More than 160 choirs and around 8,500 singers from over 40 countries and regions came together for eleven days of international choral music as Helsingborg hosted the 14th World Choir Games. At the Closing Ceremony, the international choral community also looked ahead to the next World Choir Games in Linz, Austria.

Eleven days of singing, competition and international encounters came to an emotional conclusion tonight as the World Choir Games 2026 officially closed in Helsingborg.

From August 6–16, around 8,500 singers in more than 160 choirs from over 40 countries and regions filled Helsingborg’s concert halls, churches and public spaces with music. Thousands of visitors experienced the World Choir Games through competitions, concerts and numerous events across the city.

Choirs competed in The Open Competition and The Champions Competition. Friendship Concerts, Celebration Concerts and workshops also brought participants and audiences together beyond the competition stages.

The competitions concluded with an impressive record of achievements: Across both parts of the World Choir Games, a total of 110 Gold and 22 Silver Medals were awarded in The Champions Competition. China topped the medal table with a total of 44 medals, followed by Sweden with 12, and Canada and Indonesia with seven each.

A total of 18 choirs were crowned “Champion of the World Choir Games”, the highest distinction awarded to the top-scoring Gold Medal choir in each category.

INTERKULTUR President Günter Titsch says: “My heartfelt thanks go to all the participating choirs. They have overcome obstacles and come together from all over the world to send a message of peace. They have faced challenges, surpassed themselves and deserve our greatest respect and applause. Through their performances at numerous concerts and special places throughout Helsingborg, they have brought INTERKULTUR’s mission to life: ‘Singing together brings nations together.’”

Fred Sjöberg, Artistic Director of the World Choir Games 2026, also draws a positive conclusion: “The World Choir Games in Helsingborg have impressively demonstrated the diversity and high standard of today’s international choral scene. Alongside outstanding competition performances, the major ceremonies and many concerts brought together choirs with a wide range of musical traditions. A particularly special moment was the Peace Concert, which combined artistic ambition, cultural diversity and genuine encounters. Helsingborg has given us many valuable impulses that we will be pleased to carry forward into the future.”

Martina Arnér, Project Manager of the World Choir Games 2026 in Sweden says: “We are immensely proud to have hosted the World Choir Games in Helsingborg and to have experienced these extraordinary days together with the city. For our residents, the Games have been a true gift: an opportunity to experience choral singing at the highest international level, right on their doorstep. We are grateful to everyone who contributed, from participants and volunteers to sponsors and partners. Our thanks also go to INTERKULTUR for a highly successful collaboration. Together, we have created an event that will resonate in Helsingborg for years to come.”

For the international jury, the World Choir Games also offered an impressive insight into the artistic quality and diversity of today’s international choral scene. Speaking on behalf of the jury, Mathew Wright (Great Britain) says: “The quality of what was taking place here was very high. We recognized how long choirs had prepared for this moment, and as jury members we take that responsibility very seriously. The great thing about the World Choir Games is that there is an opportunity for choirs of all abilities and all backgrounds to come together and sing. It has been a great joy.”

For the participating choirs, however, the World Choir Games were about much more than competition results. Myriad Ensembles from Canada summed up the special atmosphere of the event, speaking for many participants: “We were so happy to be here at the World Choir Games. It was such a welcoming and wonderful experience. We love to sing and meet all the amazing people who are here in Sweden.”

The international choral world looks ahead to Linz

The Closing Ceremony at Helsingborg Arena brought the international choral community together one final time.

At the same time, attention turned to the next chapter: Linz and Upper Austria presented themselves as hosts of the 15th World Choir Games 2027. As part of the traditional flag handover, Helsingborg Mayor Mats Sander and INTERKULTUR President Günter Titsch presented the World Choir Games flag to Vice Mayor Karin Leitner, representing the City of Linz, and State Director of Culture Mag. Margot Nazzal, representing Upper Austria..

After eleven days in Helsingborg, the international choral community now looks ahead to its next destination. What remains from Sweden are memories of musical encounters, new friendships and shared experiences that have connected thousands of singers from around the world.