The Poznan University of Technology Choir Volantes Soni participated in the international festival Chorus Inside Croatia from August 22–27, 2025, held in the picturesque towns of Rovinj (Croatia) and Portorož (Slovenia). The event brought together choirs from Poland, Italy, Romania, and Hungary, offering both rich musical experiences and unforgettable cultural impressions.

The festival opened with a colourful parade of choirs through the streets of Rovinj. A total of 14 ensembles took part: 9 from Poland, 2 from Italy, 2 from Romania, and 1 from Hungary. The procession started in the city centre and led up to St. Euphemia’s Church, where the opening concert took place. Along the way, choirs sang, danced, and greeted tourists, before each ensemble performed a short repertoire for the gathered audience.

Volantes Soni prepared for its performances during rehearsals at the Polynesia Resort in Umag. Some sessions were held outdoors among greenery, creating a pleasant atmosphere and the joy of singing in the open air. To avoid disturbing other guests, further rehearsals were moved indoors.

The day after the opening concert, the choir traveled to Portorož (Slovenia), where in the Europa Auditorium of the St. Bernardin Hotel, acoustic rehearsals and competition auditions were held between 10:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Volantes Soni competed in the Profane Polyphonical Music category, presenting their prepared program.

In the evening, the final gala took place in the same hall. The jury and organizers thanked the choirs for their presentations, emphasizing their high artistic level, and then announced the results. Evaluations covered intonation, sound quality, fidelity to the score, and overall artistic impression.

The Poznan University of Technology Choir Volantes Soni won the Grand Prix, achieving 29/30 points, tied with the Romanian ensemble Sfantul Joan Cel Nou. After the announcement, winners of the individual categories and the Grand Prix laureates performed again for the audience. The Volantes Soni singers then returned to the resort to celebrate their success together.

The stay in Croatia also provided opportunities for rest and integration. Choir members enjoyed the charms of Istria—swimming in the sea and pools, aqua aerobics, and evening attractions at the resort’s amphitheater, including magic shows and dance performances.

Participants also joined a guided trip to Pula, discovering its rich history, monuments, and centuries-old curiosities. Back at the resort, a traditional initiation for new choir members was organized—this time themed after the past artistic season: “Versailles, the royal court, the opera.” This referenced a year-long project connected with the choir’s participation in the Szczecin Opera Festival.

On the final day, the choir visited Venice—the city of canals and gondolas, narrow streets, bridges, and squares with a unique atmosphere. A walk through the historic centre, including St. Mark’s Square, the Basilica, and the Doge’s Palace, was a beautiful conclusion to the entire trip.

The journey was a great success, combining artistic challenges, competition triumph, relaxation, and team bonding. It would not have been possible without the support of Poznan University of Technology, for which the singers are deeply grateful.

We are proud of our choristers, who gave their all both on stage—winning the Grand Prix—and off stage, building community and creating a unique atmosphere.

Warm congratulations to all festival participants on their wonderful performances, and best wishes for many more musical encounters in the future!