The first edition of Cantaquera – Festival Coral Internacional officially began on March 12, 2026, with a festive Opening Ceremony at the historic Real Colegiata de Santa María la Mayor in Antequera. With choirs from around the world gathering in the heart of Andalusia, the ceremony marked the start of five days dedicated to choral music, cultural exchange, and international friendship in Andalusia.

The event brings together 13 choirs from 10 countries, whose singers and conductors have travelled to Antequera to share their music and experience the unique atmosphere of this new festival. Until Sunday, the city will host a varied program including competitions, Friendship Concerts, and further musical encounters across the many churches and venues in the historic city.

The Opening Ceremony welcomed participants and audiences with greetings from representatives of the city and the festival organizers. Manuel Jesús Barón Ríos, Mayor of Antequera, emphasized the city’s pride in hosting an international choral event for the first time. 

On behalf of INTERKULTUR and its President Günter Titsch, Johan Rooze, Artistic Director of Cantaquera, welcomed the participating choirs and guests. He underlined the importance of music as a universal language and celebrated the diversity of ensembles represented at the festival. Rooze also thanked the City of Antequera and all partners involved in bringing this new international event to life.

During the ceremony, each participating country was greeted in its own language, a symbolic moment that reflected the international spirit of the festival and the shared joy of singing.

The evening concluded with an Opening Concert featuring three international ensembles: the Robert College Singers from Türkiye, the ProVocal Ensemble from Portugal, and Tartu Ülikooli Kammerkoor from Estonia. Their performances offered the audience an inspiring start to the festival and a first impression of the musical diversity represented in Antequera in these days.

In the coming days, choirs will take part in competitions and Friendship Concerts while exploring the historic city and meeting fellow singers from around the world. With its first edition now underway, Cantaquera brings new international choral energy to Antequera and invites audiences and participants alike to experience several days filled with music.

Check out the event’s Facebook page for photos and impressions from the event!