This contest invites for the participation: Choirs and Vocal Ensembles
Italy, Rimini
2025
April 25 — 28
2026
April 29 — May 02
2027
April 23 — 26
The International choir contest in Italy “WORLD OF CHOIRS” is an event of international scale aimed at the development, dissemination, and popularization of choral singing. The International choral singing competition World of Choirs brings together choirs from all over the world on one stage within the framework of the contest, in a warm and friendly atmosphere, so that they can demonstrate not only their skills but also the culture and uniqueness of choral singing.
Not only experienced choirs but also those for whom participation in such a large-scale contest will become a new step and motivation for the development of their talents are invited to the International choir competition World of Choirs.
Given that participation in the contest can be a new step in the development and promotion of their art for many choirs, the search for sponsors becomes even more significant and necessary. Thanks to such support, talented choirs get the opportunity to demonstrate their unique creative ideas and skills on the world stage and reveal their creative potential.
⚠️ We give our priority to learning and sharing experiences. At this contest a big attention is paid to the educational program. The event includes master classes, workshops. Teachers who have completed the master classes receive a certificate.
Thus, the search for sponsors is an integral part of the success and significance of the World of Choirs international contest.
The competition is open not only to highly experienced choirs, but also to those seeking to develop their talents and take a step forward in their artistic journey. It is a perfect opportunity to participate in an event of such scale. Additionally, the list of jury for this contest is impressive and sure to surprise you.
Are you passionate about choral singing? Then you can’t miss the international choir contest in Italy called “WORLD OF CHOIRS.” It’s a unique opportunity to showcase your skills, learn from other talented choirs, and discover the beauty of this charming country.
The choir contest in Italy welcomes choirs from all over the world, regardless of their experience level, as long as they’re eager to perform and share their culture. And if you’re wondering about the jury, let’s just say you’ll be impressed. Don’t miss the chance to become part of this musical celebration!
The geographical location of the city of Rimini in the Emilia-Romagna region boasts a captivating charm. Situated in a picturesque location, the city enjoys a refreshing breeze even during the warmest summer days. Rimini is a perfect destination for those seeking a blend of natural beauty and historical ambiance.
Rimini was the birthplace of a remarkable film director, Federico Fellini (January 20, 1920 – October 31, 1993). This outstanding director, the winner of five Oscars, dedicated his movie “Amarcord” to the city of his childhood. This movie gave rise to a new style of world cinema. And Rimini Airport is named after Federico Fellini.
Fiestalonia is an expert in organizing international choral festivals and contests, with a constant search for new ideas to replace traditional events 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 festivals are stunning and emotionally charged events that invariably remain in memory as the most vivid life impressions. As a flagship of the industry of festival events organization, Fiestalonia has the opportunity to influence the established models of festivals through the introduction of the highest standards and innovations.
Fiestalonia festivals, with contests in Spain and Italy, personify the refinement embodying the best traditions of international cultural meetings. We focus on quality, which we consider the most important and intrinsic value.
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
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 -17
С1 – 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.
TERMS OF PARTICIPATION
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 “WORLD OF CHOIRS”.
JURY & JUDGING CRITERIA
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.
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.
AWARDS
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 “WORLD OF CHOIRS“.
- Grand Prix winners receive a big cup and diplomas (one per group/category);
- First place winners receive a standard trophy and diplomas (one per group/category);
- Second and third place winners receive diplomas (one per group/category);
- All contestants receive diplomas with their results (one per group/category).
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).
PROGRAM OF STAY
1st day:
– check-in to a hotel from 14:00 pm;
– meeting with the organizers of the contest;
– registration of the participants, presentation of the excursion programs;
20:00 – dinner.
2nd day:
08:00 – breakfast;
08:30 – departure to the festival-competition;
09:00 – rehearsal;
10:30 – opening of the festival-competition; contest previews; Awarding ceremony;
18:00 – master classes;
19:00 – returning to the hotel;
20:00 – dinner in the hotel.
3rd day:
07:00 – breakfast;
07:30 – excursion program of your choice: Venice, Florence, Rome, San Marino; (possible performing in a church)
21:30 – return to the hotel;
22:00 – dinner.
4th day:
08:00 – breakfast;
Check out from the hotel before 10:00.
✅ ATTENTION! Additional performances can be organized.
✅ 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.
PRICES and WHAT IS INCLUDED INTO THE PRICE
Package price | |
▪️accommodation in a triple room €308 /per person – extra day €61/a person Early booking price if paying 50% before January 15th – €277 /per person ▪️accommodation in a double room €344 /per person – extra day €68/a person Early booking price if paying 50% before January 15th – €310 /per person ▪️accommodation in a single room €440 /per person – extra day €104/a person Early booking price if paying 50% before January 15th – €396 /per 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.
ADDITIONAL FEES
- For participation in the additional nomination for groups – additional fee 275 euros per group.
ADDITIONAL SERVICES
*Each contestant can additionally request a personalized diploma and medal for 12 euros (before the competition, is given during the award ceremony). This option is ordered by up to 90% of all participants.
*Additional letters of appreciation on a numbered State Emblem paper of the Kingdom of Spain can be requested for 10 euros (before the competition). This option is ordered by up to 80% of all participants.
*Add excursions to your stay (this option is ordered by up to 90% of all participants).
*You can order a personalized written commentary from the jury 50 euros/per performance (before the competition).
*Services of a professional photographer and cameraman – your personal video clip at the contest (prices to be specified).
FREE PLACES
Each 25th group’s participant gets a pack of our services for free!*
What is included into the price
- 4 days and 3 nights in a three-star hotel;
- Half board, buffet (breakfast and dinner) + water;
- Competitive viewings and Awarding ceremony;
- diplomas from the contest providers (one per group/category);
- thank-you letters for leaders and sponsors (included 2 letters);
- festival fee;
- Live streaming of the contest viewings and Awarding ceremony on YouTube.
Subscribe to watch the events in the stream: https://www.youtube.com/@fiestalonialive
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 before 10:00.
Additional services
- Original pictures from the contest, gala concert and the award ceremony on a flash drive;
- Photo services during the trips/excursions. Photoshoots for groups and soloists;
- Concertmaster;
- Hair stylist (Make up and hairstyle);
- Master classes from the International 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
- Rome
- Venice
- San-Marino
- Florence
- Urbino
Additional travel services
– Airport transfers to the hotel or any transportation services
*For details and pricing, please contact our managers via email at info@fiestalonia.net.
FEATURES OF THIS FESTIVAL&CONTEST
Why is it worth participating in this contest
- it is one of the biggest choir contests;
- impressive opening and closing ceremonies;
- the system of evaluation which guarantees the highest quality of judging;
- trainings, master-classes, round tables with the leading specialists and tutors in the field of choral singing;
- official international diplomas with the results of the contest (one per group/category);
- leaders and sponsors are given personalized thank-you letters;
- each choir is given a personalized certificate for its contribution into the cultural international progress in the form of engraving on a special base (for group from 5 people);
- 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.
Download the contest program in PDF format
We currently have on our website
For the contest:
In the nomination:
Early Booking Price Expires
Submit pre-application form
The application can be supplemented or changed at any time