Just one day after the official opening of the 1^st International Choir Competition Sarawak in Malaysia, the 11^th edition of Canta al Mar – Festival Coral Internacional officially began in Calella with bright colors, proud flags, and joyful music. A total of 35 choirs from 22 countries have gathered on the Costa de Barcelona to share their voices and celebrate the unifying power of choral singing.

A colorful parade of choirs brought the narrow streets of Calella to life as singers from across the world filled the air with song, laughter, and culture. Accompanied by the festive sound of a local brass band, the parade led to the parc Pati de l’Os, where an official Opening Event warmly welcomed all singers and participants.

Speeches by Calella’s Mayor Marc Buch i Rigola, Prof. Dr. Ralf Eisenbeiß, Honorary Artistic President of INTERKULTUR and Artistic Director of the festival, and Viajes Tauro’s Director Marc Moreno highlighted the close cooperation that has made this event possible for the eleventh time already.

Eisenbeiß proudly welcomed the participating choirs also on behalf of INTERKULTUR President Günter Titsch and First Vice President Wang Qin and introduced the international jury of six renowned conductors from Catalonia, Latvia, Greece, Germany, Bulgaria, and China. The musical part of the celebration included performances by choirs from China, Ireland, Latvia, and Mexico, each presenting a piece from their national repertoire.

The afternoon ended with a special moment of unity: Mexican singers of Coro Cenzontle de Morelos and juror Xavier García Cardona invited everyone to join in a Catalan song – a joyful symbol of intercultural unity.

Later in the evening, the Opening day concluded with an Opening Concert at Església de Santa Maria i Sant Nicolau, featuring impressive performances by Klarup Pigekor (Denmark), TED Ankara Koleji Polyphonic Choir (Türkiye), and Barnsley Youth Choir (Great Britain). The church was packed when the three choirs performed with harmony and warmth, marking a perfect prelude to the next days full of competitions and concerts.

Starting tomorrow, choirs will compete and perform in Calella and Barcelona, with events at Sala Mozart, Plaça de l’Ajuntament, Santa Maria del Pi, and even the iconic Sagrada Família. All concerts are open to the public and invite everyone to share in the joy of singing together.

Find more information in the detailed program book of the event.