A colorful welcome event, music throughout the city and an international Opening Concert marked the first day of the third edition of SING FOR GOLD – The World Choral Cup 2026 on October 22.

With 38 choirs from 24 countries, SING FOR GOLD 2026 has officially begun, bringing international choral music back to Spain’s beautiful Costa de Barcelona. The Opening Day offered a first taste of the musical diversity, cultural encounters and shared enthusiasm that will shape the coming festival days.

Opening event and Calella Sings

The celebrations began at Pati de l’Ós, where singers, conductors and guests gathered for the official Opening Event. Each participating country received a welcome in its own language, celebrating the international spirit of the event, before Calella’s Mayor Marc Buch i Rigola warmly welcomed all participants. 

The Bulgarian children’s choir Talasumche opened the performances of the event with traditional folk-inspired songs, followed by Six to Sixty from New Zealand and Ensamble Oikos from Uruguay. Together, they offered a colorful glimpse into the musical traditions represented at this year’s festival.

A particularly memorable moment came when Xavier García Cardona invited everyone to sing the traditional Catalan song L’Hereu Riera together, turning the international gathering into one large choir.

Following the ceremony, the celebrations continued throughout the city center with “Calella Sings.” Choirs performed short concerts at different locations, filling Calella’s streets and squares with voices from around the world and sharing their music with residents and visitors.

Festive Opening Concert in the evening

The day concluded with an Opening Concert featuring three ensembles from different European countries.

Iuventus, gaude! from the Czech Republic, conducted by Anežka Šebová, presented a varied program combining sacred music, Czech traditions and popular repertoire. Norway’s Asker Bel Canto, under the direction of Jon Harthug, explored Scandinavian musical heritage, while Germany’s Collegium Musicum Kammerchor, directed by Donka Miteva, brought contemporary choral sounds and expressive musical storytelling to the stage.

With the opening celebrations complete, attention now turns to the competitions in Calella and Barcelona, where choirs will present their carefully prepared programs before an international jury.

But SING FOR GOLD is about more than competition. It is also about discovering new musical traditions, making international friendships and experiencing what happens when people from across the world come together through singing.

Follow all the highlights of SING FOR GOLD 2026 on our social media channels, and don't miss the livestream for the World Choral Cup competition to experience the festival's grand finale live, wherever you are!