15th Canto Sul Garda International Choir Festival & Competition

 15th Canto Sul Garda Choir Festival & Competition: 

10 October - 14 October 2025

Join Choirs from all over the world in Riva del Garda at the Canto Sul Garda Choir Festival & Competition

About the Event

In October 2025, Riva Del Garda & Arco will play host to the 15th Canto Sul Garda
International Choir Competition & Festival. The festival takes place every two years in Riva Del Garda and attracts choirs from all corners of the globe who come to take part in the festivities.  The festival begins on the Thursday as choirs begin to arrive and then continues throughout the week with a variety of choral activities. The festival is organised by Meeting Music and is one of a range of Meeting Music festivals offered throughout Europe.
 
Perform before an international panel of qualified international jurors
Receive valuable feedback from the jury during the evaluation performance which takes place before the competition
Compete for a cash prize and awards.
Meet choirs from around the world at the 14th International Choir Festival & Competition.
The festival is a 4-night stay which begins with a choir parade.   Activities continue throughout the weekend such as an opening concert, judgment and an award ceremony. Each itinerary is tailored to the individual choirs’ requirements. This event takes place every year.
Choirs have the option of participating in the non-competitive festival category and singling purely for pleasure or participating in one of the Competitive categories.
In addition to the competing and singing in the festival, choirs also have the opportunity for individual coaching, friendship concerts with local Italian host choirs, and accompanied stage rehearsal for competing choirs. Each day of this choral is filled with music opportunities and sightseeing.
 
Riva del Garda & Arco has drawn visitors in search of culture and romance, with few countries comparing with its enormous classical origins, its art, architecture, music, design, scenery, food and wine. Italy’s contribution to European painting and sculpture surpasses that of any other nation. Blend this with the magnificent scenery of its lakes, one of the world’s great cuisines and the Italian attitude of living life to the absolute maximum, and you have a superb destination for a choral tour.
 

Performance Information

Choirs may compete in the following categories:
A – with requirements
(A1 – Mixed Choirs; A2 – Male Choirs; A3 – Female
Choirs, A4 – Vocal Ensembles)
B – without requirements
(B1 – Mixed Choirs; B2 – Male Choirs; B3 – Female
Choirs; B4 – Senior Choirs)
G – Children and Youth Choirs
(G1 – Children Choirs; G2 – Youth Choirs of equal
voices; G3 – Youth Choirs of mixed voices)
S – Musica Sacra
F – Folklore
M – Modern
Choirs that choose to participate to the event:
without competing may take part to the following activities:
• EP - Evaluation Performance
• IC - Individual Coaching
• FC - meeting in music Friendship Concerts
The participation at these activities is open to
choirs who are taking part at the competition,also.
 

The Activities

EP - F Evaluation Performance | for Festival Choirs (non-competing)
Programme
• three (3) pieces of the choir’s own 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
EP - C Evaluation Performance | for Competing Choirs
Programme
• present your competition programmme 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
IC Individual Coaching | for all choirs
Programme
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
FC meeting in music Friendship Concerts | for all choirs
Programme
Perform in concerts together with other international choirs in Riva and
surroundings. 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)
 

Sample Itinerary

Day 1
•           Arrival at airport
•           Choir Parade
•           Reception for Conductors & Jury
•           Opening Concert in the night
Day 2
•           Stage Rehearsals & Competition Performances
Day 3
•           Stage Rehearsals & Competition Performances
Day 4
•           Stage Rehearsals & Competition Performances
•           Conductors & Jury Meeting
•           Grand Prize Competition & Award Ceremony
Day 5
•           Departure
 
•           This sample itinerary is for information purposes only.
•           All final itineraries are tailored to individual choirs’ requirements.
 

Your festival ground arrangements include the following:

  • 4 nights in choice of hotel with breakfast included
  • Dinner in hotel on four evening
  • Return airport transfer with local guide assistance on arrival
  • Participation in your chosen competition categories and activities
  • Scheduled stage rehearsal(s) for your choir
  • Complimentary copy of jurors evaluation documents, 1 per choir
  • Complimentary copies of the official programme book
  • Preparation of your choir’s specific itinerary
  • Participation in one meeting in music concert with other choirs (Friendship concert)
  • Participation in the Opening, Award and Closing Ceremonies
  • Competent assistance and support on-site from our international & local team
  • Conductors & Jury Meeting:
  • Reception for two choir representatives with a small buffet
  • One to one discussion with the jury members - this is a valuable opportunity to have your programme reviewed and discussed!
  • Free place on the ground for choir director
 

Transportation while in Riva del Garda & Arco

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

Flights Options

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