Following the vocation for choir singing
On the tracks of Johannes Brahms in Germany
From July 3 - 7, 2019 the colorful town of Wernigerode, Germany becomes the center of choral singing for the 11th time already, when choirs from 19 nation come together to share their mutual passion. 12 competition categories, the traditional choir parade, Evaluation Performances and Individual Coachings, numerous Friendship Concerts and a Grand Prize Competition for the Johannes Brahms Choir Prize 2019 are only some of the highlights that await the choral community in Wernigerode at the 11th International Johannes Brahms Choir Festival and Competition.
On Wednesday, July 3, 2019 a first Friendship Concert will give a foretaste of the choral goodies of the upcoming days. At 19:00 at the Ilsenburg Monastery Russian and Chinese choral music will tune in locals, singers and choral music lovers before the official Opening Concert at 19:30 at the St. Sylvestri Church.
Friendship Concerts with ensembles from different nations will also start Thursday, July 4, 2019: At 11:00 the Silstedt Museum Courtyard, at 13:00 the Drübeck Monastery and at 14:00 the Market Square set the stage for a wide variety of choral sounds from all over the world. At 13:00 Children's & Youth Choirs performing at the Harzer Culture and Congress Center are looking forward to overwhelming the choral community with their performances. At 17:30 the Town Center transforms into the place of the traditional and colourful Choir Parade, which leads to the festive Opening Event at 18:00 at the Market Square – all are welcome!
On Friday, July 5, 2019 a tough competition day is scheduled for singers and jury alike: At 10:00 h Folklore and Mixed Choirs meet at the Harzer Culture and Congress Center, and at 11:00 h Chamber Choirs and Vocal Ensembles of mixed voices enter the stage at the St. Sylvestri Church. After a break the choral battle continues at 14:00 h at the St. Sylvestri Church with categories Sacred Choral Music a cappella and Spiritual. All during the day, Friendship Concerts at the Market Square (14:00 h & 16:00 h), the Blankenburg Castle (17:00 h) and the Benzingerode Church (19:00) also offer high-class performances for all those who like to expand their musical experience to an international level. Mixed Choirs welcome their audience at 19:00 at the Harzer Culture and Congress Center whereas at the same time a Charity Concert will take place at the Goslar Market Church. The day fades out with a gaudy Folklore Night at 19:30 at the Market Square showcasing country-specific costumes and musical highlights from the participating choirs from all parts of the world.
On Saturday, July 6, 2019 Equal Voices (Male and Female Choirs) compete at 10:30 at the Harzer Culture and Congress Center and throughout the day, four different Friendship Concerts will take place in around the city of Wernigerode for all those who like to listen to more choral music or can’t make it to the competitions. The highlight of the day, the Grand Prize Competition, call the best ensembles of each category on stage in order to determine the overall winner of the event – don’t miss this final concert at 16:00 at the Wernigerode Sports Hall and also keep in mind to join the final Awards Ceremony & Choir Party at 19:00 at the Market Square, when emotions run high and the music never seems to stop.
The joyful events ends on Sunday, July 7, 2019 with a last concert – the Closing Concert – at 10:00 h at the Wernigerode Sports Hall and sees off all participants, old and new choral music lovers and the devoted choral community.
Tickets for the Opening Concert cost between 10€ to 20€ and can be purchased at the box office as well as online via the city of Wernigerode. Entrance to all other events of the festival is free of charge.
Please find more information about the event here. During the festival days you can find regular news, photos and videos on our official Facebook and instagram accounts.
