About us

Born at the meeting point between Italy and Slovenia, Vikra blends it’s cultures into one distinctive voice.

The Vikra Chamber Choir

The VIKRA Chamber Choir was founded in 2014 through the meeting of experienced singers and musicians under the direction of Petra Grassi, a renowned choral conductor. The choir operates under the auspices of the Glasbena Matica in Trieste and has established itself as a dynamic force in the choral world. Since its founding, VIKRA has performed works for equal and mixed voices, ranging from Renaissance repertoire to Romantic and contemporary compositions. The ensemble takes pride in numerous premieres and works dedicated specifically to the choir by composers such as Bec, Bonato, Brisotto, Durighello, Lo Pinto, and Quaggiato. VIKRA regularly collaborates as a laboratory choir in prestigious choral seminars and organizes masterclasses with renowned experts. Its singers also contribute their talents to various prestigious ensembles across Europe, including the World Youth Choir and the Slovenian Philharmonic Choir.

The choir’s journey is marked by significant cultural milestones and international collaborations. In 2021, VIKRA participated in a project by the Pinacoteca di Brera, recording the operetta Fischreise by Andrea Melis. More recently, in September 2023, the choir performed at the opera theatre in Orvieto for the La Piana del Cavaliere International Music Festival. This success continued with a distinguished program at the Pavarotti-Freni Theatre in Modena, which was later repeated in Trieste and Nova Gorica. Perhaps the most emblematic cultural milestone was in Sarajevo in June 2024, where the choir performed at the invitation of the UNFPA (United Nations) and the Italian and Slovenian Embassies in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Petra Grassi

Petra Grassi is one of the most interesting and awarded European choral conductors of her generation. After graduating in Piano and Music Education in Trieste, she specialized with highest honors in Choral Conducting in Trento, where she now teaches the subject. Her expertise has led her to serve as Principal Conductor of the Friuli Venezia Giulia Youth Choir and co-artistic director of the Italian Youth Choir. She is a regular guest conductor for the Slovenian Philharmonic Choir and the DEKOR Chamber Choir in Ljubljana. Her international influence is further cemented by her roles in the FENIARCO Artistic Committee and the International Artistic Committee of Leading Voices – Tallinn 2025. She is frequently invited to judge prestigious international competitions in cities like London, Madrid, and Cork.

Throughout her career, Petra Grassi has been honored with the Golden Emblem of the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Slovenia. She also received the Prešeren Award for her international work under the patronage of the Presidents of Italy and Slovenia. Recently, she was granted the prestigious Pavle Merkù Award. Her leadership with VIKRA has consistently resulted in top-tier recognition, including the Best Conductor award at the “C. A. Seghizzi” International Choral Competition.

Awards and Recognitions

Our artistic journey is defined by a constant, rigorous pursuit of excellence and a deep, unwavering connection to our cultural heritage. Yet, our true ambition extends far beyond the prestige of awards; each trophy and recognition serves as a testament to the collective soul of our ensemble—the tireless dedication of our singers. Every performance is an exploration, a dialogue between the traditions we cherish and the bold, contemporary expressions we strive to bring to life on the global stage.

Black and White photo of the Vikra Chamber Choir performing in a theatre

This dedication has led to significant milestones, including our historic victory as the first Italian ensemble to win the Grand Prix at the 59th C. A. Seghizzi International Choral Competition. From Arezzo to Vittorio Veneto, these awards stand as symbols of a shared voice that resonates across borders. Have a look at a selection of our most significant awards.

Grand Prix & 1^st Prize

59th “C. A. Seghizzi” International Choral Competition (2022)

Mixed Voices | Renaissance, Romantic, and Contemporary Categories
"Andrea Giorgi"
Best Conductor Award

59th “C. A. Seghizzi” International Choral Competition (2022)

Awarded to Petra Grassi | Special Jury Prize
Grand Prix & 1^st Prize

10th “Il Garda in Coro” National Competition (2018)

Equal Voices (Female) | Children’s and Youth Choir Category
Grand Prix & 1^st Prize

16th “Corovivo” Regional Choral Competition (2017)

Equal Voices (Female) | Excellence Category
1^st Prize

34th “Guido d’Arezzo” National Polyphonic Competition (2017)

Equal Voices (Female)
1^st Prize

51st “Trofei Città di Vittorio Veneto” National Competition (2017)

Vocal Group

People

VIKRA is a choir that stands as a cultural bridge. Its members are Slovene and Italian singers, representing both nationalities in a shared artistic project. This unique blend of personnel and heritage from both Italy and Slovenia defines the choir’s identity, making it a true symbol of cross-border collaboration and unity.