Call for participation: 12th World Choir Games

The games offer The Champions Competition and The Open Competition for experienced competitive choirs as well as choirs with relatively little international experience. These two competitions allow choirs the opportunity to participate at the appropriate level and choirs who choose not to be placed in the competition, but seek to be part of the international experience of the games, can participate in the non-competitive evaluation activities.

The competitions

The Champions Competition is for choirs with international experience and/or comparable credentials.

In the spirit of "participation is the highest honour", choirs, regardless of their present artistic level of achievement, have the opportunity to participate in The Open Competition to gather valuable experience in international competition.

Both competitions are held in 28 different categories. The participating choirs can choose their most suitable category here.

Choirs who choose not to be placed in the competition, but seek to be part of the international experience of the games can participate in the non-competitive evaluation activities. 

Performance coaching and recommendations will be given for future participation in international competitions. The choirs will receive an official certificate of participation.

Individual coaching

All participants, whether taking part in the competitions or not, are given the opportunity to participate with their choir in a session with a noted international choir director.

Friendship concerts

In addition to their competitive or non–competitive participation, choirs may perform in a friendship concert with other choirs in public venues in and around Gangneung. These free public concerts provide opportunities for choirs to showcase their musical traditions and costumes of their native land.

Festival stage choir

The closing ceremony will become a stage for choral fireworks, as flags of the participating countries are assembled and the colours of the World Choir Games are handed to the next host city. 

As part of the Closing Ceremony, a mass choir, specially put together for this event, soloists and a full symphony orchestra will perform folk songs from all continents, and popular songs to allow the audience to sing and dance along and conclude the brilliant event.

Choirs who wish to be part of this mass choir, need to register for this activity. These choirs will have to attend compulsory rehearsal sessions with choirs from around the world. Please note that the artistic committee will have the final say in the selection of choirs. Choirs will be required to rehearse the music and arrive prepared for the mass choir rehearsals.

Workshops

The World Choir Games will also offer workshops, seminars and open rehearsal sessions. During these workshops, choirs, conductors, and individuals will be introduced to international choral literature, singing styles, and performance practices. 

New choral experiences will be created by mixing with other singers, getting instructions from the workshop leader and performing in this creative environment might open the eyes and ears of the choristers to new choral experiences.

Costs and registration

For participation in this event, payment of the registration fee (per choir) as well as the event package (per person) is required. Choirs that come from the province of Gangwon-do and therefore do not need an overnight stay, pay a Participant Fee (per person) instead of the Event Package. The prices of the Event Packages and the Participant Fee can be downloaded below or requested using our contact form.

The following registration fees have to be paid per choir/ensemble:

• For early bird registration, the fee per selected activity is €250 (about $254).
• For registration until the regular deadline, the fee for the first activity is €500 and €250 for each additional activity.

Note: Activities refer to competition participation (one category = one activity), valuation performance, individual coaching, festival stage choir, and festival participation (only concerts). For choirs participating in the competitions and evaluation activities, the performance in a concert is free of charge.

The early bird registration deadline is 14 September 2022, while the regular deadline is 7 December 2022.

View the original call here.