Winners

Norwegian, 34 years old, Ragnar Rasmussen was educated at the Trøndelag Music Conservatory, first in church music, then in conducting. Has conducted many different choirs of various levels in the Scandinavian countries as well as in other European countries. He lives in Tromsø where he regularly works with the following ensembles: Vokal Nord, Chamber Choir Mimas, Chamber Choir SAGA, the Tromsø Conservatory Choir, and the Tromsø Opera Choir. He has received wide recognition both in his country and abroad. He now teaches Coral Conducting at the Tromsø University. He is Assistant Professor in choir training and conducting at the Tromsø University College. He has been awarded many prized both in his country and abroad.

Hungarian born Finnish choir conductor Rita Varonen has been conducting the Cantinovum Choir since 1993. She studied at the Liszt Academy in Budapest and received her Diploma in choir conducting in 1987. In 1996 Rita Varonen received the Finnish Cultural Fund / Harald Andersén Award for developing Finnish choral culture. Currently she is a senior lecturer in the Jyväskylä Polytechnic Music Department.