"The Champions Competition" is for choirs that have corresponding international competitive experience and have already proven their ability in concerts and international choral competitions. Choirs competing in The Champions Competition are by the decision of the artistic committee.

In the spirit of the World Choir Games, "Participation is the highest honor", "The Open Competition" gives all choirs the chance to get valuable experiences in an international competition regardless of their present artistic level of achievement.

Both competitions are held in 29 different categories the participating choirs can choose their most suitable from:

Categories

A detailed description of the competition categories can also be found in the booklet available for download: 
Competition Information(2.5 MB)

BI – Evaluation Performance for non-competing choirs

This level of participation is available to choirs who choose not to be placed in competition, but seek to be part of the international experience of the World Choir Games.
Choirs will sing a program of three pieces for a maximum performance time of 15 minutes before a panel of international experts.

At the conclusion of the program there will be a brief internal consultation of the panel of choral experts. Finally, the program is discussed with the choir in an open and amicable atmosphere. Performance coaching and recommendations will be given for future participation in international competitions. The choirs will receive an official World Choir Games certificate of participation.

BII – Evaluation Performance for competing choirs:

Prior to World Choir Games competitions, choirs may register to present their competition program before a highly qualified, experienced international jury. This is an INTERKULTUR tradition which provides a rich source of inspiration through the sharing of diverse opinions and approaches. Choirs who take advantage of this opportunity will receive comments and advice on such elements as interpretation, sound quality and presentation. The experience will have no effect on subsequent competition evaluation.

Evaluation Performances for competing choirs will be planned for July 5 & 6 and 11 & 12, so choirs need to arrive in Sochi accordingly.

BIII - Individual Coaching

All participants, whether taking part in the competitions or not - are given the opportunity to participate with their choir in a rehearsal session with a noted international choir director.

Choirs interested in making use of this opportunity are required to prepare one piece of choral music. An internationally respected choral music expert will then rehearse the piece with the choir to provide new artistic ideas and impetus. Choirs not participating in the competition are presented a certificate and a recommendation for their future participation in international choral competition.

According to the World Choir Games tradition choirs may perform in a Friendship Concert with other choirs in public venues in and around the city of Sochi in addition to their competitive or non–competitive participation.

These free public concerts provide opportunity for each choir to present musical traditions and costumes of their native land.

Choirs, instrumental groups, and dance companies not participating in any other category may also register to participate solely in multiple Friendship Concerts.

The World Choir Games feature large-scale events staged in world class venues capable of televised and live stage productions. These shows feature massed stage choirs singing a wide-spectrum of music ranging from great choral-symphonic works to pop music. The Artistic Committee has final approval on selection of choirs who must rehearse independently and arrive prepared for massed rehearsal.

Great Celebration Concert - July 10, 2016

The first part of the World Choir Games will conclude with a Great Celebration Concert on July 10 where hundreds of singers from all around the world will come together to unite in song.

Closing Ceremony - July 16, 2016

In the Closing Ceremony, as flags of the participating countries are assembled and the colors of the World Choir Games are handed to the Mayor of the next host city, the event venue will become a stage for choral fireworks. Under the title "CHORAL FIREWORKS", a massed choir, especially put together for this event – joined by soloists and orchestra – will perform a number of folk songs from all continents, popular songs, and traditionally the "Jazz Hallelujah" and "We are the world" where everyone can sing and dance along and conclude the brilliant evening.

THE WORLD CHOIR GAMES THROUGH YOUR CONDUCTOR LENS

Book yourself a seat at the world’s biggest choral event and get a front-seat experience of all the choral magic one can only witness at the World Choir Games - tailored just for You!

Here are some of the awesome things this unique opportunity offers:

• A chance to meet choral directors and choirs from all over the world
• Attend workshops, competitions and concerts
• Learn more about adjudicating and evaluating choirs
• Attend the World Choir Council conference “The World of Young Singers”
• Enjoy the unique exciting atmosphere of the World Choir Games
• A chance to join the World Festival Singers’ tour to St. Petersburg and Moscow
• Get a special Diploma for taking part in our program

The World Choir Games team will prepare a personal schedule for you including the categories and the events of your interest.

Schedule and Rates(311 KB)

Registration Form(1 MB)

INTERKULTUR

Government of the Russian Federation
Ministry of Culture of the Russian Federation
Administration of the Krasnodar Region
Sochi City Administration

supported by numerous national and international committees and organizations

Honorary Presidents of the World Choir Games
Dr. Walter Scheel (Germany), Former President of the Federal Republic of Germany
Morten Lauridsen (USA), Honorary Artistic President
Mikis Theodorakis (Greece), Honorary Artistic President

President INTERKULTUR and World Choir Games
Günter Titsch (Germany)

INTERKULTUR Executive Committee
Günter Titsch (Germany)
Wang Qin (China)
Stefan Bohländer (Germany)
Dr. Christoph Wirtz (Germany)

Artistic Committee
Prof. Dr. Ralf Eisenbeiß (Germany), Senior Artistic Director
Christian Ljunggren (Sweden)
Johan Rooze (Netherlands/Republic of Korea)
Fred Sjöberg (Sweden)
Assoc. Prof. Romāns Vanags (Latvia)

Project Direction
Jelena Dannhauer (Germany), Project Director International

Organizers are INTERKULTUR Management GmbH and the Sochi City Administration.