16th Canto Sul Garda International Choir Festival & Competition
Riva Del Garda, Italy
15 October - 19 October 2027
October 2029
In October 2027, Riva del Garda and Arco will host the 16th Canto Sul Garda International Choir Festival & Competition. Organised by Meeting Music, the festival takes place every two years and welcomes choirs from around the world to perform in the beautiful surroundings of Lake Garda while taking part in a vibrant programme of concerts, competitions and cultural exchange.
The festival begins with the arrival of choirs and a colourful choir parade through the historic town centre, followed by several days of performances, competitions and festival events. Choirs may choose to participate in the competitive categories or join the non-competitive festival programme, with opportunities including friendship concerts, individual coaching sessions and stage rehearsals. Irish choirs are warmly welcomed and regularly enjoy sharing their music with ensembles from across Europe and beyond.
Riva del Garda and nearby Arco are among the most picturesque destinations in northern Italy, combining dramatic mountain scenery, lakeside views and historic Italian architecture. With its rich cultural heritage, world-famous cuisine and relaxed Mediterranean atmosphere, the region offers an unforgettable setting for an international choral festival.
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 Riva Del Garda, Italy!
PARTICIPATION OPPORTUNITIES
Choirs can choose to perform in the non-competitive section or opt for competitive participation
Choirs | Mixed Choirs, Female Choirs, Male Choirs, Chamber Choirs and Vocal Ensembles
Senior Choirs, Childrens Choirs, Youth Choirs of Equal & Mixed Voices, Musica Sacra, Folklore and Modern
Evaluation Performances | Individual Coaching | Frienship Concerts | Opening Concert Participation
Competition Categories
Category A - With Requirements
A1 – Mixed Choirs
A2 – Male Choirs
A3 - Female Choirs
A4 - Chamber Choirs and Vocal Ensembles
Category B - Without Requirements
B1- Mixed Choirs
B2 - Male Choirs
B3 - Female Choirs
B4 - Senior Choirs
Category G - Childrens & Youth Choirs
G1 - Childrens Choirs
G2 - Youth Choirs of Equal Voices
G3 - Youth Choirs of Mixed Choirs
Category S - Musica Sacra
Category F - Folklore
Category M - Modern
Evaluation Performances | For Festival Choirs(Non-competing choirs)
Three 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
Evaluation Performances | For Festival Choirs(Competing choirs)
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
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,
- Approx: 45 minutes
Frienship 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)
Whats Included in Your CCI Festival Experience
- Festival registration and participation in the Canto Sul Garda International Choir Festival & Competition
- Accommodation in a 3* or 4* hotel in Riva del Garda
- Daily breakfast
- Dinner each evening
- Opportunity to compete for festival awards and cash prizes
- Participation in the Opening Concert, Festival events and Awards Ceremony
- Evaluation feedback from the international jury
- Flight sourcing and booking
- Public transport guidance or optional private coach arrangements
- Return airport transfers (with guide assistance on arrival)
- One free place on the ground for choir director
- On-ground coordination
- Dedicated CCI Tour Manager
- Ongoing tour support throughout your booking
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.
Transportation While in Italy
Choirs usually make their way around the region with the local guide via public transport. However, we can arrange private coach transportation for your group as required.
Sample Tour Itinerary - Riva Del Garda 2027!
Day 1 - Arrival & Festival Opening
Arrive in northern Italy and meet your local English-speaking guide.
Transfer to your hotel in the beautiful lakeside town of Riva del Garda and check in.
In the afternoon, take part in the colourful Choir Parade through the historic town centre, where choirs from around the world gather to celebrate the start of the festival.
In the evening, attend the Opening Concert of participating ensembles, welcoming all choirs to the festival.
Dinner at Hotel
Breakfast at hotel.
Choirs take part in stage rehearsals and competition performances in the festival venues.
Non-competing choirs may enjoy sightseeing around Lake Garda and the surrounding mountains.
Later, attend festival concerts and performances by choirs from across Europe and beyond.
Dinner at hotel.
Breakfast at hotel.
Continue with festival performances and competition events.
Participate in Friendship Concerts with local Italian choirs, sharing music and culture in a relaxed atmosphere.
Free time to explore the picturesque towns of Riva del Garda and nearby Arco.
Dinner at hotel.
Breakfast at hotel.
Final rehearsals and festival activities take place throughout the day.
Later, attend the Grand Prize Competition featuring category winners.
In the evening, celebrate together at the Awards Ceremony, recognising the achievements of participating choirs.
Dinner at hotel.
Breakfast at hotel.
Hotel check-out and transfer to the airport for return flights home.
Depart Lake Garda with wonderful memories, new international friendships and the experience of performing in one of Italy’s most scenic musical destinations!
DEADLINE
Early Bird deadline: TBC
Registration deadline: TBC
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 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. CCI recommends 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
Let CCI take care of the logistics — while your choir creates unforgettable memories in Riva Del Garda.