Voices of Olympus

This contest invites for the participation:   Choirs and Vocal Ensembles

Greece, Thessaloniki & Olympic Riviera

Voices of Olympus is an international choral festival and contest bringing together choirs and vocal ensembles from different countries in Greece. The project combines professional contest, cultural exchange, educational opportunities and a stay on the Olympic Riviera, between the Aegean Sea and Mount Olympus. Participants stay on the Olympic Riviera in May and in Thessaloniki in July.

Participation formats

Competitive participation includes a performance before the international jury and participation in the award system. Non-competitive participation is available for dancers wishing to join the festival without jury ranking; the exact programme is confirmed according to the final schedule.


All of our programs consist of two parts:

1. Participation in the competition and festival
2. Participation in the Festival without competing in the competition*.

* For those who don’t want to participate in the competitive program, but wish to participate in the festival. They will still participate in the other festival activities including: joint rehearsals, workshops and master classes, where they receive advice and an official certificate from the renowned international experts during a brief discussion in an open and friendly atmosphere. Non competing participants will also perform at international friendship concerts combining different kinds of art.
Communication with other participants, an open exchange of experience as well as a lot of master classes with internationally recognized experts, will certainly bring you to a whole new level of creativity!

6 reasons why you need participate in vocal contest


CATEGORIES

A

Children’s choirs and youth choirs

The performance program may be of the choir’s choice and should include at least two different musical styles or time periods.
At least one of the pieces must be performed a cappella (without instrumental accompaniment).

A1 – CHILDREN’S CHOIRS
Age groups: 7-16
Singing time: maximum 15 minutes
Minimum Number of Singers -16

A2 – YOUTH CHOIRS OF EQUAL VOICES
Age groups: 16-25
Singing time: maximum 15 minutes
Minimum Number of Singers -16

A3 – YOUTH CHOIRS OF MIXED VOICES
Age groups: 16-25
Singing time: maximum 15 minutes
Minimum Number of Singers -16


B

Vocal Ensembles and Chamber Choirs

The performance program may be of the choir’s choice and should include at least two different musical styles or time periods.
At least one of the pieces must be performed a cappella (without instrumental accompaniment).

Age groups:

1st – 7-10 years old
2nd 11-14 years old
3rd 15-18 years old
4th 18-25 years old
5th above 25 years old
6th Mixed Age Group (participants from various age categories)
Singing time: maximum 15 minutes
Minimum Number of Singers -3
Maximum Number of Singers -16


C

Adult Choirs

The performance program may be of the choir’s choice and should include at least two different musical styles or time periods.
At least one of the pieces must be performed a cappella (without instrumental accompaniment).

С1 – Female Choirs
Age groups: 18 and over
Singing time: maximum 15 minutes
Minimum Number of Singers -1
7

С2 – Male Choirs
Age groups: 18 and over
Singing time: maximum 15 minutes
Minimum Number of Singers -1
7

С3 – Mixed Choirs
Age groups: 18 and over
Singing time: maximum 15 minutes
Minimum Number of Singers -1
7


D

World Sacred Music

Participants can present choral arrangements and ritual music from Christian Catholic, Orthodox, Protestant, Islamic, Buddhist, Jewish, Hindu, Sikh, and many other traditions. This may also include religious melodies and hymns, prayers, spiritual songs, and ceremonial music.
The performance program may be of the choir’s choice.

Age groups: no age restrictions
Singing time: maximum 15 minutes
Number of Singers no restrictions


E

Folklore

Ensembles perform a folklore program. Corresponding choreography and stage performance are also possible. It is advisable to sing in traditional costumes. If there is no musical notation, please prepare a brief description of the program in English.
The performance program can be chosen by the choir.

Age groups: no age restrictions
Singing time: maximum 15 minutes
Number of Singers no restrictions 


F

Pop – jazz – gospel

The performance program may be of the choir’s choice. Performances may include pieces with instrumental accompaniment, phonograms or a cappella.

Age groups: no age restrictions
Singing time: maximum 15 minutes
Number of Singers no restrictions


G

Academic Singing

Participants may present works from the classical repertoire, including opera, operetta, arias, etc. At least one of the pieces must be performed a cappella (without instrumental accompaniment). 

Age groups:
2nd – 11–14 years old
3rd – 15–18 years old
4th – 18–25 years old
5th – above 25 years old
6th – Mixed Age Group (participants from various age categories)
Singing time: maximum 15 minutes. Number of Singers no restrictions

TERMS OF PARTICIPATION
  1. Contest performances are held in an indoor concert venue. The exact hall, stage plan, rehearsal sequence and technical specifications will be communicated to participating choirs before the event.
  2. The maximum clean singing time is 15 minutes and the minimum is 7 minutes. Applause and stage entry/exit are not included in the clean singing time.
  3. The Programme Confirmation form is sent 30 days before the contest; the duration of every work must be stated accurately.
  4. In categories where backing tracks are permitted, MP3 files must be emailed to the organizers with the Programme Confirmation form.
  5. Participants must bring 4 copies of the score for each work. Titles and composers must be printed in the Roman alphabet; where necessary, a Roman-character transcription must be provided.

One score copy is retained by the organiser. The remaining copies may be collected after the Awards Ceremony. Unauthorised copies may not be used.

  • Each participating choir is responsible for respecting applicable copyright and performance rights.
  • A piano and basic microphone for sound reinforcement are provided for performances.
  • By submitting an application, participants agree that photo, video and audio recordings made in connection with the festival may be used by the organisers for festival documentation and promotion, subject to applicable consent and data-protection rules.
AGE GROUPS OF THE PARTICIPANTS

JURY & EVALUATION CRITERIA

The international jury is formed by recognised choir conductors, music professors, vocal experts and cultural professionals from different countries. The jury evaluates participants on a 100-point system. The final result is based on the average of the scores awarded by the jury.

Judging criteria

  • Technical proficiency — pitch accuracy, intonation, diction, rhythmic precision, breath control and other technical aspects.
  • Interpretation — expressiveness, artistry, emotional communication and understanding of the musical work.
  • Musicianship — ensemble musicality, unity, tempo, dynamics and effective use of musical nuance.
  • Repertoire — selection, diversity, complexity and suitability of the chosen programme.
  • Ensemble interaction — balance, coordination, listening, synchronisation and interaction with the conductor.
  • Accuracy of interpretation — faithfulness to the score and musical notation.
  • Overall impression — professionalism, originality, artistic impact and uniqueness.

The jury has the right to

  • not award all prizes;
  • share a prize between performers or ensembles;
  • award special prizes to teachers, conductors or ensembles;
  • stop a performance that exceeds the regulations;
  • make final decisions that are not subject to review.
AWARDS

Awards are determined according to the final 100-point score:

POINTSAWARD
Up to 69Diploma Holder
70–79Third Degree Laureate
80–89Second Degree Laureate
90–99First Degree Laureate
100Grand Prize Winner
  • Grand Prize winners receive a major trophy and diploma (one per group/category).
  • First Degree winners receive a trophy and diploma (one per group/category).
  • Second and Third Degree winners receive diplomas (one per group/category).
  • All participating groups receive an official diploma with their result.
  • Personalised thank-you letters for choir leaders and sponsors are included according to the festival package.

Each choir receives a personalised engraved certificate for its contribution to international cultural exchange. Individual diplomas and medals are available for an additional fee when ordered before the contest.

PROGRAM OF STAY

Programme for 15–18 May 2027

15 May 2027 Arrival

Check-in at Cronwell Platamon Resort 5★ from 14:00. Meeting with the contest organisers, registration of participants and presentation of the excursion programmes. Dinner at the hotel.

16 May 2027 Excursions and festival activities

Breakfast. A day dedicated to excursions of your choice, available at an additional cost. In the evening, a masterclass at Cronwell Platamon Resort, according to the final festival programme. Outdoor activities are subject to suitable weather. Dinner. Lunch is included in the Full Board meal plan.

17 May 2027 Contest day in Thessaloniki

Breakfast. Departure from Platamon to Thessaloniki Concert Hall. Rehearsals, opening of the festival and contest performances before the international jury. Awards Ceremony. Return to the hotel. Dinner.

18 May 2027 Departure

08:00 — breakfast. Check-out before 10:00. Additional nights and excursions are available on request.

The organisers may adjust the timetable and activity format for organisational reasons while maintaining the overall festival format.

Programme for 22 – 25 July 2027

22 July 2027 Arrival

Arrival, check-in at a 4★ hotel in Thessaloniki, participant registration and meeting with the organisers. Dinner at the hotel.

23 July 2027 Contest day in Thessaloniki

Contest day in Thessaloniki: scheduled stage and sound checks, festival opening, contest performances and the Awards Ceremony. Breakfast and dinner at the hotel; lunch is at participants’ own expense.

24 July 2027 Excursions and festival activities

Festival activities according to the final programme and optional excursions at an additional cost. Breakfast and dinner at the hotel; lunch is at participants’ own expense.

25 July 2027 Departure

Breakfast, check-out and departure. July hotel check-in and check-out times are stated in the booking confirmation.

The organisers may adjust the timetable and activity format for organisational reasons while maintaining the overall festival format.

PRICE IN MAY AND WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE PRICE

15–18 May 2027 · 4 days / 3 nights · Cronwell Platamon Resort 5★ · Full Board

ACCOMMODATIONPACKAGE PRICE / PERSONEXTRA NIGHT / PERSON
QUAD€350€65
TRPL€360€68
DBL€385€73
SNGL€480€120

The package includes

Accompanying persons who do not participate in the contest receive a 10% discount on the package price.

  • 3 nights at Cronwell Platamon Resort 5★;
  • Full Board: breakfast, lunch and dinner. Hot and cold non-alcoholic drinks at breakfast; water in the restaurant at lunch and dinner;
  • participation in VOICES OF OLYMPUS – International Choir Festival & Contest;
  • contest performance;
  • international jury evaluation;
  • Awards Ceremony;
  • official diploma for each participating choir/category; one per group/category;
  • festival fee;
  • use of hotel swimming pools, sports and other designated recreational areas, subject to the hotel’s seasonal conditions;
  • parasols and sun loungers at the beach and pool;
  • Wi-Fi throughout the resort and in guest rooms;
  • one free place for a group leader for every 20 people;
  • two personalised thank-you letters for leaders and sponsors;
  • live streaming of the Awards Ceremony on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@fiestalonialive

Additional charges and services

Contest-day transfer Platamon – Thessaloniki – Platamon: €25 per person for the round trip.

  • airport and railway-station transfers;
  • additional nights before or after the festival;
  • professional photo and video services;
  • additional technical equipment, subject to availability;
  • individual excursion programmes.

Additional services must be ordered no later than 7 days before the festival begins. Availability and prices are confirmed individually.

Additional contest category: €295 per group.
Personal diploma and medal: €14 per participant, ordered before the contest. Additional thank-you letter: €10. Written jury commentary: €70 per performance, requested before the contest.

Hotel supplements and important conditions

  • Splash Waterpark: low-season supplement of €6, payable at reception. Low season covers May to 20 June and from 11 September. The price is reconfirmed when paying; access is subject to the opening schedule.
  • Tourist tax: €15 per room per day, including rooms occupied by group leaders. This is the amount stated in the hotel offer and may change; the applicable amount is confirmed before arrival.
  • Damage deposit: €25 per child before check-in, refunded on the day of departure if no material damage has occurred.
  • Tennis courts and fitness/spa facilities carry an additional charge in low season. The presence of a facility does not imply that all related services are included.

OPTIONAL EXCURSIONS

The following excursion options are offered as additional services. Prices are indicative and subject to final confirmation according to group size, availability and operating conditions.

EXCURSIONPRICEDESCRIPTION
Meteora€70Full-day excursion to the world-famous Meteora region and its historic monasteries among dramatic rock formations.
Olympus Experience€45Agia Kori Waterfalls, Olympus Canyon, Litochoro and St. Panteleimonas Village.
Waterland Thessaloniki + City Experience€75Waterpark experience combined with time in Thessaloniki.
Shopping Thessaloniki + City Walk€45Shopping time combined with a city walk in Thessaloniki.
Buggy Safari · Olympic Riviera€90Adventure experience on the Olympic Riviera.
Skiathos Trip€90Full-day island experience on Skiathos.
Edessa + Pozar€75Excursion combining the waterfalls of Edessa and the Pozar thermal area.
PRICE IN JULY AND WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE PRICE

22–25 July 2027 · 4 days / 3 nights · a 4★ hotel in Thessaloniki · Half Board

ACCOMMODATIONPACKAGE PRICE / PERSONEXTRA NIGHT / PERSON
TRPL€340€64
DBL€370€70
SNGL€465€125

Quadruple accommodation is not included in the quoted rates. City climate levy — €10 per room per night, payable separately.

Accompanying persons who do not participate in the contest receive a 10% discount on the package price.

The package includes

  • 3 nights at a 4★ hotel in Thessaloniki;
  • Half Board — breakfast and dinner; lunch and packed lunches are not included.
  • participation in VOICES OF OLYMPUS – International Choir Festival & Contest;
  • contest performance;
  • international jury evaluation;
  • Awards Ceremony;
  • official diploma for each participating choir/category ( one per group/category);
  • festival fee;
  • one free place in a double room for every 21 paying guests;
  • two personalised thank-you letters for leaders and sponsors;
  • live streaming of the Awards Ceremony on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@fiestalonialive

Additional charges and services

Accommodation and the contest venue are in Thessaloniki; the need for a transfer and its price are confirmed separately according to the hotel and venue locations.

  • airport and railway-station transfers;
  • additional nights before or after the festival;
  • professional photo and video services;
  • additional technical equipment, subject to availability;
  • individual excursion programmes.

Additional services must be ordered no later than 7 days before the festival begins. Availability and prices are confirmed individually.

Additional contest category: €295 per group.

Personal diploma and medal: €14 per participant, ordered before the contest. Additional thank-you letter: €10. Written jury commentary: €70 per performance, requested before the contest.

Hotel supplements and important conditions

  • City climate levy — €10 per room per night, payable separately.

OPTIONAL EXCURSIONS

The following excursion options are offered as additional services. Prices are indicative and subject to final confirmation according to group size, availability and operating conditions. Excursions departing from Thessaloniki and their prices are confirmed separately.

EXCURSIONPRICEDESCRIPTION
Meteora€70Full-day excursion to the world-famous Meteora region and its historic monasteries among dramatic rock formations.
Olympus Experience€45Agia Kori Waterfalls, Olympus Canyon, Litochoro and St. Panteleimonas Village.
Waterland Thessaloniki + City Experience€75Waterpark experience combined with time in Thessaloniki.
Shopping Thessaloniki + City Walk€45Shopping time combined with a city walk in Thessaloniki.
Buggy Safari · Olympic Riviera€90Adventure experience on the Olympic Riviera.
Skiathos Trip€90Full-day island experience on Skiathos.
Edessa + Pozar€75Excursion combining the waterfalls of Edessa and the Pozar thermal area.
FEATURES OF THIS FESTIVAL&CONTEST

Why is it worth participating in this contest

  • it is one of the biggest choir contests;
  • there are impressive opening and closing ceremonies;
  • the system of evaluation guarantees the highest quality of judging;
  • trainings, master-classes, round tables with the leading specialists and tutors;
  • official international diplomas with the results of the contest (one per group/category);
  • team leaders and sponsors are given personalized thank-you letters;
  • opportunity to receive a certificate for contribution in the cultural international progress in the form of engraving on a special base;
  • master classes.
PERIOD OF ACCEPTING THE APPLICATIONS
  • Applications must be submitted no later than 30 days before the festival begins, subject to availability. Contact: info@fiestalonia.net.
  • Final payment is due no later than 21 days before the festival. Participation agreement, payment schedule and cancellation conditions are available from the organisers and are confirmed in the group’s booking documents.
  • Hotel rooms are confirmed as applications and payments are received. Alternative accommodation may be offered if the contracted room stock is exhausted.
  • The organiser reserves the right to make reasonable changes to the timetable, venue allocation, jury composition or programme due to organisational circumstances while maintaining the overall format of the event.
  • Participation is considered confirmed only after acceptance of the application and fulfilment of the payment conditions.

Download the contest program in PDF format


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For the contest:
In the nomination:


Submit pre-application form

The application can be supplemented or changed at any time

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Why participate in festivals and competitions from Fiestalonia. Expert opinions:

About 20 years

Contestants from over 60 countries

More than 35 annual events

competitions and master classes – around the world in a variety of creative directions

International jury of

Cash grants over 260.000€

More than 150.000 people

Educational programmes

More than 1000 contestants

More than 300 thanks

received by us from state and public structures

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