The 16th International Choir Competition & Festival Bad Ischl officially began on April 29 with a vibrant choir parade through the town centre, followed by a festive open-air opening ceremony in the Kurpark. Until May 3, the historic spa town once again becomes a meeting place for the international choral community.

Over the coming days, 20 choirs from 13 nations are shaping the musical life of Bad Ischl. Ensembles from Austria, Switzerland, Germany, Estonia, France, Finland, Kazakhstan, Pakistan, Hong Kong, China, Sweden, Türkiye, and the USA have gathered to compete, perform in concerts, and share meaningful musical encounters.

The official Opening in the Kurpark began with a ceremonial fanfare and the welcome of all participating choirs and nations. Artistic Director Prof. Romāns Vanags highlighted the importance of the competition as a platform for artistic and international exchange, as well as the unifying power of singing together. He also looked ahead to future gatherings of the global choral community, inviting participants to the next major international event in Upper Austria: the 15th World Choir Games in Linz, taking place from July 21 to 31, 2027.

Mayor Ines Schiller then officially declared the festival open and warmly welcomed the international guests to Bad Ischl. Accompanied by the local brass band, the ceremony reflected a festive and traditional atmosphere. A particularly memorable moment came with the joint performance of the European Anthem, as performers and audience joined voices in a shared expression of unity and cultural connection.

The evening continued with the Opening Concert at the Kultur- und Kongresshaus, offering a first glimpse of the artistic diversity of the competition. International choirs and regional ensembles presented a varied program. With a wide-ranging repertoire and contrasting styles, the concert set the tone for the days ahead.

In the coming days, the focus will shift to the competitions and numerous Friendship Concerts across the region. The festival will conclude on Sunday with the Grand Prize Competition for the “Bad Ischl Choir Prize 2026,” where the top choirs will compete once more for the prize endowed with €2,000.

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