Dedicated to the memory of our dear friend and colleague Elisavet Hatzivasiliou, mezzo-soprano and founding member of our choir, who lost her life so unjustly, at the age of just 26, in the train accident in Tempi on 28/02/2023 …
Μάνα μου, μάνα - a lament for Good Friday
SYNOPSIS The lyrics of the piece ‘Mana mou, mana’ are written in the first person, and are the voice of Christ on the day of his crucifixion calling out to his mother for comfort. He exhorts heaven to send rain to offer both relief and the hope of regeneration and new life. The piece highlights the central role of a mother and the universal experience of motherhood in which a child (even as an adult) will call for their mother in their time of need and regards them as so powerful and important that they carry both the sun and spring with them.
Oh mother, my mother
they sowed stone and wormwood in my path
Oh mother, my mother
I lived out my youth under the shadow of the swords
Oh heaven
send me rain to water the desert
to grow cool flowers on my ethereal body
Oh mother, my mother
bring the spring to me on, the cross
Oh mother, my mother,
My sunlit day, when will I find you?
Oh heaven
Disperse the clouds so I can cross over the border
and one night, in the mountains sound the bells.
Oh mother, my mother
Today, the nails burn into my hands
Oh heaven,
send me rain to water the desert
to grow cool flowers on my ethereal body
Oh mother, my mother
Bring me your sun, on the cross
[Translated by Ruth Jennifer Sutton]
Thank you
Thank you for supporting 8 young Greek composers, Voci Contra Tempo and promoting Greek choral music at the Berlin Philharmonic! Our GoFundme page is still open
Classically trained singers who are passionate about choral music
We strongly believe that experiencing choral performance, both as a singer and as a listener, can be truly inspirational.
Our vision is to transform the lives of people through music.
I was very impressed
I met Sofia Gioldasi in Spain some years ago and we could share a wonderful week of music and friendship. Since the beginning I noticed her strong commitment and love to choral music as well as deep motivation to create and develop new projects in her country after her stay in the Netherlands. “Voci Contra Tempo is the result” of that search and that initiative. I could meet the choir in Arezzo in August 2021 and I was very impressed by the sound quality of the group as well as the intelligent and creative selection of the repertoire. I am sure this group will contribute to developing the choir world in Greece and Europe and I wish them all the best!
a unique experience for both the participants and the public
Undoubtedly, each project of “Voci Contra Tempo” is a unique experience for both the participants and the public. Wherever I am, “Voci Contra Tempo” holds a very special place in my heart. And this is because my participation with the ensemble, both on an artistic and a human level, has helped me to discover and love the paths that today – without any exaggeration – define my life in the most beautiful way.
Antigoni Chalkia
Soprano - former member of Voci Contra Tempo Choir Academy - Vienna State Operawhen I think of these ‘golden girls’ and their incredible conductor …
There is a lot that I could say about “Voci Contra Tempo”. I could talk about artistic perfection, courage, love of beauty, incredible methodical preparation and patience. The most important thing, however, is that when I think of these ‘golden girls’ and their incredible conductor, a wide smile spontaneously breaks across my face!
Olga Balomenou
Soprano - former member of Voci Contra Tempo cast member of the Greek National Opera
Local and International performances and festivals
“Voci Contra Tempo” vocal ensemble was founded in 2017 and it has already made an impact in the Greek and international choral music scene.
In the summer 2021 the ensemble was invited to participate at the “Guido d’Arezzo International Choral Festival” (IT), the “Incontro Internazionale Polifonico ‘Città di Fano’” (IT) and the Preveza International Choral Festival (GR).
We'd love to sing for you!
Ensemble in Residence
The Female Vocal Ensemble “Voci Contra Tempo” is very happy and honored to be ensemble-in-residence at the Department of Music Studies of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki for the academic year 2021/22.
Through this collaboration, the two organizations aspire to carry out a series of projects that will promote the choral / vocal music and contribute to the training of young composers aiming for the composition of new choral music.
For more information: https://www.mus.auth.gr/en/ereyna-kai-praksi/ensembles/voci-contra-tempo/
Our vision is to transform the lives of people through music
