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 (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.

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.

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). 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.

Adam Barro (France)

Baritone-Bass, opera singer, classical vocal tutor, vocalist. Endowed with an exceptional voice, Adam Barro boasts a wide range that spans from the deepest bass notes to baritone highs, complemented by a unique timbre and powerful, emotive breath control. His repertoire includes opera arias, lieder, melodies, and sacred music. Adam has received several Grand Prix and First Prizes at international vocal competitions. His dedication to the repertoire, stage presence, sense of tragedy, collaboration with contemporary composers, musicality based on score study, sensitivity, and versatility make him one of the most promising young talents in the international opera scene. Since 2001, Adam has performed regularly across France (Salle Cortot, Festival Musical des Grands Crus de Bourgogne), Italy (Basilica of St. Peter in Rome), and other European countries, as well as in Egypt and South Korea. Notable recordings include Verdi’s “Rigoletto” (Sparafucile) and “Samson and Delilah” (Abimelech). He portrayed Don Pasquale in Gaetano Donizetti’s “Don Pasquale” in Clamart and Valencia, and Il Commendatore in “Don Giovanni” under David Levy’s direction in the Netherlands. These are just some important pieces of information from his rich artistic biography. Adam lives and works in Paris, but travels extensively to other countries to showcase his vocal abilities and promote the wonderful classical heritage, as well as other well-known and sought after musical gems; he has performed in England, Sweden, Armenia, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Belgium, Russia, Czech Republic, Greece, USA, and other countries. Adam Barro has served as judge at numerous vocal contests and festivals worldwide.

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 (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.

Sławomir Wierzcholski (Poland)

Composer, songwriter, singer, harmonica virtuoso, radio and newspaper journalist. Vice-president of the SAWP Association protecting the rights of Polish performers, secretary of the ZAIKS Artists and Composers Association, board member of the ZAKR Association of Polish Authors and Composers, and member of the audit committee of the Polish Musicians’ Union.
Formed the “Nocna Zmiana Bluesa” band in 1982, and gave concerts in Czechoslovakia, Bulgaria, France, Germany, Netherlands, Sweden, Switzerland, the USA, the USSR, and Zimbabwe. Mr. Wierzcholski's career and the band have been the subject of 3 television documentaries, 2 scientific papers, and 2 books. Composed music and lyrics for 5 children CDs, and authored the music for “Tom Sawyer’s Secret” musical (libretto by J. A. Masłowski). In 1997, as the first Polish blues musician, performed among the outstanding harmonica players at the World Harmonica Festival in Trossingen, Germany. Authored two harmonica playing textbooks and has been the artistic director of the Harmonica Bridge Festival for the last 19 years.
Mr. Wierzcholski has worked with the Polish Radio for 30 years, and is the author of some 1,500 original broadcasts. Mr. Wierzcholski's music or lyrics have been used by numerous stars of the Polish music stage. For his outstanding artistic achievements, received numerous awards and decorations, including the Silver Cross of Merit and the Gloria Artis Silver Medal for Merit to Culture.

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. Joaquin Caetano published his own manual on vocal technique entitled "Manual de canto".

Jelena Loreina Švilpe (Latvia)

Composer, arranger, producer, vocal teacher, musicologist. Head of the board of the "European Center of Music for Youth", president of the International Festival "Riga Symphony" in Riga (Latvia); General Director of the Vocal Art School “Pumpuriņi”; General Director of the Action Art section at the UNESCO Latvia, manager of exchange program "Passport to Hollywood" in Los Angeles, and the "Baltic Transit" in Jurmala (Latvia). Jelena Švilpe has composed more than 700 songs, including song cycle - "Padejosim - Padziedāsim!"; "I want to go to school with you!", "Buds at Christmas" and "Latgale oratory";The latter served as the basis for a musical in cooperation with the Latvian National Television.

Ms. Švilpe continues to be an active participants of many international projects, and is also actively engaged in organizing cultural activities in Latvia and abroad. She is a member and the Latvian representative of various international organizations promoting culture. In addition, she gives master classes in music, production and composition, in Latvia and abroad. She is also a co-organizer and co-creator of numerous television projects in Latvia. Head judge of numerous international vocal competitions abroad.
In 2002 Ms. Švilpe received the "Copyright Infinity Award 2002" for "Latgale Oratorio", in the Best Latvian Children's Composer category, and for her great contributions to Latvian culture. In 2002, she was recognized as the Daugavpils City Person of the Year for her great contribution to the cultural development of the city. For her contribution to culture in Latvia and abroad, Ms. Švilpe has been awarded various medals, diplomas, awards and certificates.

Elena Kolomiytseva (Estonia)

Singer, orchestra soloist, musical artist, top-class vocal teacher, specialist in vocal hygiene and protection. Graduated with honours from the Gnessin Music Academy under the supervision of Professor Vivea Gromova (the only student of the famous Polish opera singer, Ewa Bandrowska-Turska). In Estonia, Elena has earned the name of the “gorgeous soprano”.Elena maintains an active vocal career, working with orchestras, groups, and soloists. She gives solo concerts of classical music, ancient music, romances, and pop music of the last century. She also works as a producer, organizer of concerts and events, director of musicals; she founded and manages of her own vocal studio, and can boast teaching experience of over 20 years. Authored multiple articles, and published two methodological manuals. Winner of international vocal and educational competitions in Italy, Austria, and Ukraine. Recipient of numerous awards: for cultural contribution to the development of Narva (2015-2023), a commemorative medal for the cultural contribution on the 100th anniversary of the Republic of Estonia awarded by the Ministry of Education of Estonia (2022-2023), as the most active citizen in Estonia in the field of culture (2019), from the Vladimir Spivakov Foundation (2019, 2020, 2022), from the Elena Obraztsova Foundation, and many others. Elena Kolomiytseva is a jury member at numerous vocal competitions and festivals in Estonia and abroad.

Marcin Wortmann (Poland)

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.