Canta al mar 2023: 10th anniversary at the Costa de Barcelona

With a day filled with music, celebration, and the promise of outstanding choral performances, the 10th Canta al mar - Festival Coral Internacional officially kicked off in the picturesque city of Calella. As the participants gathered on the first day of the event, the excitement in the air was palpable, setting the stage for five days of music and cultural exchanges.

Official Welcome in Calella’s streets and park Pati de l’Òs

The opening started with a parade of choirs through the streets of Calella, ending in the park Pati de l’Òs for the official welcome ceremony. A fantastic start with a heartwarming testament to the international spirit of choral music, as the city resonated with the sounds of anticipation and joy.

On the stage, the audience was addressed with warm words by Cindy Rando Radaelli, the 1st Deputy Mayor of Calella, who conveyed the city's heartfelt welcome to all participants, followed by Oscar Boada, the Artistic Director of the festival and the composer of the official festival anthem "Canta al mar." The piece was performed under his direction, filling the park with a sense of unity and the shared passion for choral music.

Opening Concert in the Església de Santa Maria i Sant Nicolau

In the evening inside the Església de Santa Maria i Sant Nicolau, where rainy weather couldn't affect anyone, the Opening Concert continued the celebrations. The concert featured choirs from diverse corners of the world, each bringing their unique sound and culture to the stage.

The Südwestpfälzer Kinderchor from Germany, renowned for their national and international competition achievements, opened the concert with a captivating performance of German and international pieces. They were followed by the Difertimento Vocal Ensemble from Indonesia, who travelled a long way to enchant the audience with their vocal skills and music from different parts of the world. EvSensus Singers from Greece presented some traditional music from their region, followed by the Falu Kammarkör from Sweden, whose innovative performance with music from their home country led to them mingling with the audience, creating a unique and delightful connection.

As the evening concluded, it was evident that choir singers and everyone in the audience had enjoyed to come together with so many people from different nations and backgrounds in a harmonious celebration of choral music.

In the coming days choirs from around the world will continue to compete in different kinds of competitions, sing together, and share their love for music with the audiences in Calella and Barcelona. The 10th International Choir Competition and Festival "Canta al mar 2023" is not only a celebration of music but also a celebration of unity, diversity, and the joy that singing together can bring.

Learn more about the event schedule at the official website and follow our accounts on Facebook and Instagram for more impressions from the event!