The World Choir Games 2026 in Helsingborg have come to an end, but for the international choral community, the next chapter is already beginning.

After eleven unforgettable days of singing, competition and encounters in Sweden, one of the most symbolic moments of the Closing Ceremony already pointed towards what comes next: The World Choir Games flag was officially handed over to Linz, Austria, host of the 15th World Choir Games from July 21–31, 2027.

And this next edition will be a very special one: The World Choir Games are coming home.

In 2000, Linz hosted the very first edition of the event, then known as the first Choir Olympics. What began there has since travelled around the globe, bringing together generations of singers and growing into the world’s largest international choir competition. Twenty-seven years later, choirs from around the world will return to the city where it all began. 

Preparations for this anniversary edition are already well underway. The Artistic Directors for this special edition, Johan Rooze (Netherlands) and Mat Wright (Great Britain) are already working on the main events like Opening and Closing Ceremonies and the musical program, while the first members of the international jury have also been confirmed. Among them are internationally recognized composers and choral experts Katerina Gimon (Canada), Paul Mealor (Great Britain/Wales) and Jake Runestad (USA).

The first venues bring the “Coming Home” story to life as well. The Design Center Linz will become a central hub of the World Choir Games 2027, returning the event to the place that hosted its Opening and Closing Ceremonies back in 2000. The Brucknerhaus, one of Linz’s major concert venues in a city where music is deeply rooted in its cultural identity, will also welcome choirs during the World Choir Games.

For choirs dreaming of being part of this anniversary, now is the time to turn that idea into plans.

The special Anniversary Offer is available until September 16, 2026, with a reduced registration fee of €250 per activity and savings of up to 10% on the Event Package (depending on the selected payment option). To secure the Anniversary Offer, choirs only need to submit their completed registration forms, a choir photo and biography by the September 16 deadline. Additional documents can follow by November 4. 

Twenty-seven years after it all began, the World Choir Games are returning home. Come back with us or take this special opportunity to experience the World Choir Games in Linz for the very first time.

Let your voices become part of the next chapter!

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