Jitro Czech Girls Choir

About the Artist

Jitro, meaning “daybreak” in Czech, and based in Hradec Kralove, a town in the Czech Republic, is an organization of 500 girls in seven preparatory ensembles, of which only the best 25-50 qualify to tour.  For 35 years they have been admired all over the world for their tone, intonation, and rich blend of sound and energetic vitality.  Jitro, one of the best children's choirs in the world, has performed at such prestigious European contests in Llangollen, Wales (1988), Nantes, France (1989), Lecco, Italy (1990), and Neerpelt, Belgium (1996).

Jitro was invited to sing at the National Convention of the American Choral Directors Association in San Antonio, Texas in 1993 where the group received standing ovations from thousands of professional American conductors. Jitro makes over 100 appearances annually and has sung with other renowned choruses, including the American Boys' Choir.  Jitro has performed with the Bavarian Symphonic Orchestra, the Milano Symphonic Orchestra, and the Pardubice Philharmonic.  They have performed in prestigious concert halls in Prague, Barcelona, Hale, Bern, Basle, Dortmund, Avignon, Toulouse, Strasbourg, Austin, Cincinnati, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Washington, D.C., Baltimore, Atlanta, Nashville, Indianapolis, Madison, Chicago, State College, New York City, Huston, San Antonio, Dallas, Corpus Christi, Oklahoma City, Kansas City, Tokyo, Hong Kong, Xiamen, and many more. The choir has recorded 18 discs on such labels as BMA, Classico, and Amabile. Composers associated with the choir include Bohuslav Martinÿ, Otmar Mácha, Petr Eben.

In 2003 Jitro competed with 171 choruses from all over the world at the international Songs Festival in Olomouc, Czech Republic. Jitro participated in six categories and was granted six golden medals  (twice scoring one hundred points). Also in 2003 the choir toured the U.S., Switzerland, Germany, France, Poland, and Austria. The choir took part in the 2006 World Choir Games in Xiamen, China in July 2006, competing with four hundred choirs from all over the world.  They received three gold medals and one silver medal. The choir toured Japan for the fourth time in May 2007, and is in the midst of their tenth tour of the U.S.

Artistic director and conductor Professor Jiri Skopal, Ph.D. has been associated with Jitro, Czech Girls’ Choir since 1977.  In 1982, he formed a boys' choir.  Professor Skopal is a teacher, professor, and head of the Department of Music at the University of Hradec Kralove. He has published essays and choir education textbooks, and is the recipient of numerous awards and honors. He was the first person to receive the prestigious "Primus Inter Pares" by the City of Hradec Kralove for his outstanding contributions to the regional culture.  Professor Skopal works with accompanist Michael Chrobak for the choir, including the development of their repertoire.