Vannes Men’s Choir

Vannes Men’s Choir – France

International Choir Competition & Festival in Provence 2025

Created in Vannes in 1996 by its choir mistress Malgorzata Pleyber, the Vannes Male Voice Choir has established itself over the years as one of the most imposing Male Voice Choirs in Brittany. Composed of more than 55 choristers, the choir offers a rich and diverse repertoire, uniting a wide range of sacred and secular pieces from a wide classical repertoire along with contemporary pieces.

Since its beginning, the talent of the Vannes Male Voice Choir has also shone beyond the Breton borders. The choir has successfully participated in a number of international festivals and competitions, winning numerous awards and prizes and the choir’s fame has spread far and wide as it has won a number of gold and silver awards over the years.

In 2010, the choir obtained a gold and a silver award at the Interkultur festival in Venice. These were followed by two silver awards at the Interkultur festival in Vienna in 2012. The choirs success abroad continued when they secured the second prize in the Male Voice Choir category at the international festival ‘Sing the World’ in Saint Petersburg in 2014 and in 2016, the choir won first prize in the ‘Seniors’ category at the ‘Canco Mediterraneo’ festival in Barcelona.

The Vannes Male Voice Choir has also worked in collaboration with other groups, sharing the stage in 2018 with the famous ensemble ‘Musica ex Anima’ from Krakow and the soprano Jolanta Kowalska. Anchored in the cultural life of Vannes, the choir has been able to diversify its activities, collaborating in numerous concerts in Brittany, notably in partnership with the ‘Maitrise de Bretagne’ but also creating a joint performance with the ‘Equestrian Theatre’ of Brittany in 2018.

Following the period of confinement linked to the Covid health crisis, the choir has been able to renew its activities, most notably participating in the International Choir Festival – Verona Garda Estate in Italy, in 2022. The year 2023 brought a remarkable performance of ‘Mozart’s Requiem’ in Vannes Cathedral followed by performances in Questembert and Sarzeau – sharing the stage with the Vannes ensemble ‘Polyphonia’ and the choir ‘les 4 vents from Riantec under the baton of Stanislaw Krawczynski and accompanied by the orchestra of the academy of music of Krakow.

A true ambassador of male choral singing in Brittany, the Vannes Male Voice Choir continues its journey with ambition, registering the continuity of its rich and prestigious history. On the strength of its past performances, the choir is enthusiastically taking up new challenges, most notably, participating in the international choral festival and competition in Saint Raphael, Provence in July 2025.

Malgorzata Pleyber, Conductor

Malgorzata Pleyber graduated in 1981 with honours and distinction in choral conducting from the Conservatoire of Krakow and is now widely recognised for her expertise and talent in directing vocal ensembles. She has developed a rich and varied career.

In addition to her activities as choir mistress, Malgorzata has occupied posts as vocal coach at the Old Stary Theatre and the Modern Theatre in Krakow where she was honoured on numerous occasions, as well as working for several years as a singing teacher at the Conservatoire of Krakow, where she created and conducted a male voice choir at the Academy of Mines and Metallurgy in Krakow.

After working for several years as a singing teacher in two conservatories, she conducts a men’s choir with which she participates in festivals in various European countries. Malgorzata Pleyber moved to Brittany in 1989.

Since then, she has been actively involved in the local musical life. She has worked with director Éric Kruger on the editing of several shows. In 1993, she created the Renaissance ensemble ‘Art Nova’ In 1996 Malgorzata founded the ‘Vannes Male Voice’ Choir’ which she directs with great talent. Under her baton, the choir has won numerous international prizes. In 2012, Malgorzata created ‘Nova Voce’, a renowned classical mixed choir. She also conducts a ladies choir as well as directing the mixed ensemble – ‘Polyphonia’.

Malgorzata directs and conducts all her choirs with great sensitivity and unfailing rigour. Her programmes combine recognised composers and contemporary pieces, notably from the sacred repertoire. Her interpretations are distinguished by their precision, their subtlety and their power of expression.

The numerous international awards, notably with the Vannes Male Voice Choir, testify to the talent and charisma of this outstanding choir director. Malgorzata Pleyber continues her work to transmit and radiate choral music, fascinating the public by the beauty and diversity of her programmes.

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