The Votiv Church in Vienna was packed when yesterday evening five international choirs came together to present their skills and music from their homes in the Opening Concert of the 30th Franz Schubert Choir Competition and 3rd Sing’n’Joy Vienna 2016.

The concert was opened by the Wiener Sängermänner from the host city who welcomed the international guests from 11 nations with one of Franz Schubert’s “Trinkliedern” (drinking songs), followed by a medley of traditional Austrian folk songs – a great presentation of the host country and appreciation of the event’s name patron.

After the host’s performance the guests followed: Regina Coeli Choir from the Philippines, Copenhagen Girls' Choir from Denmark, Hermanus Pro Musica Choir (South Africa) and Children's Choir "Victoria" of M.A. Balakirev Children's Art School from Russia performed traditional pieces from their home countries and thus presented their cultures to the audience.

Between the performances, the guests were welcomed by the vice president of the Schubert-Gesellschaft, Prof. Friedrich Lessky, and INTERKULTUR President Günter Titsch. The opening cocert was a worthy start in the anniversary event and great celebration of friendship and cultures. Today choirs will start in the competitions and make whole Vienna resound.

And also 900 singers for the Sing Along Concert International with the Berlin Radio Choir are arriving in Vienna now and will meet for the first rehearsal with conductor Simon Halsey tonight. On Sunday they will sing Schubert’s Mass No. 6 in E flat minor in Vienna Concert Hall.