The Aula Magna in Lisbon was brimming with excitement as the 3rd edition of LISBON SINGS, an international choir competition and festival, began with a captivating Opening Concert and Ceremony: LISBON SINGS, which is happening from Nov 7-11, 2024, has officially started.

The Opening event commenced with a warm welcome to all participants and the international members of the jury, namely Helena Fojkar Zupančič from Slovenia, Tove Ramlo-Ystad from Norway and Inês Tavares Lopes from the host country Portugal.

The event is organized by INTERKULTUR in collaboration with Lusanova travel, under the shared belief that “Singing together brings nations together.” This year’s festival hosts 28 choirs from 17 countries, ready to showcase their talents across seven competition categories, as well as Friendship Concerts that will fill Lisbon with music.

In the Opening Concert, which marked a musical world trip, the first choir performing was EMCANTUS, a renowned Portuguese group led by conductor Pedro Santos Ferreira. The offered a heartfelt musical greeting to their international guests to set the event in motion. Following this, Fred Sjöberg, Senior Artistic Director of INTERKULTUR and Artistic Director of LISBON SINGS 2024, expressed his gratitude to the participants and partners, also on behalf of INTERKULTUR President Günter Titsch. He noted the joy of gathering so many passionate choir singers and the promise of days filled with competition, camaraderie, and cross-cultural learning.

The musical program continued with the Portuguese Choir Planície Cantada, showcasing the soulful Cante Alentejano—a UNESCO-recognized tradition—followed by Camerata Coral, who took the audience into their South American home, bringing the vibrant sounds of Puerto Rico to life.

Maria Jose Capitao, representing Lusanova travel, emphasized in her welcome speech the collaborative spirit behind the festival and the hope that this gathering would inspire peace and harmony.

With its mission clear and voices united, LISBON SINGS 2024 promises to be a celebration that resonates far beyond Aula Magna, bringing its sounds and music not only to Lisbon but also to echo all around the world.

For regular updates, please follow the event on Facebook and Instagram and stay tuned on Sunday, Nov 11, for the results of the competition to be published here.

LISBON SINGS 2024