• supporting and stimulating creativity;
• shaping of positive values;
• cognitive journeys and the exploration of cultures;
• passion and love for choral singing;
• enhancement of their artistic and emotional culture;
• development of public speaking skills;

• Choirs which have prepared a programme that meets the criteria for spiritual singing are entitled to take part in the choirs.
• All works are to be performed a cappella.
• All girls and women must have their shoulders and heads covered during the performance.
• Each choir may present a programme of up to 30 minutes.

Competition performance

1) The competition viewing will take place in a closed venue, such as a theater, auditorium, or another suitable hall for the competition showcase.

2) For performances, the organizer provides a Yamaha Arius YDP 143 piano with 88 keys and two organ functions. Additionally, a grand piano is available (subject to availability on the day of the competition). The organizer can also provide 6 Condenser microphones, 4 Wireless microphones, and 2 Headset microphones.If the choir requires any additional equipment, musical instruments, or anything else, they must bring it with them or request it from the organizing committee for an additional fee.

3) SINGING TIME: In all categories, the time limit for clean singing is 15 minutes (minimum 7 minutes). This does not include applause and stage time. The exact duration of each piece must be correctly indicated on the Program Confirmation form that we will send you 30 days before the contest.

4) In those categories where a phonogram is used for performances, please send the phonogram in MP3 format to the specified e-mail address together with the confirmation form.

5) Please ensure you bring 5 copies of the sheet music for each musical composition to be performed. Scores without titles or composer names printed in the Roman alphabet must have a transcription in Roman characters.
One copy of the score will be retained by the organizer after the competition. The remaining scores can be collected from the organizer after the awards ceremony. Each participating choir is responsible for respecting copyright and performance rights for the songs during the competition. The use of unauthorized or reproduced copies is strictly prohibited.

AGREEMENT: With the application, all participating choirs agree to photography, recordings and broadcasts in sound or television as well as any other recordings made in conjunction with the competition “Sing and Smile“.

The jury of the contest is formed of the most important cultural workers of Spain, France, Canada and other countries of the Eastern Europe and Asia. International jury is formed by the contest’s providers. Participation in the gala concert isn’t guaranteed for everyone and is confirmed due to the results of the previous shows according to the consolidated legislative decision of the contest providers and the judges.

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.

Judging criteria

1-Technical Proficiency: This criterion assesses the quality of performance, pitch accuracy, intonation, diction, rhythmic precision, breath control, and other technical aspects.

2-Interpretation: It evaluates the choir’s ability to convey emotions and ideas of the musical composition, expressiveness, artistry, depth, and insight into the musical work.

3-Musicianship: This criterion focuses on the choir’s musical understanding and expressiveness, their ability to work in unity, maintain tempo and dynamics, and use dynamic nuances effectively.

4-Repertoire: The evaluation includes the selection and diversity of musical repertoire, the complexity of the pieces chosen, and how well the choir adapts to different styles and genres.

5-Ensemble Interaction: This criterion assesses the unity and coordination of the choir during performance, their ability to listen to each other, synchronize movements, and interact with the conductor.

6-Accuracy of Interpretation: It evaluates how well the choir follows the provided scores and accurately interprets the musical notations.

7-Overall Impression: It encompasses the overall assessment of the choir’s performance, their level of professionalism, originality, and uniqueness.

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 -17

С2 – Male Choirs
Age groups: 18 and over
Singing time: maximum 15 minutes
Minimum Number of Singers -17

С1 – Mixed Choirs
Age groups: 18 and over
Singing time: maximum 15 minutes
Minimum Number of Singers -17

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

Don’t be afraid to participate in the competition, even if you have just started your creative journey! Our main aim is to support your creativity and help you choose the right path for further development.

Each choir will receive an international diploma confirming your creative skills. The diploma will become part of your portfolio and can be used for admission to educational institutions, various scholarships and grants.
Each choir director will receive a numbered certificate.

The jury evaluates the participants on 100-point scale.

Regarding the genres of performing and categories the awards are distributed due to seven age groups

• participants who received up to 70 points become diploma holders;
• participants who received from 70 to 79 points – laureates of the third degree;
• participants who received from 80 to 89 points become laureates of the second degree;
• participants who received from 90 to 99 points become laureates of the first degree;
• participants who received 100 points become Grand Prize winners of the contest “Sing and Smile”.
• Grand Prix winners receive a big cup and diplomas (one per group/quartet/trio/duo/solo);
• First place winners receive a standard trophy and diplomas (one per group/quartet/trio/duo/solo);
• Second and third place winners receive diplomas (one per group/quartet/trio/duo/solo);
• All contestants receive diplomas with their results (one per group/quartet/trio/duet/solo).

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 leader 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.
Each contestant in the group can request a personal diploma and medal for an additional fee (before the competition).

Triple – 465 EUR/per person; Early booking price if paying 50% before May 1st – 395 EUR/per person
Double/Twin – 485 EUR/per person; Early booking price if paying 50% before May 1st – 412 EUR/per person
Single – 554 EUR/per person; Early booking price if paying 50% before May 1st – 471 EUR/per person

Tour price includes:

• Accommodation at the hotels Residence Plaza, Green Town, or similar level (check-in from 14:00, check-out by 12:00)
• Singing in two temples (*orthodox chanting required)
• Excursions on the itinerary
• Lunch in a Kakhetian family with tasting, and accompaniment by singers
• Transport service during the tour
• English speaking guide
• Breakfast at the hotel and 4 dinners
• Three lunches during sightseeing and performances
• One dinner with show program
• Shared airport-hotel-airport transfer
  
  *You can extend your stay for an additional night per person in a room based on breakfast in Triple 29 EUR, Double/Twin 33 EUR, Single 62 EUR
  *Additional performance is possible. *Payment is possible in any currency, according to the exchange rate.