Danish National Vocal Ensemble Appoints New Chief Conductor

Slovenian conductor Martina Batič will assume the role as of August 2023

The Danish National Vocal Ensemble (DR) is an internationally acclaimed chamber choir of 18 singers, known for its virtuoso choral technique and Nordic sound. Martina Batič will succeed Marcus Creed, who will continue as the group’s Conductor Laureate

For the past four years, Batič has served as musical director for the Choir of Radio France. She is also a regular guest conductor for radio choirs in Belgium, Holland, Sweden, and Germany, plus has appeared with the Netherlands Chamber Choir, Norwegian Soloists’ Choir, and the Eric Ericson Chamber Choir.

From 2004–2009, she was chorus master of the Slovenian National Opera and directed the Slovenian Philharmonic Choir for eight years until 2017. Additionally, she was the 2006 winner of the Eric Ericson Prize and received the Slovenian Prešeren Fund Award in 2019.

“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,” said the choir’s artistic director, Michael Emery. “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.”

“I am both excited and honored…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,” Batič said.

“What I most dream of doing with the DR Vocal Ensemble is expanding what we traditionally understand as the choral repertoire,” she continued. “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.”