Martina Batič has directed some of the world's leading professional chamber choirs and is in-demand as a conductor from Europe's largest media houses for her experience in working with radio choirs. She has won awards for her unique ability to captivate both chorus singers and audiences. The 44-year-old Slovenian has had an impressive musical career, and for the past four years she has held the prestigious post of Musical Director for the Choir of Radio France.

Now Danish listeners, viewers and concert-goers will also have the opportunity to experience the work of this dynamic choir conductor, because Martina Batič will take over as new Chief Conductor of the Danish National Vocal Ensemble in Copenhagen from August 2023. Here she succeeds Englishman Marcus Creed, who will continue as the choir's Conductor Laureate.

A personal and musical match

Although the choice of Martina Batič as the new Chief Conductor of the Danish National Vocal Ensemble is a prestigious appointment for both parties, the choir's Artistic Director Michael Emery emphasises that Batič was chosen first and foremost because of the special and immediate chemistry between her and the Vocal Ensemble members:

- We invited Martina Batič as a guest conductor for the first time in May 2022, and it was clear from the very beginning that there was a special connection between her and the choir's singers. A strong mutual chemistry is an invaluable foundation when creating music together, says Michael Emery.

- On a musical level, Martina has a rare ability to bring music to life through her spontaneous and dynamic music-making. Her presence, energy and openness create a special atmosphere which is truly inspiring and provides the opportunity for powerful musical experiences for both singers and audiences alike.

Passing on the baton

For Martina Batič, being appointed new chief conductor of the Danish National Vocal Ensemble brings a combination of feelings - delight, but also awe:

- I am both excited and honoured to have been appointed Chief Conductor of the Danish National Vocal Ensemble, not least because I am taking over the post from the renowned Marcus Creed, whom I deeply admire myself, says Martina Batič.

- The DR Vocal Ensemble is internationally known for its very high artistic level and special clean, slender, Scandinavian choral sound, which I am very enthusiastic about. Furthermore, the group has an incredibly strong team spirit, and I have already been warmly welcomed into this ensemble of wonderful singers, with whom I look forward to sharing many unforgettable musical experiences and adventures in the years to come.

New expressions and concert formats

Amongst the visions and ideas that Martina Batič has for her Danish choir is the desire to explore choral music’s possibilities both in a traditional way and via new concert formats:

- Some of my favourite choral repertoire is the music of the Romantic period, with its long vocal lines; but also contemporary music, where you can really work in depth with both words and notes, says Martina Batič

- But what I most dream of doing with the Danish National Vocal Ensemble is expanding what we traditionally understand as the choral repertoire. I would like to experiment with the interaction between several different senses, for example by trying out new concert venues and forms of expression, so that we inspire our audiences to experience music in new and different ways. A concert with choral music should feel like going on a journey where anything can happen.

Martina Batič takes over as Chief Conductor of the Danish National Vocal Ensemble in August 2023.