The Champions Competition is for choirs with international competitive experience and/or comparable credentials (see A1 in the Competition Information booklet).

In the spirit of "Participation is the highest honor", choirs, regardless of their present artistic level of achievement, have the opportunity to participate in The Open Competition to gather valuable experience in international competition. A complete description of the competitions can be found in the "Competition Information" booklet.

Both competitions are held in 28 different categories the participating choirs can choose their most suitable from:

Categories:

You can also find a detailed description of the competition categories in our brochure:
Competition information(1.2 MB)

BI – Evaluation Performance for non-competing choirs

Choirs will sing a program of three pieces for a maximum performance time of 15 minutes in front of 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 will be 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 certificate of participation.

BII – Individual Coaching

All participants, whether taking part in the competitions or not, are given the opportunity to participate with their choir in a 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 international renowned choral music expert will then rehearse the piece with the choir to provide new artistic ideas and impetus. Choirs not participating in the competition will be presented a certificate and a recommendation for their future participation in international choral competitions.

CI - Friendship Concerts

In addition to their competitive or non–competitive participation, choirs may perform in a friendship concert with other choirs in public venues in and around the cities of Antwerp and Ghent.

These free public concerts provide opportunities to choirs to showcase their musical traditions and costumes of their native land. Choirs, instrumental groups, and dance companies not participating in any other category may also register to only participate in multiple friendship concerts.

CII - Festival Stage Choir

The Closing Ceremony will become a stage for Choral fireworks, 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. Under the title “CHORAL FIREWORKS”, a massed choir, especially put together for this event, soloists and a full symphony orchestra will perform folk songs from all continents, popular songs, and traditionally “We are the World” to allow the audience to sing and dance along and conclude the brilliant event.

Choirs who wish to be part of this mass choir, need to register for this activity. These choirs will have to attend compulsory rehearsal sessions with choirs from around the world. Please note that the artistic committee will have the final say in the selection of choirs. Choirs will be required to rehearse the music and arrive prepared for the mass choir rehearsals.

The World Choir Games will also offer workshops, seminars and open rehearsal sessions. During these workshops, choirs, conductors, and individuals will be introduced to international choral literature, singing styles, and performance practices. New choral experiences will be created by mixing with other singers, getting instructions from the workshop leader and performing in this creative environment might open the eyes and ears of the choristers to new choral experiences.

Competition Information

Competition Information(2 MB)

Competition Information [Dutch](2 MB)

Participant Information

Participant Information(2.5 MB)

Participant Information [Dutch](2.5 MB)

For participating choirs, we have put together various excursion packages, which can be booked additionally using the following form.

Tour Options(2 MB)

Tour Options Order Form(200 KB)