Kutaisi 2026: competition results and Grand Prix for the I. Kechakhmadze Choir

We are publishing the results of the 2nd International Choral Festival Music Without Borders in Kutaisi, Georgia. On 18 October 2026, an international jury announced its decisions after 15 performances by 12 choirs across 6 contested categories. The auditions took place in the auditorium of Akaki Tsereteli State University, 59 Tamar Mepe Street, Kutaisi.

12
choirs
15
performances
6
contested categories

Grand Prix

The highest distinction
Grand Prix
Kutaisi I. Kechakhmadze Academic Chamber Choir
Georgia
Conductor: Irine Lominadze

Competition results

Ensembles are listed by score, highest first. Diplomas and distinctions follow the jury’s decision.

Folk / ethnic music

Women’s Folklore Ensemble “Chona” of Ak. Vasadze Arts School of Folklore / Kutaisi, Georgia
Conductor: Levan Gersamia
Gold diploma · 96 points
Category winner
The Margalef Ensemble / Senaki, Georgia
Conductor: Dmitrij Kakulia
Gold diploma · 93 points
Men’s Folklore Ensemble “Chona” of Ak. Vasadze Arts School of Folklore / Kutaisi, Georgia
Conductor: Levan Gersamia
Gold diploma · 92 points
The Evangelical Choir of Ustroń / Poland
Conductor: Szymon Stanieszewski
Silver diploma · 86 points
Mundus Cantat Choir / Sopot, Poland
Conductor: Joanna Szutowicz
Silver diploma · 84 points

Senior choirs

“Bermukha” Senior Citizens’ Folklore Ensemble under Kutaisi Municipality City Hall / Kutaisi, Georgia
Conductor: Giga Abesadze
Silver diploma · 88 points

Sacred music

The Hoor Choir from the Municipal Cultural Center in Wągrowiec / Poland
Conductor: Tomasz Kotwica
Gold diploma · 91 points
Category winner ex aequo
Men’s Folklore Ensemble “Chona” of Ak. Vasadze Arts School of Folklore / Kutaisi, Georgia
Conductor: Levan Gersamia
Gold diploma · 91 points
Category winner ex aequo
Quintet (3 boys and 2 girls) of Chanting Specialty of M. Balanchivadze Central Music School / Kutaisi, Georgia
Conductor: Malkhaz Erkvanidze, Zurab Gogoladze
Silver diploma · 86 points
The Evangelical Choir of Ustroń / Poland
Conductor: Szymon Stanieszewski
Silver diploma · 83 points

Mixed choirs

The University of Szczecin Choir / Szczecin, Poland
Conductor: Anna Tarnowska
Gold diploma · 94 points

Chamber choirs

Kutaisi I. Kechakhmadze Academic Chamber Choir / Georgia
Conductor: Irine Lominadze
Gold diploma · 99 points
Category winner
The Hoor Choir from the Municipal Cultural Center in Wągrowiec / Poland
Conductor: Tomasz Kotwica
Silver diploma · 90 points

Children’s choirs

M. Balanchivadze Central Music School Children Choir / Georgia
Conductor: Natia Goguadze
Gold diploma · 94 points
Category winner
United Children’s Choir of M. Balanchivadze Central Music School / Georgia
Conductor: Eter Philipashvili
Gold diploma · 92 points

Special prizes

For the best performance of a folklore-inspired work
The Margalef Ensemble / Senaki, Georgia
Conductor: Dmitrij Kakulia
Work: Dadianuri Modzakhili
For the most interesting interpretation of sacred music
The University of Szczecin Choir / Szczecin, Poland
Conductor: Anna Tarnowska
Work: Salve Regina to the Mothers in Brazil — Lars Jansson
For the best performance of a contemporary composer’s work
Kutaisi I. Kechakhmadze Academic Chamber Choir / Georgia
Conductor: Irine Lominadze
Work: “Vita” — No. 3 “Ars longa, vita brevis” — V. Kakhidze
The 12th Prof. Józef Świder International Festival of Music, Cieszyn, Poland — 2027
The Margalef Ensemble / Senaki, Georgia · Dmitrij Kakulia
Invitation to participate without paying the registration fee.
International Choir Festival in Slovakia — 2027
Women’s Folklore Ensemble “Chona” of Ak. Vasadze Arts School of Folklore / Kutaisi, Georgia · Levan Gersamia
Invitation to participate without paying the registration fee.
International Choir Festival in Slovakia — 2027
The University of Szczecin Choir / Szczecin, Poland · Anna Tarnowska
Invitation to participate without paying the registration fee.

International jury

Chairman of the jury
Prof. doc.
Milan Kolena
Slovakia
Jury member
Prof. dr hab.
Izabella Zielecka-Panek
Poland
Jury member
Dr
Revaz Javakhishvili
Georgia
Jury member
Ketevan Bantsadze
Georgia

Thank you for celebrating music with us

Congratulations to every choir and conductor. Our thanks go to the jury, our hosts and the audience for a meeting in which music truly crossed borders. Explore all 42 photographs from the gala in the gallery below.

Discover the Kutaisi festival →

Read about the Józef Świder Festival 2027 →