Singer of the Year” as part of the National “Favourites of Success” Award, as well as an award from the Ukrainian Ministry of Culture for her personal contribution to the national culture. The singer has frequently been a judge of both the Eurovision and the Junior Eurovision Song Contests, as well as many other national and international festivals.

   
Joanna Zagdańska

Joanna Zagdańska (Poland)

Vocalist, musician, educator, PhD, college tutor. Joanna has been performing extensively at home and abroad, accompanied by, among others, the Poznan Radio Orchestra conducted by Z. Górny, Alex Band conducted by A. Maliszewski, Big Warsaw Band conducted by S. Fiałkowski, Kukla Band conducted by Z. Kukla, singing jazz, musical, and original repertoire written specifically for her by outstanding Polish writers (including A. Żółkoś, J. Wołek, J. Holm, M. Skolarski, J. Bukowski, A. Mogielnicki, and others). Ms Zagdańska has won a variety of prestigious awards at international signing competitions (including in Slovakia, Turkey, and Bulgaria), where she represented Poland. She also won numerous awards at many Polish festivals and competitions, including the Sopot International Song Festival and the Polish Song Contest in Opole. Since 2003 Ms Zagdańska has been teaching at the F. Nowowiejski Music Academy in Bydgoszcz, and in 2006 she started collaborating with the Kazimierz Wielki University in Bydgoszcz. She is actively performing, provides vocal coaching at courses, workshops, serves as a judge, and actively participates in various vocal projects, including her solo record “Joanna Zagdańska. Wybrane utwory (Selected Songs) – Adam Żółkoś, Dave Brubeck”, released in 2018. Her students and alumnae of the jazz singing class have won awards at international and national vocal competitions, are winners and runners-up in TV shows such as “The Voice of Poland” on TVP, “The Four” on TV Polsat, and grantees of the Ministry of Culture and National Heritage.

 
   
Veronika Yanovskaya

Veronika Yanovskaya (Belarus)

Jazz singer, vocal coach, founder and artistic director of the “Contemporary School of Vocal Art” in Minsk. Thanks to higher musical education and many years of experience in the delivery of pop and jazz vocal techniques, as well as experience in conducting, Miss Yanovskaya has developed her own vocal coaching methods, and since 2015 she has been managing her own school of vocal art. She authored the “Children Sing Jazz” project in Minsk, and is the vocalist of the “Port Monait” jazz quartet. As a soloist, she has worked on multiple occasions with the renowned conductor, Alexander Humala, including as part of the joint project with the “Sonorus” State Band. Miss Yanovskaya continues to hone her skills, attending a variety of masterclasses with world-class coaches and artists from the USA, the United Kingdom, Italy, Germany, Sweden, Russia, and Lithuania. Miss Yanovskaya has been frequently asked to deliver vocal masterclasses at various international competitions, including in Byelorussia, Lithuania, and Finland. She is the standing judge at “Baltic Voice” (Lithuania) and the “Musical Talent League” (Lithuania) contests. In addition, Miss Yanovskaya was a judge at the following competitions: “Vive la France” (France), “Premier” (Ukraine), “Magnolia” (Poland), “Bravo, Turku” (Finland), as well as the “Golden Voice” (Armenia). Students of Miss Yanovskaya’s classes have won numerous prizes and awards at international and domestic competitions and musical TV projects, including the “New Wave Junior”, the “Eurovision Song Contest", the “X-Factor”, and the “X Jazz Festival”. Many of her students are pursuing further education at universities and conservatories in Byelorussia, Russia, Austria, Germany, and the United States, and giving concerts as part of significant jazz projects, such as the “X Jazz For Kids”, accompanied by the Polish master drummer, Bodek Janke.

 
   
Anna Sroka-Hryń

Anna Sroka-Hryń  (Poland)

A graduate of the Department of Acting of the National Academy of Dramatic Art in Warsaw and a PhD in arts, Anna has an impressive track record with extensive experience in acting, directing, screenwriting, singing, and teaching. She has played in numerous theatrical productions, film series, and feature films, and she frequently shows up on stage for her own recitals. Anna can be seen on multiple Warsaw stages, including at the Komedia Theatre (“Cinderella”), the Polonia Theatre (“A Woman Overlooking the Terrace”), the Montownia Theatre (“Peer Gynt” and “Lovv”), the Studio Theatre (“D'une seule main”), the Ochoty Theatre (“The Old Woman”, “The Waves”), the Rozrywki Theatre in Chorzow (“The Departure”, “West Side Story”, “Rent”, “Lady Day at Emerson's Bar and Grill”, “The Adventure of the Ladies' Dressing Table”), and at the Wanda Siemaszkowa Theatre in Rzeszow (“Piaf”, “Shape of Things”, “George & Ira Gershwin”). Anna also works with renowned musical scenes in Poland, including the Roma Theatre in Warsaw where she could be seen and heard in “The Trial”, “Kiss My Receiver”, “Tuwim For Adults”, “Alice In Wonderland”, and the world-famous “Mamma Mia” musical. At the 6th Floor Theatre in Warsaw Anna played in “Must See Młynarski”, at the Ochoty Theatre – in “The Triathlon”, at the Soho Theatre – in the “The Moonlight Boy”, at the Polonia Theatre – in “Cafe Luna” (where she gave her unique performance of the songs used in films by Pedro Almodovar), at the Warsaw Chamber Opera – in “The Company”, at the Dramatyczny Theatre – in the wildly popular “Amadeus”, and in the TV Theatre – in “The Apollo of Bellac”.

She also directed the following plays and performances: “The Lunapark” at the Narodowy Theatre, “Planets Go Wild” at the Współczesny Theatre, „The Swing” at the Och Theatre, “Primeval and Other Times” (based on Olga Tokarczuk’s prose) at the Collegium Nobilium, “I Want A Tranquil Heart,” a recital by A. Grochowska, “My Hand On The Throat” and “Prime Time” at the Prom Cultural Centre, as well as “Dream Sellers” (based on songs by A. Rojek and the Myslovitz band) at the Roma theatre. Anna frequently works with the Polish Radio Theatre and Audioteka.com.

Anna’s work has been frequently recognized, including with the Jan Świderski Award of the Drama Theatre Section of the Polish Drama Artists Guild during the 12th National Contemporary Stage Contest (2006) for her memorable performance in the “Taxicab”, the “Golden Mask” awarded by the Marshall of the Silesian Voivodeship in the singing and acting category for the role of Maureen Johnson in the “Rent” musical by Jonathan Larson (2006), as well as the Jan Kiepura Musical Theatre Award for Best Singer for the role of Edith Piaf in “Edith and Marlene” at the Mazovian Musical Theatre (2013). She was also a finalist during the 6th edition of the “Remember Osiecka” competition and the Actors’ Song Contest in Wroclaw in 2003.

In October 2022 Anna released her first studio album, the „Najpiękniejsza” (“The Most Beautiful”), with songs by Agnieszka Osiecka. (Photo by Paproch Studio)

   
Anna Poghosyan

Anna Poghosyan (Armenia)

Soprano, classical vocal tutor, vocalist. Over 2001-2005 Ms Poghosyan served as a teaching assistant at the Vocal Department of the Komitas Conservatory in Yerevan, Armenia, and since 2005 she has been working as a singing tutor at the same department. In 2017 Ms Poghosyan was nominated associate professor of the Komitas Conservatory. She is also a soloist of the Armenian National Philharmonic, as well as a member of the Armenian Social Council for Culture. Ms Poghosyan has won several international festivals and vocal competitions, including 1st prize and gold medal at the International Competition in Italy, as well as a Grand Prix at the Competition in Spain. She has worked as a soloist with various Armenian orchestras and choirs, led by outstanding conductors (e.g. S. Yerkanyan, H. Cheqijyan, Z. Vardanyan, and others). Ms Poghosyan is also a soprano in the chamber ensemble, the KRUNK TRIO. In addition to her work as a vocal tutor, she has been developing her singing career at home and abroad though live performances and concerts in Nagorno-Karabakh, Armenia, Italy, Spain, Poland, Germany, Belgium, Russia, Bulgaria, Iran, China, and others. Students taught by Ms Poghosyan have won international singing competitions, and the artist sits on judging panels of many international vocal contests.

 
   
Sławomir Małecki

Sławomir Małecki (Poland)

Musician, composer, educator, founder and lead guitarist of the “Zdrowa Woda” (Healthy Water) band. Graduated from the Institute of Musical Education in Bydgoszcz. Artistic director of the “Blues bez barier” (Blues without Barriers) International Festival (Ciechocinek). Organizer and artistic coordinator of the “Cztery pory roku” (Four Seasons) series of concerts (Ciechocinek). Works with young talents at the local Cultural Centre in Ciechocinek. Founder and lead musician of the “Hippo”, “Hitto” and “Przyjaciółki” (Friends) bands, supporting also a large group of soloists. All of his charges take active part in concerts and are successful festival participants regionally, at home and abroad, having produced a total of 9 records. For many years, Mr. Małecki has worked with international and national festival organizers, supporting these events as a judge and musical workshop lead. Together with the “Zdrowa Woda” band, Jerzy Owsiak and Walter Chełstowski, Mr. Małecki was one of the founders of the Wielka Orkiestra Świątecznej Pomocy charity, with the first concert held at the “Sala Malinowa” of a local high school.
Mr. Małecki produced 11 solo records and played at the majority of festivals at home and abroad. He is a member of the ZAiKS Society of Authors, the STOART Union of Performing Artists’ Associations, and the “Fryderyk” Phonographic Academy. Received multiple awards and distinctions for his musical achievements, social engagement, as well as his work for the city of Ciechocinek, including: the Voivode’s Award for artistic achievement, nomination for the “Fryderyk” phonographic award, the Staszic Medal for the contributions to the city of Ciechocinek, the Elder’s Distinction for artistic achievement, the “Złota Muza” (Golden Muse) Elder’s Distinction for artistic achievement, the “Volunteer of the Year 2007” award, Prof. Lorentowicz Medal for outstanding contribution for the Ciechocinek Resort, Mayor of Ciechocinek’s Distinction for the support and promotion of cultural performances by persons with disabilities, the Elder’s Distinction for lifetime achievement, a star monument in the Ciechocinek Walk of Fame, the Marshal’s award for artistic achievement, the “Zasłużony dla kultury” (Meritorious for Polish Culture) Decoration of Honour awarded by the Minister of Culture, as well as the WOŚP Medal commemorating the charity’s 25th and 30th anniversary.

 
   
Asta Bagdonaviciene

Asta Bagdonaviciene (Lithuania)


Vocalist, music producer, founder and general director of the “Ars Festa” agency, managing events, music festivals and competitions. Ms Bagdonaviciene is the founder and executive director of four major music projects: since 2005, the “Music Talent League” international vocal competition for children, young adults and adults in Vilnius, Lithuania, which has been recognized as a television event and each year is broadcast by the Lithuanian state television LRT; since 2017, the “Summer Talent League" international music competition at Lloret de Mar in Spain; since 2018, the “Christmas Talent League” international music competition for children and young adults in Vilnius, Lithuania and since 2022, the "Palanga Talent League" international vocal competition in Palanga, Lithuania, which has been recognized as a television event by the Lithuanian state television LRT, too. In addition to her extensive work managing musical events, Ms Bagdonaviciene is giving concerts at home and abroad, and taking part in various music projects in Lithuania, such as “Sing With A Star” or “Star Duets”. In 2014 she published her own album. Ms Bagdonaviciene is the chair and member of judging panels of international competitions and festivals in Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Germany, Malta, Ukraine, Moldova, Greece, Armenia, and the Czech Republic. In 2018 Ms Bagdonaviciene was honoured with the prestigious “Lithuanian Art Achievement Award” given by the President of the Republic of Lithuania.

 
   
Rossi Yordanova

Rossi Yordanova (Bulgaria)

Conductor, composer, vocal teacher, producer, CEO of the “Art Voices” Music Agency, director of international music festivals: the “Abanico” and the “Sofia Grand Prix” under the auspices of the Mayor of Sofia and the Bulgarian national television, as well as the “Ulpia Serdica” choir festival. Ms Yordanova is a judge in multiple prestigious international competitions and festivals in many countries, including Armenia, Italy, Spain, Macedonia, Malta, and Moldova. Rossi Yordanova is the conductor and artistic director of the “Shtastlivetsa” choir which delivered multiple successful performances in many countries, captivating audiences with varied repertoires, unique arrangements and innovative interpretations. Ms Yordanova is the chief vocal coach and director of the “ArtschoolStudio Music Sofia”, one of the best vocal and music studios in Bulgaria. Her students frequently participate in international festivals, winning numerous awards and prizes, give concerts in Sofia and other cities of Bulgaria, and take part in various television and radio shows, including the Eurovision Song Contest, The Voice of Bulgaria, Staracademy, The X Factor, Music Idol, The Big Hopes, and many others. Ms Yordanova is an associate professor and provides instruction at The National Academy of Music “Prof. Pantcho Vladigerov” in Sofia, Bulgaria.

 
   
Claire McCartin

Claire McCartin (Malta)

Vocalist, Vocal Instructor/Consultant, Producer, Composer, Manual Laryngeal Therapist.

Claire is a well-known vocalist with a distinctive blues voice and over the years, has held performances in various countries, namely the USA, Russia and Austria. From 2000-2016, Claire was a member and soloist of the famous 200-strong Maltese choir Voices and was also a 2010 Malta Eurovision finalist. She is currently the resident vocal coach of the production company Arthaus MT, the Maltese agent of the UK examination board Rockschool and most recently, was also part of the vocal coaching team on The Voice Kids Malta.

In 2007, Claire joined the critically acclaimed Speech Level Singing (SLS) organisation and worked as a certified SLS instructor for five years. She completed a two-year course with the renowned Berklee College of Music, Boston, USA and currently forms part of the Institute for Vocal Advancement (IVA), Modern Vocal Training (MVT), and also Profty, the creator of the world’s best artist development programs. She is also certified as a Manual Laryngeal Therapist.

She works from her personal vocal studio mentoring several established and upcoming artists. Her students include the winners of the Maltese Konkors Kanzunetta Indipendenza festival in 2018 and 2021, the winner of the Maltese Ghanja tal-Poplu festival in 2019, the San Marino representative at the Eurovision Song Contest in Portugal 2018, and the Maltese representative at the Junior Eurovision Song Contest in Poland 2020.

 
   
Joaquín Caetano

Joaquín Caetano (Portugal)

Joaquín Caetano was a professional singer and songwriter until 2007, and since 2003 he has worked as a music education teacher, personal vocal trainer, vocal coach, vocal technique teacher, mentor and singing instructor. In 2014 Joaquín received the certification of the Laura Neira singing method – an avant-garde voice production and control methodology; in addition, he has studied other areas of contemporary singing science, including the Estill Voice Training, the Eugen Rabine method, the Serge Wilfart method, and others. In 2018, Joaquín was a contributor to the latest book on the Neira method, “Por el placer de cantar” (For the Pleasure of Singing), published in Spanish and Italian. He currently works as a freelancer and service provider in record companies, offering vocal assistance to Portuguese artists.
In 2005 Joaquín founded the “Projecto Pauta Musical” singing school where he acts as the director and teacher, with the goal of coaching young artists to use their voices according to their musical styles and preserve an excellent quality of vocal production over decades so they can shine on stage. Through the many collaborations with entertainment agencies Joaquín is able to bring his students closer to the show business. This project has brought the school and the performers multiple awards, both in national and international festivals, and television programs.
Since 2008 Joaquín has been the artistic director of the “Chuva de Estrelas D'Ouro” (Raining Gold Stars) international festival and competition for singers aged 16 and over, accompanied by a professional band and the Douro River – a UNESCO world heritage site.