A special edition of the World Choir Games is on the horizon: with its 15th anniversary edition, the world’s largest international choir competition will return to its place of origin in 2027. Linz in Upper Austria, the city that hosted the very first World Choir Games in 2000, will welcome the global choral community from July 21 to 31, 2027 – becoming the first city ever to host the event for a second time.

It was here in Linz that the former “Choir Olympics” were first held in 2000, marking the beginning of a success story that remains unique in the world of international choral music.

Since that premiere, the World Choir Games – often described as the “Olympics of choral music” — have developed into a truly global event that continues to inspire choirs worldwide. Over the past two decades, host cities across Europe, Asia, Africa, the Americas, and most recently Oceania have embraced and carried forward this idea.

On stages around the world, musical traditions have met, new impulses have emerged, and each edition has created a unique shared experience. The 2027 jubilee edition now offers choirs worldwide an additional opportunity to experience this special atmosphere at its place of origin.

The World Choir Games 2027 are made possible through the strong support of the Province of Upper Austria and the City of Linz. This close partnership provides the foundation for once again bringing together thousands of singers from around the globe and turning Linz into an international hub for choral music. At the same time, the large number of international participants and accompanying visitors will contribute significantly to tourism and the regional economy.

“The World Choir Games are far more than a competition — they are a powerful expression of how culture connects people from all over the world. The return of this major international event to Linz and Upper Austria highlights our strength as an open-minded hub for culture and events. At the same time, it creates economic value, international visibility, and unforgettable encounters for our region,” emphasizes Governor Thomas Stelzer. 

“In the summer of 2027, Linz will become a stage for the world. The World Choir Games will bring thousands of singers and guests from all continents to our city. This is not only a cultural highlight, but also a strong statement for Linz as an international, vibrant, and open cultural city,” adds Mayor Dietmar Prammer.

A special focus of the World Choir Games 2027 will also be placed on the involvement of the local choral scene. With their high artistic standards, local choirs will meet international ensembles and jointly present friendship concerts throughout Upper Austria. These musical encounters will create meaningful experiences for both participating choirs and local audiences.

“The return of the World Choir Games to Linz is a very special moment for us,” says Günter Titsch, President of INTERKULTUR. “What began here in Linz in 2000 as a vision has grown into a global choral movement. We are grateful that the City of Linz and the Province of Upper Austria are making this return possible. It shows how enduring the idea of community and peaceful exchange through choral music continues to be.”

For more than 35 years, INTERKULTUR has been organizing international choir competitions and festivals dedicated to cultural exchange. Its mission is to bring people together through the universal language of music, regardless of origin, religion, or worldview, and to foster dialogue between cultures.

The World Choir Games stand as a flagship of this idea. Since their premiere in 2000, they have grown into a global event attracting thousands of choral enthusiasts. At their core are the diversity of choral music and a spirit of fair competition inspired by the Olympic values of peace, friendship, and harmony.

More about the WCG 2027