Local and International performances and festivals
Even though the ensemble has been active for a short time, we have already made an impact in the Greek and international choral music scene. Voci Contra Tempo has collaborated with Thessaloniki’s State Symphony Orchestra, among others, presenting some of the main works for female choir, such as The Planets by Gustav Holst and Les Sirènes from Claude Debussy’s Nocturnes. We have performed at important venues such as the Thessaloniki Megaron Concert Hall and the historical Parnassus Athens Hall.
In August 2021 the ensemble made its international debut after having been invited to participate in some of the most prestigious choral festivals in Europe: the “Guido d’Arezzo International Choral Festival” and the “Incontro Internazionale Polifonico ‘Città di Fano’”.
The ensemble has also been interested in channeling its art through educational activities. In July 2021, Voci Contra Tempo was invited by the International Choral Festival of Preveza to participate as the laboratory choir of the 4th Choral Conducting Masterclass, led by Ambrož Čopi (SL) and Sofia Gioldasi (GR), with participant conductors from Greece and abroad.
Sofia Gioldasi is the founder, conductor and artistic leader of the ensemble.
when 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 Operaa 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 OperaA beautiful journey…. that takes me one step further artistically, musically, spiritually, mentally
It is a great pleasure and honor for me to participate in a vocal ensemble of such a high artistic and musical standard as “Voci Contra Tempo”. Every rehearsal, every preparation for a new project of ours, is a beautiful journey. One that takes me one step further … artistically, musically, spiritually, mentally …
I feel really lucky … I’m grateful.
Athanasia Thomopoulou
Mezzo-soprano Voci Contra Tempothe beautiful moments and the sense of being
Singing with “Voci Contra Tempo” not only gives me the opportunity to do what I love most, but also to become a better musician with each new project. The determination and focus on details required of us during the rehearsals, the vocal preparation and development, and the constant striving to reach increasingly high artistic levels, are the elements that inspired me to become, and remain, a member of “Voci Contra Tempo”. If you add to these the warmth, the light-hearted atmosphere, the beautiful moments and the sense of being part of a musical family it provides me with, I can think of nothing better to wish for!
Dimitra Athanasatou
Mezzo-soprano Voci Contra TempoWhat’s not to love?
I am overwhelmed by an amazing sense of creativity each time I sing with “Voci Contra Tempo”. I feel that I escape from the fast pace of every-day life and enter into a world in which the only overarching goal, is music. What’s not to love?
Kallipateira Hatzikalimeri
Soprano Voci Contra Tempothe ideas and thoughts behind each piece awaken our imagination and emotions.
I like to sing in ‘Voci Contra Tempo’ because with each project I improve, both musically and vocally. The repertoire is unique and challenging! Our conductor works with tremendous attention to detail; providing meaningful explanations and illustrations of the ideas and thoughts behind each piece, which awaken our imagination and emotions. I particularly like the consideration the conductor gives to the significance of a singer’s body in the production of sound, and how this relates to the singing voice. The appreciation and respect among the members of the group and the conductor creates a beautiful familial atmosphere, and an ideal environment for cooperation and creation. I love us!
Ria Karamatsouki
Soprano Voci Contra TempoI 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!
Classically trained singers who are passionate about choral music.
Voci Contra Tempo functions as a project choir and its members are classically trained singers who are passionate about choral music. One of the ensemble’s goals is to explore the spatial possibilities offered by each venue and use customized staging in order to give a complete concert experience to the audience.
