20th Budapest International Choir Festival & Competition
Budapest, Hungary
21 March - 25 March 2027
April 2029
Represent Ireland on the international stage at the prestigious 20th Budapest International Choir Festival & Competition in March 2027. The festival attracts choirs from all around the world who come together to celebrate choral excellence and cultural exchange. Organised by Meeting Music, this renowned biennial festival welcomes choirs for five unforgettable days of music, culture and friendship in one of Europe’s most stunning cities.
With convenient direct flights from Ireland and full support from Choir Contact Ireland, this festival offers a seamless and inspiring European tour experience.
The festival begins on the Sunday as choirs begin to arrive and then continues throughout the week with a variety of choral activities such as an opening concert, Friendship Concerts, individual coaching sessions, rehearsals and much more. Each itinerary is tailored to the individual choirs’ requirements.
Choir Contact Ireland can help you plan an unforgettable choral trip for your choir. We take care of the planning, logistical arrangements, dealing with the ground operators and organisers from start to finish, allowing you to focus on what matters most — the singing.
Contact us today at reservations@choircontactireland.ie to begin planning your choir's unforgettable experience in Budapest, Hungary!
PARTICIPATION OPPORTUNITIES
Choirs can choose to perform in the non-competitive section or opt for competitive participation
Choirs | Mixed Choirs, Female Choirs, Male Choirs, Vocal Ensembles, Senior Choirs, Children's Choirs, Youth Choirs of Equal & Mixed Voices, Musica Sacra, Folklore, Gospel, Pop Modern and Jazz
Evaluation Performances | Individual Coaching | Friendship Concerts
Competition Categories
Category A - With Requirements
A1 – Mixed Choirs
A2 – Male Choirs
A3 - Female Choirs
A4 - Vocal Ensembles
Category B - Without Requirements
B1- Mixed Choirs
B2 - Male Choirs
B3 - Female Choirs
B4 - Senior Choirs
Category G - Children & Youth Choirs
G1 - Children's Choirs
G2 - Youth Choirs of Equal Voices
G3 - Youth Choirs of Mixed Choirs
Category S - Musica Sacra
Category F - Folklore
Category P - Gospel, Pop, Modern
Category J - Jazz
Evaluation Performances | For Festival Choirs (Non-competing)
- Three pieces of the choir’s choice
-Perform before a panel of qualified international jurors who provide prompt positive artistic and pedagogical feedback
- Certificates of participation are awarded, as well as evaluation ratings and recommendation letters upon request
Number of singers: Unlimited
singing time: Maximum 15 minutes
accompaniment: Allowed
Evaluation Performances | For Competing Choirs
- Present your competition programme before the competition
- Perform before a panel of qualified international jurors who provide prompt positive artistic and pedagogical feedback
- Evaluation will not influence competition results.
Number of singers: According to category rules
Singing time: According to category rules
Accompaniment: According to category rules
Individual Coaching | For all Choirs
Rehearse with an internationally acclaimed choral expert for stimulating artistic and interpretive guidance. For an effective rehearsal, choirs are asked to prepare one piece in advance.
Number of singers: Unlimited
Coaching time: Approx 45 minutes
Friendship Concerts | For all Choirs
Perform in concerts together with other international choirs. Friendship Concerts give choirs the opportunity to get acquainted with each other and to provide enjoyable entertainment and time in a friendly atmosphere. We advise you to select your programme in this spirit. Choirs may opt to participate in Friendship Concerts ONLY.
Number of Singers: Unlimited
Singing time: Maximum 20 minutes
Accompaniment: Allowed (piano or e-piano can be provided upon request)
Grand Prize Competition
Two freely chosen a cappella pieces which must differ from the ones already performed in the competition programme; the music scores of these two pieces must be approved by the artistic director. Please choose pieces which best reflect the choir's abilities and knowledge and have entertainment value for the audience and jury alike.
Participants: Category winners with a result over 23 points, and choirs with special awards over 23 points are entitled to take part at the Grand Prize Competition.
Age of singers: According to category rules
Number of singers: According to category rules
Singing time: Maximum 8 minutes
Accompaniment & Amplification: Both pieces have to be performed a cappella.
Amplification of the voices is allowed according to the category rules.
The winner of the competition will be awarded the Budapest Grand Prize endowed with €2,000
The jury may award special prizes for outstanding performances and unique presentations. Choirs with the longest tradition or choral singing may achieve a diploma of honour.
What's Included in Your Budapest Experience with CCI
- 4 nights in a 3* or 4* Hotel in Budapest
- Daily breakfast (other meals can be arranged as requested!)
- Flight Sourcing and Booking
- Return Airport transfer (with guide assistance on arrival)
- Guided sightseeing tour of Budapest
- Public transport guidance or optional private coach arrangements
- Participation fee in the 20th Budapest International Choir Festival
- Compete for a Grand Cash Prize and awards.
- Scheduled stage rehearsal(s) for your choir
- Preparation of your choir’s specific itinerary
- Participation in one meeting in music concert with other choirs (Friendship concert)
- Opening, Award and Closing Ceremonies
- On-ground coordination
- Ongoing tour support throughout your booking
- Dedicated CCI Tour Manager
- One free place for every 35 paying participants (Early Bird offer)
We take care of the logistics — so you can focus on performance
Tour Manager
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 Budapest
Choirs usually make their way around the city with the local guide via public transport. However, we can arrange private coach transportation for your group as required.
Sample Tour Itinerary - Budapest 2027!
Arrive in Budapest and meet your local English-speaking guide.
Transfer to your centrally located hotel and check in.
Enjoy an orientation drive along the majestic Danube River, taking in the spectacular skyline.
That evening, choir directors from around the world attend the official reception before all choirs gather for the Festival Opening Concert — an inspiring start to your international journey.
Enjoy breakfast in your hotel.
Attend your scheduled stage rehearsal before proudly representing Ireland in your competition or festival performance.
Non-competing choirs may enjoy a guided sightseeing tour of Budapest's historic landmarks, including:
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The iconic Hungarian Parliament Building
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Historic Buda Castle
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The fairytale towers of Fisherman's Bastion
Breakfast at hotel.
Participate in festival activities, public performances and Friendship Concerts — a wonderful opportunity to connect with choirs from across Europe and beyond!
Afternoon free time to explore Budapest’s vibrant city centre. Popular options for Irish groups include:
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Relaxing at the famous Széchenyi Thermal Bath.
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Shopping and café culture along Váci Street.
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Visiting the magnificent St. Stephen's Basilica.
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A scenic evening cruise on the Danube River
Breakfast at hotel.
Final meetings for conductors and jury members.
The excitement builds as category winners compete in the Grand Prize Competition.
Attend the Closing Concert & Awards Ceremony — celebrate your achievements and represent Ireland with pride on the international stage.
Breakfast at hotel.
Hotel check-out and transfer to airport.
Depart Budapest with unforgettable memories, new international friendships and a shared musical achievement!
DEADLINE
Early Bird deadline: October 10, 2026
Registration deadline: December 10, 2026
FLIGHTS
Once you enquire with CCI you will be assigned your own dedicated festival planner who will 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 carriers 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. CCI recommends that all travellers take out travel insurance at the time of booking.
A personalised quotation costs nothing, so contact us today on 01 888 7830
or email us at reservations@choircontactireland.ie
Let CCI take care of the logistics —while your choir creates unforgettable memories in Budapest.