This contest invites for the participation:  Choirs and vocal studios, theaters  artists and designers as well as individual performers – soloist

Spain, Montserrat-Costa Brava

2023

26-30 March

2024

07-11 April 

2025

23 — 27 March

International choir contest “GOLDEN VOICES OF MONTSERRAT” – it is one of the biggest international choir competitive festivals in the world for professional and amateur nonprofit choirs.

Each year, the festival attracts a large number of choirs and transforms the Spanish coast of Costa Brava into the hub of the singing world. The emotional opening of the contest and a memorable final concert will be a highlight of this grand event for all the choirs and singers. In addition to the professional competition, choirs have the opportunity to perform in the basilica of the Montserrat monastic complex, alongside the world-famous choir of boys, “Escolania”. The contestants are evaluated by a professional international jury according to expert evaluation criteria.

This choirs festival&contest is filled with friendly gatherings, masterclasses by the conductors of top world choirs, round tables, specialized training, final rehearsals, leader reveals, and a memorable flash mob on one of the most beautiful Mediterranean coasts near the town hall of Lloret de Mar.

A unique audio track is created each year specifically for the contest of choirs, and upon arrival, choirs will participate in a joint recording. The final concert of the festival will be a fitting conclusion to this grand event, as the singing itself becomes the crowning moment when thousands of voices come together in harmony.

If you want to participate in the choir vocal competition but don’t have the means, then hurry to search for sponsors in your region. Such an opportunity may come once in a lifetime. You can experience the highest level of European choral singing culture at the festival-competition organized by the Fiestalonia Milenio team.

Lloret de Mar is situated in the southern part of the Costa Brava, 70 kilometres to the north east of Barcelona. This is one of the Mediterraneans most popular resorts and certainly the liveliest holiday spot on this stretch of the Spanish coastline.

The former fisherman’s village covers 48 square kilometres, and has five main beaches along a 7 kilometre of coastline. The city of Barcelona and its airport El Prat can also be reached by train, with connections going further beyond. The local airport is at Girona, which is just 35 motoring minutes away.

The beaches of Lloret are extremely well kept and washed by crystal clear waters. There are many areas of great interest to divers off the rocky headlands. The main beach has a delightful promenade with scenic views and many excellent bars and restaurants.

Lloret has excellent tourist infrastructure, with sports facilities, shopping, leisure and restaurants available for tourists. The safe, sandy beaches, which bask in warm temperatures during the summer months, pull in beach lovers, plus Europe’s biggest water park, an aquatic zoo and the Universal Studios Port Aventura theme park are all within easy reach.

As an organiser of international choral festivals and competitions, Fiestalonia appeared as a result of our enthusiastic work, constant search for new ideas and the desire to replace the traditional festivals with more perfect and comfortable ones.
The exceptionally high quality of the festivals is guaranteed by the promise given by the team of Fiestalonia.

Our company is strong thanks to our employees, each of whom is a highly qualified professional and a positive person. We create our festivals as stunning and emotionally charged events that invariably remain in memory as the most vivid life impressions.

We realise that, as a flagship of the industry of organisation of festival events, we have the opportunity to influence the established models of festivals through the introduction of the highest standards and innovations. We focus on quality, we think it is the most important and intrinsic value. We have achieved the position that Fiestalonia festivals personify the refinement embodying the best traditions of international cultural meetings.


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 choir contest


NOMINATIONS

A

Children’s choirs.
Choirs’ structure:

  • small chamber (12-16 persons)
  • middle (24-60 persons)
  • big (70-120 persons)

А1 mixed А2 partially mixed А3 homogeneous.
Age groups:
1st  – 7-14 years old
Optional musical composition with an accompaniment.
Optional musical composition – a capella


B

Academic singing.
Choirs’ structure:

– small chamber (12-16 persons)
– middle (24-60 persons)
– big (70-120 persons)

B1 mixed B2 partially mixed B3 homogeneous.
Age groups:
2nd – 15 – 25 years old
3rd – 25 – 40 years old
4th – 41 years old and older

For homogeneous male or female choirs; mixed and partially mixed choirs: 
– optional musical composition with an accompaniment.
– optional musical composition – a capella 


C

Church singing.

Choirs’ structure:
– small chamber (12-16 persons)
– middle (24-60 persons)
– big (70-120 persons)

С1 mixed С2 semi mixed С3 homogeneous.
Age groups:
2nd – 15 – 25 years old
3rd – 25 – 40 years old
4th – 41 years old and older

Optionally two religious choral musical compositions of different types and epochs.


D

Folklore (authentic) singing.
Choirs’ structure:
any.

D1 mixed D2 semi mixed D3 homogeneous.
Age groups:
2nd – 15 – 25 years old
3rd – 25 – 40 years old
4th – 41 years old and older

Ensembles perform typical for their country program – two musical compositions which represent vocal traditions of their country. Correspondent choreography and stage performance are also possible. It’s advisable to sing in traditional costumes. In case if there is no music notation, please prepare a short description of the program in English.


E

Pop – jazz – gospel – spiritual.
Choirs’ structure:
any.

E1 mixed E2 semi mixed E3 homogeneous.
Age groups:
2nd – 15 – 25 years old
3rd – 25 – 40 years old
4th – 41 years old and older

Gospel –Spiritual (or comparable musical traditions of a religious character) Pop – modern (musical compositions from the field of popular musical styles)  Accompaniment including electronic instruments is acceptable. Vocalists’ improvisations are advisable but not obligatory. Instrumental solo shouldn’t exceed the limits as only the choir’s singing will be evaluated. Acoustical amplification of choir’s or instrumentalists’ sound is possible. A choir will be provided with the equipment corresponding to the place of the contest. Fulfillment of technically difficult demands as i.e. using a headset or individual microphones for each singer etc. cannot be guaranteed. If headsets or a complex audio mixing are needed, it is recommended to bring them with you. 


F*

Academic singing, folk, spiritual singing, jazz

Structure:
— Soloists, duets, small forms 3-5 people
— Soloists, duets, small forms 3-5 people

F1 – Soloists, F2 – duets, F3 – small forms 3-5 people, F4 – vocal ensembles 6-11 people.
Performed one piece a cappella or with music (on a choice of artist)
Age groups:
F1 – Soloists, F2 – duets, F3 – small forms 3-5 people, F4 – vocal ensembles 6-11 people.

1st – 7-10 years
2nd – 11-12 years
3rd 13-15 years
4th – 16-20 years
5th – 21 – 25 years
6th – 26 – 40 years
7 th – 41 and older
8th – mixed age category

TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS

The total time of a performance cannot exceed 10 minutes.
For all the choirs there’s provided a visit to the Montserrat monastery and a performance in the basilica of the monastery jointly with the boys’ choir Escalonia.

* F1/F2/F3 – Participants of this category do not perform in the Basilica of Montserrat

* Only choirs which prepare one musical composition a capella, are allowed to sing in Montserrat. All the girls and women should have their shoulders covered during the performance in the monastery of Montserrat.

* Attention: repertoire of the performances in the Basilica of Montserrat must comply with a place of performance.

Organ

We provide an electrical piano Yamaha Arius YDP 143 keys 88 with two functions of organ.
1st function Church Organ – typical sound of organ with the register 8 feet, 4 feet, 2 feet. It suits for performing of the church music of the baroque period.
2nd function Church Organ – sound of a full organ basihyal which is often associated with “Toccata and Fugue” by Bach J.S.

SCORES

We ask you to bring 5 copies of the sheet music of each musical composition which is going to be performed. One copy is to be given to the providers of the contest. It’s important that after their publication the choral compositions may be performed just according to the originals of the music notations or to the authorized copies. The copies are to be certified by a stamp and a text only for the jury’s rehearsal during the contest and after the contest they will be eliminated.
Each sheet music should be printed on paper to be handed in.

JURY & EVALUATION CRITERIA

Information about members of the jury of the contest “GOLDEN VOICES OF MONTSERRAT” will be published later.

The jury has the right
  • not to award all the prizes; 
  • to share prize among performers;
  • to award special prizes to teachers for outstanding achievements;
  • to make a decision about breaking a performance which exceeds the bounds of the regulations;
  • the jury evaluates the participants on one hundred-point system, the final result is made up of the average quantity of the received scores and the average value of the progress scores;
  • the jury’s decisions are final and are not subject to review.
Evaluation criteria
  • intonation;
  • choral sound;
  • correspondence to the music notations;
  • general artistic impression.
PRIZES

The jury evaluates the participants on 100-point scale.

Regarding the genres of performing and nominations the awards are distributed due to seven age groups
  • participants who received up to 70 points become prize winners (copper diploma);
  • participants who received from 70 to 79 points – prize winners of the third degree (bronze diploma);
  • participants who received from 80 to 89 points become prize winners of the second degree (silver diploma);
  • participants who received from 90 to 99 points become prize winners of the first degree (gold diploma);
  • participants who received 100 points become winners of the grand prize of the contest “GOLDEN VOICES OF MONTSERRAT” (platinum diploma).

* Awards and certificates will be given to all the choirs from the providers of the contest. Each choir is given a personalized certificate in the form of engraving on a special base for its contribution into the cultural international relations. Each team head and sponsor will be given a personalized thank-you letter on the official numbered letterhead of the kingdom of Spain. Special trophy cups are provided for the winners.

PROGRAM OF STAY

1st day Sunday:
– check-in to a hotel from 14:00 pm;
– dinner;
– meeting with the organizers of the contest;
– presentation of the excursion programs;
– rehearsal (on request);

2nd day Monday:
8:00 – breakfast;
12:30 – lunch;
14:00 – rehearsal;
15:30 – beginning of the contest concert;
20:00 – dinner.

3rd day Tuesday:
08:00 – breakfast;
09:00 – possible organization of friendly concerts and master classes;
13:00 – Lunch at the hotel;
18:30 – Gala concert in the main square of the city. Thousands of visitors gather to see this spectacular show of choirs;
21:00 – Dinner at the hotel.

4th day Wednesday:
08:00 – breakfast;
09:00 – travel to the basilica of a monastic complex of Montserrat;
– Performance at the Basilica of Montserrat for the thousands of viewers and visitors;
– Return to the hotel;
20:00 – dinner;
21:00 – possibility to visit flamenco show with wine, sangria, cava and drinks (for additional fee).

5th day Thursday:
– breakfast;
– check out from the hotel at 10:00.

✅ ATTENTION! Organizers have opportunity to modify the program.
✅ ATTENTION! We can provide you with a transfer from airports and train stations to the hotel and back. Ask our managers for the price: info@fiestalonia.net
INCREASE the number of days of your stay and we will organize an excellent excursion program for you! The price of additional days is indicated in the “price” section. For detailed information on excursion programs, you can check with our managers by mail: info@fiestalonia.net
BOOK an excursion program in advance, ask our managers for details about our excursion offer: info@fiestalonia.net

* If you miss the lunch due to excursions or performances you have to ask for dry rations at the reception of your hotel the day before.

WHAT IS INCLUDED INTO THE PRICE
  • 5 days and 4 nights in a three-star hotel or in four-star hotel;
  • full board, buffet (breakfast, lunch, dinner)+ drinks;
  • three concerts: competitive viewing, performance of choirs in Montserrat
  • Gala Concert with award ceremony;
  • certificates and trophy cups from the contest providers;
  • special thank-you certificates in the form of engraving on a special base from the town authorities;
  • thank-you letters for conductors and sponsors on the official numbered letterheads of the kingdom of Spain;
  • Consolidated rehearsals of choirs with foreign choirmasters;
  • Master classes;
  • festival fee;
  • transfer + excursion in Montserrat;
  • visas support.

ADDITIONAL FEES

  • Soloists pay 60 Euros extra.
  • Duets pay 50 euros per duo.
  • Small forms of 3-5 people pay 40 euros per group.
  • For each additional nomination for soloists, duets, small groups up to 12 people – surcharge 20 euros/person.
  • For participation in the additional nomination for groups of 13 persons and more – surcharge 250 euros per group.

FREE PLACES

Each 25th group’s participant gets a pack of our services for free!*

*All the list of the assignable services you can find in the section “What is included into the price”.

Attention: We can provide you with a transfer from airports and train stations to the hotel and back. Ask our managers for the price: info@fiestalonia.net
Attention: Check out from the hotel at 10:00.

Extra services

  • Original pictures from the contest, gala concert and the award ceremony on a CD/flash drive;
  • Photo services during the trips/excursions. Photoshoots for groups and soloists;
  • Concertmaster;
  • Hair stylist (Make up and hairstyle);
  • Master classes from the Spanish art workers;
  • Assisting Translator. (accompanying person);
  • Video shooting of a contest/gala concert.

* All the extra services are provided on demand. They should be requested minimum 3 days before the beginning of the contest. The prices of the extra services are to be specified from our managers.

Extra trips

  • Barcelona city sightseeing tour  + The Spanish Village or Aquarium  
  • Montserrat
  • Girona + museum of Salvador Dali
  • Port Aventura
  • Tossa de Mar (city-fortress)!
  • Chivalrous tournament with dinner and drinks
  • Flamenco show with dinner and drinks
PRICES
Hotel 3***
Three-star hotel with full board
Hotel 4****
Four-star hotel with full board
▪️accommodation in a triple room €344 /a person – extra day €41/a person

▪️accommodation in a double room €370 /a person – extra day €53/a person

▪️accommodation in a single room €513 /a person – extra day €63/a person
▪️accommodation in a triple room €374 /a person – extra day €53/a person

▪️accommodation in a double room €396 /a person – extra day €65/a person

▪️accommodation in a single room €568 /a person – extra day €79/a person

* All the rooms in these hotels are reserved as the applications for participation and payment are received. After these hotels are fully booked, you may be offered alternative options for hotels at higher prices. Don’t miss the opportunity and arrange the trip now!

ATTENTION: For accompany who do not perform and do not take part in workshops – a 10% discount is given on the package price.

✅ ATTENTION: Price does not include tourist tax. Tourist tax is paid directly by the client directly to the hotel at check in.

FEATURES OF THIS FESTIVAL&CONTEST

Why is it worth participating in this contest

  • one of the biggest choir’s event;
  • not just rare, but the only opportunity to perform in the most famous Catholic church in Europe. Now this is real!;
  • Sagrada Família and La Catedral de la Santa Cruz y Santa Eulalia where the Archbishop’s residence is located – the most popular attractions in one of the most visited European city, which means you will be able to perform in front of thousands of people from all over the world;
  • participation in competitions of this magnitude – a great motivation for children and adults to develop their talents and improve themselves;
  • bright opening and closing ceremonies;
  • evaluation system, which guarantees the highest quality of judging;
  • Full board (buffet: breakfast, lunch, dinner + drinks);
  • official international numbered certificates with the results of the contest are given not only the choirs, but each individual participant is also given a personalized certificate;
  • team heads and sponsors are given personalized thank-you letters on the official numbered letterhead of the kingdom of Spain;
  • each choir is given a personalized certificate for its contribution into the cultural international progress in the form of engraving on a special base;
  • possibility of solo performances.
PERIOD OF ACCEPTING THE APPLICATIONS
  • the last day of receiving of the applications is for 30 days before the beginning of the festival;
  • the last day of payment is for 21 days before the beginning of the festival;
  • terms and conditions of the agreement are to be requested from our managers.

We currently have on our website


For the contest:
In the nomination:


Submit pre-application form

The application can be supplemented or changed at any time

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Unforgettable experience
Positive emotions
New friends

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

About 20 years

we help creative people express themselves

Contestants from over 60 countries

participate in competitions organized by us

More than 35 annual events

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

International jury of

world celebrities, teachers from conservatories, authors of teaching methods

Cash grants over 260.000€

we issued to talented children and their teachers

More than 150.000 people

have already taken part in our projects

Participants from over 60 countries

participate in contests organized by us

More than 1000 contestants

participation in our festivals and competitions helped to enter the conservatory

More than 300 thanks

received by us from state and public structures


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