Top 11 Choir Festivals Around the World You Must Attend

Choir festivals offer singers much more than a concert stage. They create opportunities to perform, learn from international conductors, experience new cultures and form lasting connections with choirs from around the world.

This guide presents 11 outstanding choir festivals across Europe, Asia, Australia, North America, Latin America and the Caribbean region. Some are major international competitions, while others emphasize workshops, cultural exchange, community singing or non-competitive participation.

There is no single “best” festival for every ensemble. The right choice depends on your choir’s musical level, goals, preferred destination, budget and interest in competitive or non-competitive participation.

11 Choir Festivals Around the World at a Glance

1. World Choir Games — International Host Cities

The World Choir Games is one of the largest and most visible international choir competitions. Organized by INTERKULTUR, it brings amateur choirs from many countries together in a host city that changes between editions.

The program normally includes multiple competition categories, celebration concerts, opening and closing events and opportunities for participating choirs to hear ensembles representing many musical traditions.

The event offers different competitive pathways. Choirs with limited international competition experience may enter the Open Competition, while ensembles with established qualifications can apply for higher-level categories.

Best for: Choirs that want a large-scale international competition and the experience of performing alongside thousands of singers.

Planning tip: Review the category requirements, application deadlines, repertoire rules and travel arrangements well in advance.

Visit the official World Choir Games website.

2. Festival of Voices — Tasmania, Australia

The Festival of Voices is an annual celebration of singing held during Tasmania’s winter season. Its program brings together professional artists, community choirs, young singers and members of the public through concerts, workshops, pop-up performances and large participatory singing events.

Unlike a festival built primarily around rankings, Festival of Voices emphasizes accessibility, collaboration and the shared experience of singing. Participants can encounter many styles of vocal music in venues and communities across Tasmania.

Best for: Choirs and singers looking for an inclusive festival that combines performance, learning and public participation.

Planning tip: Explore both formal concerts and community singing activities. Some of the festival’s most memorable experiences happen outside the traditional concert hall.

Visit the official Festival of Voices website.

3. Europa Cantat — Changing European Host Cities

Europa Cantat is a major European choral gathering organized by the European Choral Association. The festival is hosted by a different European city and welcomes choirs, conductors, composers and individual singers from Europe and other regions.

Ateliers and workshops form an important part of the experience. Participants work intensively with conductors, explore unfamiliar repertoire and present what they have learned in concerts at the end of the festival.

The event is especially valuable for singers who want to develop musically while discovering different European choral traditions.

Best for: Choirs interested in workshops, international learning, open singing and cultural exchange rather than only formal competition.

Planning tip: Choose ateliers carefully according to the choir’s level, voicing, language skills and musical interests.

Visit the official Europa Cantat information page.

4. Choral Fest Costa Rica for Peace — Costa Rica

The International Choral Festival in Costa Rica for Peace offers a different type of international choral experience. It is a non-competitive gathering centered on concerts, workshops, cultural exchange, travel and a shared commitment to peace.

Choirs are not ranked against one another. Youth, university, church, community, adult and other ensembles participate with their own musical identity and repertoire. The objective is to create meaningful encounters among singers from different countries and cultures.

Costa Rica also gives visiting choirs the opportunity to combine performance with nature, hospitality and educational or community experiences. Depending on the program, choirs may sing in formal concerts, schools, churches and community venues.

Best for: Choirs seeking a supportive, non-competitive international festival that combines music, cultural connection and travel.

Planning tip: Review the program, travel requirements and participation conditions as a complete choir project rather than treating the event as only a concert tour.

Choirs interested in participating can visit the official application page.

5. Cork International Choral Festival — Cork, Ireland

The Cork International Choral Festival is one of Ireland’s best-known choral events. It presents gala concerts, international and national competitions, workshops, community performances and informal opportunities for choirs to meet throughout the city.

Experienced ensembles may apply for the Fleischmann International Trophy Competition, while other international choirs can participate through non-competitive programs. This makes Cork relevant to choirs with different artistic goals.

The festival extends beyond Cork City Hall through church performances, public singing and events across the city and surrounding area.

Best for: Choirs seeking either a respected competition or a non-competitive international performance experience.

Planning tip: Select the appropriate participation track before preparing repertoire and travel plans.

Visit the official Cork International Choral Festival website.

6. America Cantat — Changing Host Cities in the Americas

America Cantat celebrates choral music from North America, Central America, South America and the Caribbean. Editions are hosted in different locations and bring singers together through workshops, concerts, common repertoire and cultural exchange.

The festival provides a valuable opportunity to encounter the languages, rhythms, composers and traditions that shape choral life across the Americas.

Best for: Choirs wishing to deepen their understanding of Latin American, Caribbean and broader American choral traditions.

Planning tip: Participate actively in workshops and cultural activities rather than attending only the concerts.

Visit the America Cantat website.

7. Bali International Choir Festival — Bali, Indonesia

The Bali International Choir Festival brings international and Indonesian choirs together for competitions, concerts, workshops and cultural experiences.

The setting allows choirs to combine musical participation with the distinctive artistic and cultural traditions of Bali. Categories may accommodate different types of ensembles, including children’s, youth, mixed, sacred and contemporary choirs.

Best for: Choirs looking for an international competition combined with a culturally rich travel destination.

Planning tip: Allow sufficient time for travel, acclimatization, rehearsals and cultural activities before or after the festival.

Visit the Bandung Choral Society website.

8. Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod — Wales

The Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod is a historic festival that welcomes singers, dancers and musicians from many countries to Wales.

The festival combines international competitions with concerts, cultural presentations and the visual energy of participants sharing music and traditional dress. Its Choir of the World competition is among its best-known choral events.

Best for: Choirs interested in a long-established festival that combines competition, international friendship and multiple performing arts.

Planning tip: Explore the full event program, including cultural activities and performances beyond the choir’s own category.

Visit the official Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod website.

9. Tokyo International Choir Competition — Tokyo, Japan

The Tokyo International Choir Competition brings experienced choirs to Japan for adjudicated performances across several categories. These can include children’s, youth, senior, school, mixed and chamber ensembles, depending on the edition.

Tokyo provides a major international cultural setting, but choirs should prepare carefully for the artistic requirements, travel demands and formal competition structure.

Best for: Well-prepared choirs seeking an international competitive platform in Asia.

Planning tip: Study the current regulations, category requirements, repertoire limits and application materials before committing to travel.

Visit the official Tokyo International Choir Competition website.

10. International Choral Kathaumixw — Canada

The International Choral Kathaumixw takes place in the qathet region of British Columbia, Canada. It brings choirs together through concerts, common singing, competitions, conductor activities and social events.

The festival emphasizes close interaction among participating ensembles and the idea of different peoples gathering through song. Its smaller-community setting creates a different atmosphere from festivals held in major metropolitan centers.

Best for: Choirs seeking international exchange, community hospitality and a combination of concerts and competitions.

Planning tip: Prepare application materials early, including choir information, conductor details, photographs and recordings.

Visit the official International Choral Kathaumixw website.

11. International Choir Festival of Preveza — Greece

The International Choir Festival of Preveza combines choral performance with the atmosphere of a historic Greek coastal destination. Its program has included competitions, concerts and related musical activities for participating ensembles.

Choirs can experience Greek culture and hospitality while meeting singers from other countries in formal and informal settings.

Best for: Choirs interested in combining an international festival with Mediterranean culture and travel.

Planning tip: Confirm the current participation categories, dates, fees and official program directly with the organizers before arranging flights or accommodation.

Visit the International Choir Festival of Preveza website.

How to Choose the Right International Choir Festival

Before applying, directors should evaluate more than the destination. Consider the complete experience the festival offers and whether it matches the needs of the ensemble.

• Competitive or non-competitive: Decide whether adjudication, rankings and awards are important to the choir.
• Musical level: Review audition requirements, repertoire difficulty and participation categories.
• Educational value: Look for workshops, conductor sessions, common repertoire and opportunities to hear other choirs.
• Performance opportunities: Confirm how many concerts the choir may sing and what types of venues are included.
• Travel requirements: Estimate flights, accommodation, local transportation, meals, visas and insurance.
• Age and ensemble type: Verify whether children’s, youth, university, church, community or senior choirs are eligible.
• Cultural exchange: Consider whether the schedule creates genuine opportunities to meet local and international singers.
• Festival values: Choose an event whose competitive structure, educational goals and cultural approach align with the identity of the choir.

Competitive vs. Non-Competitive Choir Festivals

Competitive festivals can motivate choirs to refine repertoire, improve performance standards and receive feedback from international adjudicators. They may be especially appropriate for ensembles that enjoy measurable artistic goals and formal recognition.

Non-competitive festivals offer a different experience. Without rankings or prizes, choirs can focus on performance, learning, cultural exchange and relationships with other ensembles.

Neither format is inherently better. The most suitable option depends on the choir’s purpose. A highly experienced ensemble may enjoy competition, while another choir may value shared concerts, workshops and international friendship more strongly.

Frequently Asked Questions About International Choir Festivals

What is an international choir festival?

An international choir festival is an event that brings ensembles from different countries together for concerts, competitions, workshops, common singing or cultural exchange.

Do all choir festivals include competitions?

No. Some festivals are built around adjudication and awards, while others are entirely non-competitive. Certain events offer both competitive and non-competitive participation.

Which choir festival is best for a community choir?

The best choice depends on the choir’s musical level, travel budget and goals. Community choirs may prefer events with inclusive participation, workshops, shared concerts and non-competitive options.

Can children’s and youth choirs attend international festivals?

Yes. Many festivals include categories or programs for children’s, school and youth choirs. Directors must confirm age requirements, safeguarding rules and travel documentation.

How far in advance should a choir apply?

International travel and festival preparation often require many months. Choirs should review application deadlines, audition materials, payment schedules and travel requirements as early as possible.

What costs should a choir consider?

Possible expenses include registration, flights, accommodation, meals, local transportation, insurance, visas, conductor expenses and additional tours. Directors should ask exactly what the festival package includes.

What is the difference between a choir competition and a non-competitive festival?

A competition evaluates participating choirs and may award points, diplomas, medals or prizes. A non-competitive festival emphasizes concerts, learning and exchange without ranking ensembles.

Is Choral Fest Costa Rica competitive?

No. Choral Fest Costa Rica for Peace is a non-competitive international gathering focused on concerts, workshops, cultural exchange and music as a bridge between people.

Conclusion

International choir festivals allow singers to experience music beyond their regular rehearsal room. They can challenge an ensemble artistically, introduce new repertoire and create friendships across languages and borders.

The World Choir Games and Tokyo International Choir Competition offer major competitive experiences. Europa Cantat and Festival of Voices emphasize learning and collective participation. Cork provides both competitive and non-competitive possibilities, while Choral Fest Costa Rica offers a distinctive non-competitive experience centered on culture, connection and peace.

The right festival is the one that reflects your choir’s identity, musical goals and values. Research each event carefully, involve singers and families in the planning process, and choose an experience that your ensemble will remember for the right reasons.

Ready to Add Costa Rica to Your Choir’s Journey?

If Costa Rica is on your list of destinations, the International Choral Festival in Costa Rica for Peace welcomes choirs from around the world for a non-competitive celebration of music, culture and peace.

Apply with your choir → or explore the festival to learn more.

Plan Your Choir’s Journey

Ready to take the next step? Explore what a choir trip to Costa Rica looks like, review the costs and logistics, or apply to bring your choir to Choral Fest Costa Rica. Have questions? Get in touch with our team.