Addressing the pros and cons of choir choreography gives us special insight into how choral music leaders can choose whether to add it or keep it out of their next performance.

Choir Choreography Pros

Visual Appeal and Performance

Choreography combined with choral singing can be absolutely stunning. It’s something that many choirs should try out at some point if only to see if they can do it. The added visual appeal and level of performance are phenomenal. And while it is often difficult, the extra razzle-dazzle is worth it!

Explore a Wider Range of Expression with Your Choir

Choreography gives your choir a much wider range of expression. It also means you can explore a wider range of musical styles and genres, particularly those that lend themselves to movement (like pop, folk, and musical theatre). This versatility can attract a broader audience and provide choirs with more opportunities for creative expression.

Teamwork and Unity

We are enormous supporters of building community through choir music, and when you add choreography to your performances, you greatly increase the amount of teamwork and unity involved. Singing together creates an aura of togetherness unlike anything else, and adding synchronized movement only benefits that feeling.

Leave a Lasting Impression

When you think back to the most impressive choir performances you’ve ever experienced, many of them were no doubt with choreography. That’s because the excitement and aesthetic sensation they add are extremely memorable. What choir doesn’t want to have that effect on the audience?

Competitive Edge

When you are in a highly competitive environment, like the World Choir Games, choreography can set your choir apart. Movements that are well-executed, dramatic, and effective can be exactly what your choir performance needs to go from great to extraordinary.

Choir Choreography Cons

More Rehearsal (a Lot More)

Rehearsal time is a precious thing. Many choirs would love to have more just to nail down the music, but once you add choreography, you’re going to increase your rehearsal needs — sometimes by a lot. Choirs with the resources and space to do this might find it a worthwhile choice, but if you are already struggling to rehearse enough, adding choreography is probably a bad idea.

Choirs Risk Changing Focus

If you are performing solemn or otherwise weighty choral pieces, it might be a bad idea to add in choreography. It could be seen as irreverent, distracting from the dignity of the music itself. Some judges will punish choirs for it. So before you decide to include choreography, it’s a good idea to consider what you want the focus of your performance to be.

Choreography Lowers Accessibility for Choristers

Not all bodies are capable of pulling off all choreography, so special consideration needs to be taken for accessibility. It might also present a limitation to your sign-ups if community members are expected to sing and perform the movements.

Vocal Performance Can Suffer

Timing singing with the breath can be difficult when standing still. Adding in movement, especially vigorous movement, will make breathing that much harder. It also can shift the attention of choristers from their notes to their steps. Depending on the average skill level of your choir, choreography might not be the best idea.

Added Concerns of Choreography for Choirs

Are you going to be on noisy, squeaky risers? Then, even a little movement could ruin a performance. For that reason, building in choreography requires taking a lot into consideration — and with so much to think about, it can be easy to lose track of crucial details.

Choosing if Choir Choreography Is Right For Your Next Performance

As we see above, choir choreography can be a great way to add excitement to your performances. But that’s not always the case. Some choirs are better off without it. The choice is up to you, but if you weigh the pros and cons above, you are well on your way to making the right decision.

Looking for more insights into the world of choir music? Keep an eye out for the latest posts from INTERKULTUR.

The event, set to take place at the iconic Palau de la Música Catalana, promises participants a rare opportunity to immerse themselves in Whitacre's renowned compositions. Under the maestro's personal guidance, singers will explore the depths and nuances of his music, leading up to a grand Closing Concert. This event not only highlights Whitacre's world-famous works but also showcases the harmonious blend of voices from around the globe, coming together to share music and emotion.

Further enhancing the concert's allure, the Orfeó Català, one of the country’s leading amateur choirs, will lend its voices to the performance, adding another layer of depth to the already vibrant program.

The 2025 edition extends a warm invitation to both individual singers and choirs. For choirs who already feature pieces by Eric Whitacre in their repertoire, this concert marks a remarkable chance to refine their renditions of Whitacre's works, benefiting from the composer's direct insights and interpretations.

Eric Whitacre is spreading a warm invitation to everyone to join:

"Barcelona is one of my favorite cities in the world and the chance to make music in an architectural masterpiece - the Catalan Art Nouveau Palau de la Música – is a dream. It is an honor to invite you to come and sing a programme of my music alongside Orfeó Català choir in this iconic building, and to spend a few days in Barcelona, a city steeped in culture, fashion and cuisine (not to mention football and the amazing beaches!). I’d love to see you there,”

As participants from the previous edition can attest, the Sing Along Concert is not merely a performance but a journey of musical discovery, friendship, and unparalleled joy. This event promises to be a cornerstone of the 2025 choral calendar, offering a blend of professional insight and communal singing in one of the most exquisite concert venues worldwide.

Set your spot in this once-in-a-lifetime experience now! Find out more information and book your ticket for this spectacular event by visiting the event’s official website.

Book your ticket now!

These tips work whether you want to get new sign-ups for singers or are promoting your next performance.

1. Local Media

Believe it or not, lots of people still read the newspaper and listen to the radio. Even though use is on the decline, that doesn’t mean traditional local media doesn’t reach a lot of people.

Local media is likely to be very supportive, with sections of their publications and broadcasts devoted to community groups and events. This is a great opportunity to gain meaningful exposure to people in your community.

2. Network with Music and Cultural Organizations

Collaboration and community building work hand in hand. The more active and supportive you are to your local music and arts scene, the more it will help out your choir. This principle works in a lot of different directions.

Local music schools, cultural centers, and other music groups can be great organizations to start partnering with — increasing visibility for your choir. Their members might also include people interested in becoming singers, too!

3. Host Workshops and Open Rehearsals

Providing resources to the community is a great way to build name recognition and goodwill. It’s also typically a bit easier to get someone through the door if you are offering things for free at first.

Giving workshops and open rehearsals are powerful ways to drum up interest in what you are doing, and some of the people visiting are likely to want to connect with what you do on a long-term basis.

4. Design Flyers to Promote Your Choir

Flyers are a great way to get the word out on your choir the old-fashioned way. There are many places to distribute these — like music stores, schools, libraries, community centers, arts organizations, coffee shops, and local hangouts.

It’s direct and still highly effective, allowing you to reach out to people who might never find you on social media. Also, for the many people who aren’t on social media (or someone who is trying to quit), it might be the only way to find them.

5. Participate in Community and Charity Events

Most cities have a calendar of community and charity events that need live performances. Your choir could contribute to the event, benefit the cause, and increase its visibility. You’ll get exposure to a lot of people who aren’t necessarily thinking about going to choir events, so it’s always a good idea to make your music selection relevant to everybody!

Live performances like this are also a great way to get people to sign up for things like email lists and connect to your choir on social media.

6. Collaborate with Local Businesses

Small businesses are often looking for opportunities to sponsor or cross-promote, just like your choir is! And many towns and cities have some businesses that would have amazing crossover appeal with a local choir.

These businesses could provide a venue or free promotion. There are a lot of ways that they can help, so it’s just a matter of seeing what kind of companies exist in your community and coming up with ways to collaborate with them.

7. Create Merchandise

If you already have some supporters, creating merchandise is a fun way for them to show support, provide your choir with a little funding, and then passively promote your group as they wear your merchandise around town.

In general, there are many ways to dove tail fundraisers with promotion. These are wonderful chances to boost your budget and get the word out on your next event.

Thinking Outside of the Box

If you are trying to promote your choir beyond simply maintaining a strong social media presence, you’ll need to think a bit outside the box. But if you do, you’ll find that you can build strong word-of-mouth interest.

Want more ideas for your choir? Keep an eye on the latest insights from INTERKULTUR

• Akustika Chamber Singers, South Africa

• Konzertchor der Schule für Chorkunst München, Germany

• Männerchor 1891 Somborn e.V., Germany

• Silvitni, Faroe Islands

• South Denmark Girls' Choir, Denmark

• Torun Music School Youth Choir “Semper Iuvenes”, Poland

In the competition concert this afternoon in Lucca, all choirs presented their amazing talents in these last performances, and were supported by all participants in the event. But there’s only one that took home the Grand Prize 2024 and the €1500 reward that accompanies it:

Congratulations to

Akustika Chamber Singers from South Africa

conducted by Christo Burger

A thunderous applause for this incredible accomplishment!

And let's not forget to celebrate the victors in each category as well:

Category A1 Mixed Choirs - Difficulty Level I

Akustika Chamber Singers (South Africa)
conducted by Christo Burger
 

Category A2 Choirs of Equal Voices - Difficulty Level I

Männerchor 1891 Somborn e.V. (Germany)
conducted by Martin Trageser & Volker Bernhart
 

Category C2 Chamber Choirs & Vocal Ensembles of Equal Voices

Silvitni (Faroe Islands)
conducted by Cinthia Gonzalez Parada
 

Category G1 Children’s Choirs

Konzertchor der Schule für Chorkunst München (Germany)
conducted by Maksim Matsiushenkau
 

Category G2 Youth Choirs of Equal Voices

South Denmark Girls' Choir (Denmark)
conducted by Mette Rasmussen
 

Category G3 Youth Choirs of Mixed Voices

Torun Music School Youth Choir "Semper Iuvenes" (Poland)
conducted by Renata Szerafin-Wójtowicz
 

Category S Musica Sacra a cappella

Akustika Chamber Singers (South Africa)
conducted by Christo Burger
 

The third edition of VOX LUCENSIS once again offers the city a precious opportunity to listen to high-level performances by choirs from all over the world. The event will feature choirs from 14 countries in total (Austria, Denmark, Estonia, Germany, Ireland, Faroe Islands, Italy, Norway, Poland, Slovakia, South Africa, Switzerland, Turkey, Hungary) with a total of about 800 participants. The event will start on Saturday, March 23 at 18:00 in the Basilica of San Paolino with the Opening Concert featuring, among others, the Youth Choir of the “Boccherini” Conservatory, and the joint performance of the piece “Vox Lucensis” conducted by Sara Matteucci; the piece was written and dedicated to the festival by the Luccan composer Saverio Rapezzi.

The competition, integrated in the artistic season OPEN of the local Conservatory, will include various categories both a cappella and with accompaniment such as Musica Sacra, Youth Choirs, and Chamber Choirs, and will take place in the Church of San Pietro Somaldi and at the Suffragio Auditorium. Performances will be evaluated by an international jury consisting of experts in the choral field, Külli Kiivet (Estonia), Christian Klucker (Switzerland), and Sara Matteucci (Italy).

Tuesday, March 26 will be the final day of the competition, culminating at 17:00 in the church of San Francesco with the final competition for the Grand Prize, where the Category Winners will compete again for the “Vox Lucensis 2024” Grand Prize endowed with EUR 1,500.

Other non-competitive performances are scheduled for Sunday, March 24 at 18:00 in the Conservatory and at 21:00 in the Church of San Pietro Somaldi, while on Monday, March 25, both concerts will be held in the Conservatory, the first at 18:00 and the second at 21:00; the latter will also feature the Luccan ensemble Gruppo Vocale “Stereo Tipi”.

The event is sponsored by the Municipality of Lucca, the Association of Choirs of Tuscany (ACT), the Province of Lucca, and the “L. Boccherini” State Conservatory of Music.

Admission is free to all concerts.

For more information about the event, please also visit the official website: 

VOX LUCENSIS 2024

Over 250 choirs have now registered for the event, which means that around 10,000 participants will descend on Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland in July. On Wednesday, July 10, they will be welcomed in spectacular style, as Spark Arena is transformed into an Olympic-style stadium with an event that features an international flag parade, national anthems and a breathtaking show devised by a celebrated line-up of creators, directors and producers.

As a prelude to the World Choir Games 2024, organizers will soon unveil the event’s Official Song. Composed by NZ Music Hall of Fame inductee Don McGlashan, with further lyrics and translation by Hana Mereraiha, the song celebrates the importance of breath, voice and togetherness, and will act as the heartbeat of the Games. The song will be performed at the Closing Ceremony by beloved New Zealand musicians Marlon Williams (Ngāi Tahu, Ngāi Tai) and Ria Hall (Ngāi Te Rangi, Ngāti Ranginui).

A highlight of the 2024 Opening Ceremony, and the whole Games, will be the spectacular ‘Welcome to Aotearoa New Zealand’ show, which will also be referenced at the Closing Event. Steering the creative team is director Malia Johnston. Perhaps best known for her long-time role as Show Director for the World of WearableArt (WOW), as director of the opening ceremony for the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023, or as the mastermind behind dance organisation Movement of the Human, Malia brings a wealth of experience in cross-form collaboration to the World Choir Games stage.

Show designer Rowan Pierce’s work synthesises video, sound and light to deliver innovative and impactful live experiences, while the music and soundscape are being created by award-winning composer Eden Mulholland, a prolific writer for dance, theatre, film, and large-scale stage events. Both regularly collaborate with Johnston on WOW.

Guest choreographer and concept advisor for the show, Kura Te Ua (Te Rarawa, Te Aupōuri, Te Aitanga a Māhaki, Te Whakatōhea, Tūhoe), who is also Artistic Director and Kaihaka of kapa haka dance group Hawaiki TŪ, brings both national and international performance experience to her role. Pak Peacocke, a creative force behind iconic events such as NZ Fashion Week, Christmas in the Park, NZ Comedy Festival and the Aotearoa Music Awards, assumes the role of Production Manager.

With Spark Arena situated on mana whenua land, it is especially appropriate that tikanga advisor Otene Hopa (Ngāti Whātua, Ngāpuhi, Waikato) will work with the team across all the Games’ ceremonies, ensuring that a vital te ao Māori perspective is woven into each celebration.

Artistic and Games Director John Rosser says, “It has been a genuine joy to bring this show team together. Each member brings huge talent and experience to the project, but the collaboration between them adds a whole extra layer. As for the song, I always had confidence Don would write something very special, and he has. I can’t wait for the choral world to experience both of these offerings.”

Choir singers and conductors will be able to compete in different Competition Categories, but also to perform in Friendship Concerts, Workshops, Evaluation Performances, and Individual Coachings with renowned choral experts, as well as in the trademark of this event: The Long Night of Choirs!

In a nutshell, whether the buzz of a competition is your cup of tea or not, here are 7 other opportunities you can take part in that will happen during the choral festival beyond the competition!

Opening Concert

The official start of the international competition and festival featuring the Kinder- and Jugendchor Magdeburg, among others.

Heavenly Voices - with the King's Men Cambridge

A special concert of selected sacred music with the famous British vocal ensemble King’s Men Cambride as special guests. The sacred choir repertoire is enriched by percussion. The participating ensembles will create a diverse sound space.

Evening Song

A sing-along of famous evening songs with the Magdeburg Cathedral Choir will be open to everyone in the Magdeburg Cathedral.

Friendship Concerts

This time the Friendship Concerts will take place in cooperation with children's and youth choirs. Various schools in Magdeburg and the surrounding area are planned as locations. Three choirs meet in a concert with a repertoire of their own choosing. Following the musical exchange, choirs are encouraged to engage in personal exchange at a self-organized get-together.

Choir Symphonic Concert

A concert that unites the Baroque masters Telemann and Handel with contemporary choral music by Reiko Füting. A large project choir, the baroque orchestra "Märkisch Barock", soloists and international guests come together for a unique concert experience against the historical backdrop of Magdeburg Cathedral. You even have the change to sing along in the project choir, registration is still possible!

The Long Night of Choirs

This concert celebrates the diversity of the choirs and encourages encounters between the national and international ensembles. A concert for everyone!

Participating choirs will gather immediately afterwards for a "choir party" in the Johanniskirche,for another opportunity to celebrate successful performances, competition successes and international gatherings, to dance and to socialize with all the participating choirs.

Hop On Hop Off Mini Concerts

Short and full of sound - join to experience choral diversity in various mini-concerts!

Discover more about your participation opportunities and how to register your choir at interkultur.com/magdeburg2024.

Registration Deadline for choirs is April 29, 2024!

Find out more

The World Choir Games, heralded as the Olympics of choral music, invite choirs from around the globe to participate in a celebration of harmony, diversity, and international friendship. The 2024 edition, set against the stunning backdrop of Auckland's vibrant cultural landscape, has already caught the imagination of the global choral community.

INTERKULTUR President Günter Titsch: "The overwhelming response we've received for the 2024 World Choir Games in Auckland is a testament to the universal appeal of choral music and its power to connect people across cultures and continents. This year, we're not just organizing a choir festival and competition; we're fostering a reunion of the international choir family, united by the universal language of music, peace, and friendship."

The increase in international choir registrations for the 2024 World Choir Games in Auckland is set to deliver a significant boost to the local economy, stimulating the hospitality sector, including hotels, restaurants, and local attractions, contributing to a vibrant tourism economy. Additionally, the global spotlight afforded by the event promises to enhance Auckland's cultural footprint on the world stage, attracting future tourists and investment. The economic ripple effect of this event is expected to extend beyond the immediate tourism and hospitality sectors, benefiting a wide array of local businesses and services, and showcasing Auckland's capacity to host world-class events.

The 2024 World Choir Games expect to welcome participants from an impressive 41 countries, underlining the event's reputation as a truly international spectacle. Choirs from diverse backgrounds and cultures will converge in Auckland, bringing with them a rich tapestry of musical traditions and styles, from classical choral repertoires to contemporary vocal ensembles.

The city of Auckland is preparing to welcome participants and choral enthusiasts from around the world, with numbers expected to reach 11,000, with a host of venues across the city gearing up to host competition performances, Friendship Concerts, and special events. The Games promise to be a landmark event in Auckland's cultural calendar, showcasing the city's world-class facilities and its warm, inclusive spirit.

For more information about the event, please visit the official World Choir Games website at 13. World Choir Games 2024, Auckland, New Zealand.

Continuing the legacy set at the last World Choir Games 2023 in South Korea as the onset of a post-COVID era of the World Choir Games, the promising success of the World Choir Games in Auckland underscores the event’s global appeal and its mission to bring together voices from around the world beyond any geographical boundaries. As the Games are significantly moving forward after the pandemic, each hosting region shines in the radiant of international friendship and unity, reinforcing the belief in the transformative power of choral music to connect hearts and communities across the globe.

Below, we give you six great ideas for your next Instagram reel. None of them are limited to one-and-done concepts. You can keep returning to them over and over again, giving you a reliable stream of content to build your followers and deliver them wonderful reels that they’ll love to watch and share.

1. Take us Behind the Scenes with Your Choir

Every performance begins with butterflies in the stomach and ends with tears — some happy and some sad.

Audiences want to dive into the drama of life in a choir. It allows people to connect to the personalities behind the voices, and what better way to do that than with Instagram reels?

If you capture hard work, jokes, and the little moments of triumphs and tragedy along the way, you’ll train your followers to keep coming back for more emotionally resonant and interesting content.

2. Capture Performance Highlights

Reels are a wonderful place to put stellar, stand-out moments from your latest performances — especially if they happen at prestigious events you are proud of attending (like the World Choir Games).

Demonstrating your choir’s abilities and accomplishments adds a lot of value to people’s day. Spending a few moments with that kind of optimism and hope can do a lot for people’s moods, and it also helps to keep them tuning into your content.

These reels also do a good job of building your choir’s identity and getting people excited for any upcoming performances that they might be able to attend — as your followers will be familiar with just how awesome your choir really is!

3. Try Singing Challenges

The internet loves challenges. That’s especially true in short-form video content like Instagram reels, TikTok, and YouTube Shorts. The best part? There are tons of music-related challenges and games that people want to see. It’s truly a match made in heaven.

Capture members of your choir taking on these challenges, and you’ll be well on your way to creating viral content.

This is also a great way to allow individual members of the choir to shine, putting their personalities more in the spotlight. This is a great way to start generating real interest in the people who make up your group — leading to a deeper connection to your group as a whole.

4. Give Us a Day in the Life

What’s your morning vocal routine like? How is that long bus ride together to the next big competition?

These glimpses into the everyday life of choral singers are inherently interesting. Your Instagram followers want to know what it's like to experience the camaraderie, discipline, and artistic expression that comes along with choral music.

Instagram reels are the perfect format to deliver people these charming little peeks into your world.

5. Collaborate with Others

Your Instagram reels can go beyond building a direct connection between your followers and your own choir. Some of your content should be reserved for sharing other choirs with people who follow you.

This level of collaboration will build goodwill and also attract still more followers to your Instagram, because they’ll see that you are delivering a wide range of valuable choir content.

There’s also always an opportunity to cross-promote with other accounts, building each other's audiences at the same time.

6. Post Lots of Educational Content

Apart from cute animal videos, bite-sized education content is some of the most popular short-form video content in the world. And your choir has a skill set that a lot of people want to learn.

Take advantage of this! Make quick videos that teach something about singing. It doesn’t have to be comprehensive, just a simple trick people can start trying out right now.

People interested in singing will flock to your Instagram account to check out your latest reels!

Finding What Works for You

Making your Instagram reels can be a fun, creative process. With a positive attitude and a little determination, you can discover how to connect with your followers and give them short videos they love. The items above can all be used time and time again, so coming up with new Instagram reel ideas should no longer be a problem.

Over time, you’ll discover the videos that work for your choir and their followers. Then, you’ll be able to maximize the power of social media to connect with your audience.

Looking for more tips and insights into the world of choir music? Keep an eye on the INTERKULTUR Newsroom.

While many choir directors would love to increase the representation of women in their repertoire, they don’t always know where to start.

In this post, we spread the word on songs written by women composers that are awesome additions to any repertoire.

“Fire” by Katerina Gimon

Katerina Gimon is a Canadian composer whose work is notorious for its raw power and level of detail.

“Fire” is a piece taken from Elements — Gimon’s work on the four classical elements (also including “Earth,” “Air,” and “Water”). Each of these is a masterpiece, from the haunting drone of “Earth” to the breathy stirrings of “Air” to the flowing vocal lines of “Water.” But the body percussion and layering in “Fire” really stands out during any performance.

Gimon has established herself as a choral composer to keep an eye on as she continues to create fascinating work that builds on the interesting ideas established in works like Elements.

We're delighted to welcome Bob Chilcott for the second edition of SING FOR GOLD in Calella and Barclona this year. He will not only serve on the international jury but also provide a unique opportunity for choirs that won’t attend the competition: Join us on Sunday, October 27, 2024, in Calella, where Bob Chilcott will lead a workshop on his celebrated "A Little Jazz Mass," followed by a wonderful Singalong Session!

"A Little Jazz Mass" has been one of Bob Chilcott’s most celebrated works since it was commissioned by the Crescent City Children’s Choir Festival for performance in New Orleans in 2004. As part of the 20th anniversary celebrations, we invited Bob Chilcott to Calella to lead his workshop on this "…music that is approachable but never sugary, and jazz-infused but in no way irreligious…” (Jeremy Summerly, Choir & Organ).

What is more? We have fantastic news also for competing choirs: The winner of the World Choral Cup 2024 will not only be awarded an impressive trophy this year, but also a EUR 2.500 prize money.

What are you waiting for? Join in now: 

Sing for Gold 2024

In this post, we bring you the essential daily vocal exercises you can’t go without. By integrating this into your daily routine, you’ll be able to sing better and longer. You’ll also make sure that you aren’t damaging your vocal cords while you do it!

The most important techniques, however, are the ones you actually do every day. So make sure that you build a routine that you know you’ll commit to.

1. Breathing Techniques for Projection

Breathing techniques power your singing. Without air passing over your vocal cords, you couldn’t produce the beautiful choral pieces that we all love.

So, building a strong breathing technique is the foundation for everything else. Breathing exercises will bring three main benefits:

1. Build actual air capacity in your lungs: With more air at your disposal, you can increase your volume and also reduce the number of breath breaks you need to build into your performance.
2. Improve control: Control of airflow is critical for accuracy in your singing. This helps you get the exact volume and pitch you are looking for!
3. Reduce fatigue: With greater control and capacity, you’ll stay oxygenated while using lots of air for singing purposes. This has numerous proven health benefits that will enrich your quality of life and your singing.
    

2. Vocal Warm-Ups to Stay Flexible

Vocal warm-ups get your voice ready to perform without overstraining it. Just like warming up your muscles before heavy exercise or playing sports, choir singers need to be careful that they warm up their voices before doing strenuous singing.

Getting yourself a routine that is effective and enjoyable is a non-negotiable for choir singers. To learn more, check out this deep dive on vocal warm-ups with Justin Stoney.
 

3. Expand Your Vocal Range

Your vocal range represents the limit of choices you have in notes. It’s like the keys of your voice’s piano — but unlike a piano, you can add keys to the high and low end if you work at it.

Like so much of vocal performance, the vocal range has to be trained with disciplined effort. So, making it a part of your daily routine ensures that you make steady progress without overdoing it.

Interested in making this part of your daily practice? Check out our guide on expanding your vocal range safely.
 

4. Agility Drills to Stay in Key

A major part of training choir singing should focus on vocal agility — which gives you the ability to execute quick note sequences and clean runs.

Practicing scales, arpeggios, and staccatos form the fundamental training exercise you need to work your agility every day. For an added challenge, vary your speed and the complexity of the melodies you are looking to precisely mimic.
 

5. Strength and Stamina Training to Build Vocal Endurance

Whether you are singing along with everyone else or performing a solo, building a strong voice with plenty of stamina always comes in handy.

As a member of the group, being able to hold up a strong voice for long periods of time makes you a reliable team member and a real asset to any choir. And if you ever solo, it’s absolutely essential that you are ready with the power to sound out through a performance hall.
 

6. Articulation to Improve Your Singing

Clear communication is key in choir singing, so you want to ensure that every word is understood by the audience.

Luckily, practicing articulation is probably the most fun of the daily exercises and can be done just about anywhere. How do you do it? Try tongue twisters and enunciation drills can improve clarity and diction.
 

7. Relaxing Your Voice to Superpower Your Singing

So much of vocal training focuses on doing things with your voice that it is easy to forget something that is equally important — resting your voice!

Just like when you train in the gym, the voice needs to rest. Make sure that you are aware of the way you use your voice while singing in the choir and outside of it. Protecting some quiet time throughout your day is also a great way to make sure your voice is able to recover from strenuous use.
 

A Daily Routine to Improve Singing Voice

Dedication to daily vocal workouts is the single best way to realize the full potential of your voice and elevate your choir's performance.

Looking for more resources and insights about choral music? Check out our latest posts.

Founded in 1992, China International Chorus Festival owns a history of more than 30 years. Supported by the UNESCO International Federation for Choral Music and the Chinese government, CICF stands as the largest and most esteemed international chorus festival in China and the Asia-Pacific region, and develops into one of the most influential choral art activities in the world with its outstanding artistic level.

Held biennially, the previous 16 CICFs have witnessed great success, with more than 3000 choirs and 120,000 participants from 90 countries and regions participating in the event. The 17th CICF will host various activities including choral competition, high-level concert performances and unique cultural tours for all the international choirs.

Come to Beijing, listen to the songs of the world!

Being experienced in the choral field and playing a key role in Cambodian music we asked him for an insightful perspective on the profound impact this competition is expected to have.

Through this interview, Sethisak Khuon delves into the anticipated cultural exchange, the rebirth of Cambodia's choral tradition, and the future of choral music in his home country.

1. What does hosting the first international choir competition in Cambodia mean for the country's choral music scene?

Hosting the first International Choir Competition in Cambodia means so much for Cambodia, it shows that Cambodia is joining the world for peace and prosperity and it shows the rebirth of the choral music from the long period of time of absence from the introduction of western music to Cambodia from the King Norodom.

2. How do you think this competition will impact the cultural landscape of Cambodia?

Even Cambodia has the very rich traditional music and arts in general, but this competition is opening the gate for Cambodia to the world and vice versa.

3. Cultural exchange is one of the main aspects at international choir competitions.
What do you hope participants will learn about Cambodian culture and what will Cambodian participants learn from the international guests?

This is exactly the meaning of cultural exchange, Cambodia will definitely learn how the world is sounding like, how independent every voice is and the world can learn from us, how pure and ancient sounds like and how could we get to vibrate with the monotone melodies. 

4. When it comes to evaluating a choir competition, what do you look for in a winning performance?

To evaluate a Choir, beside breathing technique, developing the range, open mouth shaping, good posture, clarity and front placement etc. I am looking for the excitement and how their sound moves the audience and steals every soul with every breath.

5. What advice would you give to choirs participating in this competition to help them stand out?

I want every groups of Choir from every country focusing on their loving sound and their differences,uniqueness because it is the identity of their group.

6. How do you envision the future of choral music in Cambodia following this first international competition?

I can see and feel that after this first international Choir Competition, Cambodia will understand more about the world and how the whole world is working, will appreciate more choral music and western classical music in general, and definitely will seek for new talents and more creativities toward the sound of Choir with our ancient identity and to show to the world.

Be part of it!

Join us in making music history at the First International Choir Competition Phnom Penh and be part of a landmark event in Cambodia's cultural scene. Register until March 4 and contribute to a historic moment in the world of international choral music. You can find all information about participation and registration here.

JOIN IN NOW!

At this beautiful moment of the coming of 2024, “The World of Voices” 2024 Chinese New Year Concert, launched on February 10, 2024, features classic covers and original works from ten high-level Chinese choirs under the theme of "Inheritance and Future". This concert has accumulated over a million views and received unanimous praise in the Chinese choir scene.

On the occasion of Chinese Lantern Festival, Mr. Meng Dapeng, Honorary Advisor of the World Choir Council, Professor Wu Lingfen, member of the Advisory Committee, and Mr. Chen Guanghui, Professor Tian Xiaobao, and Professor Yang Li, representatives of the Chinese chorus community, send sincere wishes to the upcoming 13th World Choir Games in Auckland, New Zealand, and wish choir lovers and fans of the World Choir Games a Happy New Year of the Dragon!

Madrid provides an unmatched experience in terms of music: from the soul-stirring passion of flamenco to the pulsating beats of contemporary rock, the Spanish capital exudes a musical energy that captivates every visitor. So, get ready to explore why Madrid stands as the ideal setting for ON STAGE in MADRID this year.

1. Experience the Heartbeat of Spain through Live Flamenco

Flamenco isn't merely a dance; it's a mesmerizing language of emotions conveyed through rhythmic stomps, soul-stirring vocals, and graceful movements. Dive into the electrifying intensity firsthand at iconic tablaos like Casa Patas, where generations of dancers have poured their hearts into this art form. Alternatively, lose yourself in the intimate ambiance of Corral de la Morería, where the rhythmic tapping and passionate singing will transport you to the very soul of Spanish culture.

2. Discover Hidden Gems, Renowned Venues, and Legendary Stages

Madrid's music scene flourishes within its diverse array of venues, each offering a unique atmosphere and sonic experience. Seek out hidden gems like El Búho Real, where indie melodies fill the air, or Sala Nazca, throbbing with the energy of alternative rock. Immerse yourself in the smoky jazz ambiance of BarCo, or lose yourself in the electrifying atmosphere of larger venues like WiZink Center or La Riviera, where international stars grace the stage. Don't forget to also marvel at the stunning Teatro Real, a historical opera house where breathtaking performances unfold.

3. Immerse Yourself in Local Culture and Sing Along to Live Music in Authentic Bars

For a truly local experience, venture to vibrant bars like El Boquerón de Plata, where classic Spanish songs fill the air and beckon you to join the chorus. Alternatively, let loose to funky grooves at Bule Bule, where infectious rhythms and lively vibes will have you dancing till dawn. Looking for a broader culinary and musical experience? Embark on a tapas crawl with live music in the vibrant La Latina neighborhood, combining delectable bites with local tunes for an unforgettable evening.

4. Venture into the History and Art of Music

Delve into the rich tapestry of music history at the Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía. Explore captivating exhibits showcasing instruments, artwork depicting musical movements, and gain a deeper understanding of music's profound role in Spanish culture.

5. Unearth Vinyl Treasures and Take Home Musical "Souvenirs"

For aficionados who savor the tangible warmth of vinyl, Madrid offers a treasure trove of record stores. Hunt for hidden gems at El Rastro flea market, where you might chance upon rare finds amidst a sea of vintage delights. Alternatively, visit the renowned Disco Killers, a haven for music enthusiasts seeking meticulously curated selections across various genres.

Bonus Tip

Explore the "Madrid en Vivo" website for an extensive list of live music events happening throughout the city. With countless concerts, festivals, and impromptu jam sessions, Madrid's music scene promises an unforgettable experience for every adventurous audiophile. So, what are you waiting for? Begin planning your musical odyssey through the vibrant streets of Madrid today!

Click here to learn more about ON STAGE in Madrid 2024: 

On Stage in Madrid 

Riga's illustrious history of hosting international choral competitions, including the World Choir Games 2014, the Grand Prix of Nations Riga 2017 & 3rd European Choir Games makes it a premier destination for international choir singers. With the successful "RIGA SINGS" events in 2019 and 2022, Riga has been established as city of choral singing and invites choirs from around the world to showcase their talents and music in the city’s stages.

At the heart of the event lies a tribute to the late Imants Kokars, a shining figure in Latvian and international music. As a distinguished conductor and educator, Kokars played a vital role in shaping Latvia's choral legacy and founding the modern Latvian choral conducting school. The competition's prestigious "Imants Kokars Choir Prize" serves as a fitting tribute to his enduring legacy.

For the first time at this event, the 2025 edition of RIGA SINGS introduces a "Senior Choirs" competition category, recognizing the wealth of talent and experience among seasoned vocal ensembles. The highlight of the event will be a final Grand Prize Competition of the best choirs singing once again for the coveted "Imants Kokars Choir Prize," endowed with 2500 €.

Choirs around the world are invited to seize this opportunity to participate in Riga's vibrant choral community, engage in cultural exchange, and vie for top honors at the "RIGA SINGS 2025" competition. For more information and registration details, visit the official event website.

Let your voices soar and join us in Riga for an unforgettable celebration of choral excellence! 

Information about participation and registration is available on the official event website. Check it out! 

RIGA SINGS 2025

Unfortunately, this can also lead to stress. After all, you want to do your best with the spotlight on you, and so much of your training is geared toward sounding good as a member of a group — not as a distinct voice.

Luckily, there are a handful of easy-to-follow tips that can help you during your next solo!

Understanding Your Role as a Solo Singer

So what is a solo singer in a choir? It refers to a performer who sings a piece of a work on their own. This could mean that the entire rest of the choir is quiet while the solo singer performs, or the vocal line of the solo singer could be emphasized either through volume or pitch.

This leads to exciting moments of vocal acrobatics — wowing audiences with your talent and making dynamics that add to the complexity of the choir’s overall performance.

A great solo singer is able to control their voice well, and they can be confident while doing it. It goes beyond hitting notes, you need to be able to deliver those notes in such a way that the audience feels the song.

Tips for Delivering a Powerful Solo

Below are five key tips for becoming a great solo singer. These will help you sing your best and project charisma at the same time.

1. Practicing Like a Solo Singer

The main techniques of solo performance focus on your unique role as a stand-out from the rest of the choir, which requires a different frame of mind than most of your singing on the risers. Preparation for this includes:

More intense rehearsal of your solo: It will take a lot more time to prepare for a solo than other parts of the performance, so make sure you give yourself plenty of time to master what you will be singing.

Focus on stage presence: Solos aren’t only about having a great voice — they are just as much about confidence and stage presence. For that reason, you’ll want to practice maintaining powerful eye contact, as well as using your face and body language to express the emotion of the piece. Mirrors are essential for this process!

2. Singing in Harmony

Understanding the harmony of your solo will be key to performing it on command. Yes, you can practice it so much that you are able to memorize every detail, but a deeper understanding of how to harmonize will allow you to feel more in the moment during your big solo.

This begins by understanding the difference between harmony and melody. The melody contains the core notes of the song, while harmony includes notes added on top of the melody to provide a richer sound.

3. Keeping Vocal Cords Healthy

Staying healthy in the lead up to your solo performance is key. INTERKULTUR has a wide range of resources to help you do that. These include:

4 Effective Breathing Exercises to Improve Your Choir Performance

5 Top Vocal Tips for Choir Singers

5 Tips to Expand Your Vocal Range Safely

4. Building Musical Knowledge and Theory

Music is a kind of language, and knowing about music theory is a way to understand the grammar and vocabulary of that language. The more you know, the more you can interpret your solo and bring that added knowledge to your performance.

While you don’t necessarily have to read sheet music or become a music theory master to sing a great solo, these mental models help tremendously. They allow you to grasp everything on a much deeper level. That way you don’t simply know what to do, you know why you need to do it a certain way.

5. Communicating with the Choir Director and Fellow Members

Clear communication with your choir director and fellow singers is going to be key. The better you can understand the vision of the director, the better you can perform. And during your solo, your fellow singers are going to support you and put you in the best light possible — so their input matters.

It’s easy to give into stress and feel like your upcoming solo is your burden to bear alone, but it isn’t! If you need help just ask.

Final Thoughts on Singing Solo in a Choir

A solo should be a crowning achievement in your choral singing career. While it will always cause some butterflies, it doesn’t need to cause stress. If you follow the tips above, you’ll be prepared to give it your all and deliver a mind-blowing solo that the audience will remember for years to come.

For more information on the world of choir singing and more helpful tips on performance, make sure to follow INTERKULTUR on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, or Youtube!

Whether you are a choir director looking to expand your group’s repertoire, a chorister interested in learning more voice-only choral music, or someone who simply loves to discover new music — this is the list for you! We’ve assembled the five great a cappella pieces to get started on your journey.

What does a cappella mean?

A cappella refers to any piece of music that is sung without any musical accompaniment. The phrase literally means “in chapel/choir style” in Italian.

This definition can sometimes be complicated with newer works, where choirs are more and more utilizing body percussion (the sounds we can make using our body parts). Generally, when people refer to a cappella music, they will mean songs that are purely vocal.

1. “Lux Aeterna" by Morten Lauridsen

Morten Lauridsen's "Lux Aeterna" is a modern choral masterpiece, specifically focusing on the theme of eternal light and rest. Composed in the late 20th century, it has rapidly become a revered classic in the choral realm.

This composition is an invitation to pause, find solace in choral artistry, and explore the depths of the human spirit through harmonious voices alone.

Following the Awards Ceremony as the emotional conclusion of the event we extend our heartfelt congratulations to all participating choirs. Johan Rooze, Artistic Director of the event, stated in his closing speech: “With a high level of singing and all of you have done your very best to convince the international jury and the audience of your skills.”

In recognition of their particular dedication and success in the event, we applaud the following choirs on their category wins:

Category M1 - Music of Spirit & Faith - Children´s and Youth Choirs

Syukugawa Angel Choir, Japan
conducted by Nezu Yoshiko 

Category M2 - Music of Spirit & Faith - Adult Choirs

Paramabira, Indonesia
conducted by Rainier Revireino

Category O1 - Open Repertoire - Children´s and Youth Choirs

ByeZoo Choir, China
conducted by Yue Sun

Category O2 - Open Repertoire - Adult Choirs

ByeZoo Chamber Choir, China
conducted by Yue Sun

A Special Prize was awarded to the CancaoNova Choir from Japan, conducted by Shimonzono Taiki, for their extraordinary and captivating competition program.

The Conductor’ Prize was given to Mr. Yue Sun, conductor of the ByeZoo Choir (China) for his outstanding achievement.

For a comprehensive list of results, including scores achieved by all choirs, please download the complete list of results here:

Kobe2024_Results.pdf

Are you feeling inspired to be part of an INTERKULTUR event in the future? Explore the next projects on our website and join in:

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