In a time when peaceful coexistence is more important than ever, INTERKULTUR made a powerful statement for unity and mutual understanding – through the universal language of music. As part of the European Choir Games & Grand Prix of Nations Aarhus 2025, the National and International Organizing Committees invited audiences to a very special PEACE Concert – one of the emotional highlights of this international choral festival.

In the fully packed Aarhus Cathedral, seven choirs with more than 300 singers came together to share their voices. In the face of global crises and conflicts that affect the lives of millions, this concert was far more than a cultural event: it was a powerful appeal for peace. The collaboration of choirs from Denmark and around the world created a visible and audible symbol of hope, solidarity, and mutual respect – making INTERKULTUR’s long-standing mission “Singing Together Brings Nations Together” tangible and real for everyone present.

As Günter Titsch, President of INTERKULTUR and the World Choir Council, emphasized in his welcoming speech:

“With the power of music, we not only aim to set an example for political leaders across the globe – we also want to send a powerful warning. Especially in today’s world, where war and terrorism prevail, we want our singing to be a sign for peace. Peace begins where people listen to each other – and sing together.”

Interwoven into the musical program were carefully selected peace-themed texts, recited at key moments throughout the concert. These offered space for pause and reflection. The evening was further enriched by the exceptional voices of Belgian beatboxer RoxorLoops and Danish singer Jasmin Rose, who added a wide range of sound and color to the concert.

For Fred Sjöberg, Senior Artistic Director of INTERKULTUR and Artistic Director of the European Choir Games & Grand Prix of Nations in Aarhus, this concert was more than just a symbol:

“Bringing choirs from different nations together for a shared musical experience is a powerful expression of unity. The PEACE Concert became a moment where singing turned into a direct message – and an act of responsibility for the world we live in.”

A special highlight of the evening was the world premiere of An Explosion of Gratitude – the winning composition from the joint competition by INTERKULTUR and the World Choir Council for the official song of the World Choir Peace Prize. All choirs – over 300 voices – came together on stage for this performance, conducted by Danish conductor Steen Lindholm, Honorary Senior Advisor of the World Choir Council.

At the end of the concert, all choirs joined the audience in singing Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah”, guiding them from the cathedral out onto Bispetorvet square. There, the performance continued seamlessly into an open-air HOPE Concert, where outstanding youth choirs spread hope, light, and confidence through their music – a strong sign of how important it is to give the next generation’s voices the attention they deserve.

The PEACE Concert in Aarhus is already the sixth event in a growing series of INTERKULTUR’s musical peace initiatives. Since the first Peace Concert at the European Choir Games 2015 in Magdeburg, INTERKULTUR has regularly organized concerts promoting understanding and humanity through music – including two online Peace Concerts in 2022 (one as a countdown to the World Choir Games in Gangneung), and two musical New Year’s messages for peace. Each of these concerts has brought together voices from around the world to make the longing for a future in global peace heard.