16th International Warsaw Choir Festival

 

 

 

• Performing in front of large appreciative audiences
• See the city sights
• Attend the Gala concert in the Concert Hall of Chopin University of Musi

 

Set in the historic city of Warsaw, this festival is organised by the Artistic Agency Melody in cooperation with Choral Society LIRA in Warsaw.   Choirs can choose to compete in one of the festival categories or simply sing for please in the non-competitive category.  Each choir gets a maximum stage performance of 15 minutes and this includes getting on and off the stage allowing for a ca.13 min pure singing time. Choirs should prepare a repertoire consisting of 4 pieces sung a cappella in the following order: sacred or classic song, folk song or song inspired by folklore of your country, song composed after 1960 and song d which is one freely chosen song.  In the evenings, choirs perform joint concerts in Warsaw’s beautiful churches or in neighbouring areas. A gala concert then takes place on the Sunday. Choir also have ample free time to see the city sights.

Festival Categories

Choirs may participate in maximum two of the following categories:
A. Mixed choirs – adults – all singers must be above 18 years old.
B. Equal voices choirs – adults (male, female)
all singers must be above 18 years old.
C. Youth choirs 13-19 years old
D. Children Choirs 6-16 years old
E. Chamber Choirs – 12-20 singers
S. Senior Choirs (60% members older than 60 years old) – minimum 20 singers
X. Non-competitive choirs – participation in Gala and 2 additional concerts

 

In categories A-D 15% of the singers may be older or younger than above requirements. In categories A-D choirs must consist of at least 16 singers.
All singers must be amateurs.
Please note that this rule does not apply to conductors.
In each category there are the following prizes:
• I place Golden diploma
• II place Silver diploma
• III place Bronze diploma
• The GRAND PRIX & GOLDEN LYRE STATUETTE & €1000 will be awarded to the best choir of the festival.

• In addition: the Romuald Twardowski Prize of €1000 will be awarded to the foreign choir for the best performance of song composed by Romuald Twardowski.  The jury in agreement with the organisers of the festival may award additional prizes as they deem fit.
• All choirs receive a participation diploma.

Visit Warsaw, the Polish capital, with your choir and see what this historic city has to offer. Visit  the  beautiful Old Town, the Royal Route, marvel at the Chopin Monument in Lazienki Park, the former Jewish ghetto and wonder at Wilanow Palace – one of the most spectacular and important monuments in Poland.  There is much to see and do in Warsaw and the city is full of surprises. Known as the city of Frederic Chopin, Warsaw is the ideal choral destination.

Choirs arrive in Poland. Those arriving by plane are met by their local assistant who will assist with transfer to your hotel in Warsaw. Groups can arrange to have a welcome dinner in their hotel or local restaurant in the evening restaurant. In the evening, the competition and performance cycle begins.

Enjoy breakfast in your hotel before starting the day. Groups can enjoy a city tour of Warsaw with their local guide. Performances continue on this day afternoon and groups have the opportunity to hear others perform. This is especially useful for those participating in the non-competitive category who might be considering a future competitive performance. After the days’
activities, groups can relax and mingle at an evening dinner in their hotel.

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel, and then depart for the Gala concert and prize-giving award ceremony in the Concert Hall of Chopin University of Music. 

Depart Warsaw.

This sample itinerary is for information purposes only. All final itineraries are tailored to individual choirs requirements.

Choirs can choose to participate in the non-competitive Festival Category or to compete in the relevant Competition Category.

 

• Three-nights in a 3* or 4* Hotel with breakfast
• Dinner each evening (optional extra)
• Festival participation fee
• Concert performance of 15-minute duration
• Return airport transfers from airport with guide assistance on arrival
• One free place for choir conductor on the ground

A full programme of sightseeing tours is also offered to choirs. 

Meals throughout your stay

•Daily buffet breakfast at the hotel
•Dinner each night in your hotel (optional extra)

 

• 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 Warsaw

Choirs usually make their way around the city with the local guide via public transport. However, we can arrange coach transportation for your group as
required.

Once you enquire with CCI you will be given your own dedicated festival planner, and this planner will also assist you with the booking of flights for your group. Choir Contact experienced travel consultants are able to advise you on the most appropriate flight options and will advise best fares at time of booking. We use the most up-to-date modern technology for searching best fares including low cost carriers, allowing us to book you the best flights at the best fares for a fully co-ordinated service. We use both low-cost internet fares and our long-standing relationships with other carries to ensure that we can secure the best travel option for your choir. We will advise you on luggage allowance and all details relating to your flight booking. Travel Insurance CCI recommend that all travellers take out travel insurance at the time of booking.