Waiting has come to an end: Singing in Wernigerode 2023!

Choir fans from all over the world were forced to be patient for four years in order to experience one of the most popular INTERKULTUR events anew – now, finally, the time has come at last: From July 05 to 09, 2023, choral music from all parts of the world will resound in the picturesque town of Wernigerode, which is renowned for its abundant musical heritage and historical charm. 27 choirs from 14 nations will come together for the 12th International Johannes Brahms Choir Festival and Competition  in celebration of the beauty and diversity of global choral music. Ranging from dazzling performances to thrilling competitions, this choral event guarantees a one-of-a-kind experience for all participants and audiences alike. This celebration, a tribute to the legendary German composer Johannes Brahms, famed for his significant choral works, will offer a wide range of events:

The prelude prior to the official launch of the event will be a top-class Prologue Concert of Young Conductors of the 6th  International Choral Conductors' Seminar on Tuesday, July 4, 2023 at 6:00 p.m. at the Konzerthaus Liebfrauen.

14 Conductors from 11 countries will showcase the works of selected composers they have prepared along with the renowned Rundfunk-Jugendchor Wernigerode.

On Wednesday, July 5, 2023, at 7:30 p.m., the Opening Concert at the Konzerthaus Liebfrauen will herald the actual start of the International Johannes Brahms Choir Festival and Competition. For this purpose, the MDR Radio Choir, one of the best German professional choirs, will present a varied a cappella concert including masses, psalms and hymns titled LUX AETERNA.

Not less than three highlights await choral music enthusiasts on Thursday, July 6, 2023. At 11 a.m. the first competitions in the category Children's & Youth Choirs commence, from 5 p.m. onwards the colorful Choir Parade at the market square offers the opportunity to have a close encounter with the participating choirs, and at 8 p.m. a Gala Concert at the Konzerthaus Liebfrauen tops off the evening soundfully: Audience members will enjoy an international choir experience with the Philadelphia Girls Choir from the USA, the chamber choir VoxpUNT from Estonia and the vocal ensemble Phonova from Wernigerode/ Germany.

A Benefit Concert on Friday, July 7, 2023 at 7:00 p.m. in the Halberstadt Cathedral will raise the voices of singers from the Wernigerode Chamber Choir (Germany) and the Menlopark High School Choir (South Africa) for a good cause. Admission is free, donations are kindly requested. Those who prefer something even more international will be treated to a Folklore Concert at 7:30 p.m. on the market square: Choirs from Chinese Taipei, Israel, Ghana, Estonia and Bolivia will present versatile choral repertoires from their home countries. In addition, competitions will be held throughout the morning hours from 11:00 a.m. including Pop & Jazz and Folklore categories and from 7:30 p.m Adult Choirs difficulty level I & II and Chamber Choirs of equal voices.

Saturday, July 8, 2023, kicks off from 9:30 a.m. with competitions for choirs in the categories Chamber Choirs and Sacred Choral MusicAnother highlight awaits choral aficionados in the afternoon: At 4 p.m., the respective category winners will meet in the Konzerthaus Liebfrauen for the exciting Grand Prize Competition for the Johannes Brahms Choir Prize 2023. In addition, free Friendship Concerts will be held throughout the day in the city and the surroundings, inviting visitors to experience choral music from all parts of the world at first hand.
The final opportunity to enjoy the unique pleasure of first-class and diverse choral sounds will be offered at the Closing Concert on Sunday, July 9, 2023 at 10 a.m. at the Stadtfeldhalle.

Tickets for the Prologue Concert on July 4, the Opening Concert on July 5 and/ or the Gala Concert on July 6 are available here. For more information please visit the official website of the event.