Dates: 10 April - 13 April 2025 | Florence, Italy

The festival is run by the co-founder of the Florence International Choir Festival, Leonardo Sagliocca. The Festival concept is focused on Michelangelo Buonarroti, the mythical author of the David and many other masterpieces that reside in Florence. The Festival venues are all historically and artistically prestigious and are all related to Michelangelo’s life and work. Music is known to be an excellent vehicle for sharing knowledge and friendship among people and the main aim of the Michelangelo International Music Festival is to create a great an opportunity for musical and cultural exchange between the different geographical and artistic traditions of the participating countries. The festival is open to choirs and orchestras of all ages and typology, according to the rules and categories expressed in the following section.

Each choral group and orchestra may participate in one or more categories.

Choir Contact Ireland can help you plan an unforgettable choral trip for your choir. We take care of the planning and logistical arrangements, dealing with the ground operators and organisers, allowing you to focus on the singing. Contact us today for more information and sing with your choir in Florence, Italy!

PARTICIPATION OPPORTUNITIES

Choir Categories

Category A - Mixed Choirs Adults

Category B - Equal Voices Choirs Adults

Category C - Youth & University Choirs

Category D - Children Choirs

Category E - Chamber Choirs, Vocal and Instrumental Ensembles

Category F - Sacred Music

Category G - Popular, Folk, Gospel, Barbershop, Jazz and Modern Ensembles

Category H - Early Music

Category M - Modern and Contemporary Music

Category Z  - Non-competitive Choirs (only concerts)

Each choir will perform 3 pieces in each category. The total performance time must be between 9 and 15 minutes

Orchestra Categories

Category A - Adult Orchestras

Category B - Youth & University Orchestras

Category C - Children Orchestras

Category D - Symphonic Orchestras

Category E - String Orchestras

Category F - Wind and/or Brass Orchestras and Ensembles

Category G - Folk, Jazz & Popular Orchestras and Ensembles

Category H - Big Band Orchestras

Category I - Baroque Ensembles

Category L - Orchestra or Ensembles with free instrumentation

Category Z - Non-competitive Orchestras and Ensembles

Each orchestra will perform 3 pieces in each category. The total performance time must be between 12 and 18 minutes

Performances While in Florence

All groups participating in the festival will perform in two stages:

- The Competition

- The Evening Concerts

Adjudicating Criteria

- Performaces will be judged by the international jury whose members include conductors, opera singers, composers and instrumentalists. Choirs will be judged according to the following criteria:

- Intonation

- Vocal Production

- Insieme

- Dynamics

- Repertoire

- Diction

- Overall Artistic Effect

- Orchestras will be judged according to the following criteria:

- Intonation

- Quality of sound

- Insieme

- Interpretation

- Dynamics

- Repertoire

- Precision

- Overall Artistic Effect

The Jury

The Competition Jury will be composed by a panel from 3 up to 7 members. Each member of the Jury will write a report containing reviews and impressions about the performed repertoire of the choirs and orchestras. The reports will be sent to the choirs by email. According to the mark achieved, Bronze, Silver and Gold Diplomas will be awarded. If the choir or the orchestra does not achieve a Diploma (mark under 65,01) it will receive a certificate of participation.  The decisions of the Jury are final. The Jury, after consideration of all artistic matters, may not award some prizes or may award joint or additional prizes. The Grand Prix will be awarded to to the choir or orchestra (among the best selected) chosen to a final judgment of the jury. 

The final concert will focus on a selected repertoire and will be conducted by a famous musician. The repertoire will be communicated soon after the application. This concert is not compulsory but it is a great chance to enhance the artistic skills of the participating choirs and of the orchestras.

Travel Accommodation

Accommodation for all choirs and orchestras will be organized by the festival organisers in single, double, triple, multiple rooms in 2, 3, 4, 5 stars hotels in the historical centre of Florence. For every group, up to three complimentary free accommodation places will be offered according to the number of participants. 

A CCI Tour Manager will be assigned to you for the duration of your booking, to assist in the pre-departure preparations and to assist with any issues during your stay. The tour manager does not travel with the group.

Transportation While in Florence

SAMPLE ITINERARY

Day 1

• Choirs attend the awards ceremony
• Final concert. 
• Festival dinner is attended by conductors, the jury & staff

Registration deadline: December 15, 2024

FLIGHTS