3rd Botticelli International Choral Festival, Florence, Italy


Dates: 07 October - 10 October 2024 | Florence, Italy

The concept of the festival is focused on the person of Sandro Botticelli, one of the most important Florentine painters of the Renaissance, author of some of the most important masterpieces like “Venere” and “La Primavera”, preserved in the Uffizi Gallery in Florence. He belonged to the Florentine School under the patronage of Lorenzo de’ Medici, a movement that Giorgio Vasari would characterize less than a hundred years later in his Vita of Botticelli as a “golden age”. The main aim of the BOTTICELLI INTERNATIONAL CHORAL FESTIVAL is to create a great opportunity for cultural exchange between the different geographical and artistic traditions of the participating countries – music is an excellent vehicle for sharing knowledge and friendship among peoples.

This event represents not only an important moment of methodological challenge and interpretative discipline in choral music, but also a chance to share and exchange our human experience. The BOTTICELLI INTERNATIONAL CHORAL FESTIVAL, Florence, with its architectural scenarios of incomparable beauty, is set to join of the circuit of the best international festivals on the 5 continents.

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


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


The Jury

There will be 5 members of a different Jury from the Competitions’ Jury, who will decide the winner of the Choral Grand Prix.

The winners of the different categories, if their mark is at least 80,01 points or higher, will be admitted at the Grand Prix Competition. During the Grand-Prix the Choirs will perform a free chosen repertoire lasting between 7 and 10 minutes of pure singing time (it is the duration of the performed pieces excluding applause and going onto or leaving the stage). The pieces must be different from those performed during the categories.


Travel and 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 will be offered according to the number of participants.  On request we can organise a longer stay in Florence with visits to other Italian cities.

The Festival will organize meals for all the choirs and orchestras in typical Florentine restaurants serving traditional Italian food with quick service and inexpensive prices. At the end of the Festival there will be a dinner (offered by the Organisers) for choir and orchestra conductors (up to 2 members for each group), Jury, staff in a very special and historical restaurant in the centre of Florence. All the other participants will have a special dinner-buffet in another venue in Florence.


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 Florence

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.


SAMPLE ITINERARY

Day 1

  • Opening Ceremony: 4 pm
  • Evening Concert: 8:30 pm
Day 2
  • Competition: 10 am to 6 pm
  • Evening Concert: 8:30 pm
Day 3
  • Competition: 10 am to 2 pm
  • Nomination of the candidates for the Choral Grand Prix: 4 - 5 pm
  • Evening Concert: 7 pm
  • Evening Concert: 8:30 pm
Day 4
  • Finalists’ Competition for the Choral Grand Prix: 4 pm
  • Awarding Ceremony: 7 pm
  • Final Concert: 9 pm
  • Festival Dinner for all participants, Jury & Staff: 10 pm

DEADLINE

Registration deadline: 30th June, 2024


FLIGHTS

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.

 

A quotation costs nothing, so contact us today on 01 888 7830

 or email us at reservations@choircontactireland.ie