With a festive opening ceremony in the Japanese port city of Kobe, Sing from Kobe 2026 officially marked the start of the new INTERKULTUR event year. From January 15-19 the festival brings choral music to life as a shared international experience and sets the tone for INTERKULTUR’s global activities in 2026.

The opening ceremony warmly welcomed 23 choirs from 12 nations, gathering singers, conductors, jurors, and guests for several days of concerts, competitions, Evaluation Performances, and artistic exchange. From the very first moments, the focus was clear: openness, encounter, and the unifying power of singing together.

Representatives of the Hyogo Choral Association, Vice President Naomasa Hamada and Representative Masahiro Kishimoto, greeted the participants on behalf of the local hosts and underlined the close cooperation that made the festival possible. Their words reflected the strong partnership between INTERKULTUR and the Japanese choral community, as well as the importance of international cultural exchange.

On behalf of INTERKULTUR, Artistic Director Johan Rooze addressed the audience with a heartfelt welcome. He emphasized choral singing as a model for cooperation, listening, and working towards shared artistic goals. These values reach far beyond music and are especially meaningful in today’s world. His thanks also went to the City of Kobe, the Hyogo Choral Association, and all partners for their commitment and hospitality.

A special moment of the ceremony was the traditional welcome in the languages of all participating countries, celebrating the diversity of voices and cultures represented at the festival. 

Music, of course, stood at the heart of the evening. Choirs from the Czech Republic, Canada, Türkiye, and Hong Kong shaped the opening concert with a repertoire ranging from Antonín Dvořák and Moravian folk music to contemporary works and choral classics, offering a first glimpse of the artistic richness to come.

The ceremony concluded with a shared singing moment, symbolizing the spirit of Sing from Kobe: listening to one another, breathing together, and creating something meaningful through music. With this collective musical gesture, the festival was officially declared open.

As the first INTERKULTUR event of 2026, Sing from Kobe sets a strong and inspiring beginning to the year, celebrating choral music as a common language that connects people across borders, cultures, and traditions.

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