19th Concorso Corale International Choir Festival & Competition
Riva Del Garda, Italy
29 March - 02 April 2026
March 2028
In March 2028, Riva del Garda and nearby Arco will once again host the International Choir Festival & Competition, organised by Meeting Music. Set on the beautiful shores of Lake Garda, the festival attracts choirs from across the world for several days of performances, cultural exchange and international choral celebration.
The festival begins with a colourful choir parade through the town, followed by the official opening concert. Over the following days, choirs participate in competition performances, friendship concerts, evaluation sessions and rehearsal opportunities.
Alongside the festival programme, choirs can enjoy the spectacular scenery of Lake Garda and may choose to explore nearby Italian cities such as Verona or Venice, making this festival a wonderful combination of music and travel.
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, so you can 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, Senior Choirs, Childrens Choirs, Youth Choirs, Musica Sacra, Gospel and Spiritual
Evaluation Performances | Individual Coaching | Acoustic Stage Rehearsals | Friendship Concerts
Competition Categories
Category A - With Requirements
A1 – Mixed Choirs
A2 – Male Choirs
A3 - Female Choirs
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 GS - Gospel and Spiritual
Evaluation Performances | For 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 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
Acoustic Stage Rehearsal | For Competing Choirs
Acoustic stage rehearsal before the competition performance, benefit off the support by an international acclaimed choral expert during the rehearsal, receive tips for acoustic of the room, setting etc.
- Number of singers: According to category rules
- Singing time: 20 minutes (instead of 10 minutes in a regular stage rehearsal) accompaniment according to category rules
Frienship Concerts | For all Choirs
- 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 reflects the choirs abilities and knowledge and have an 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 has to be performed a cappella.
Amplification of the voices is allowed according to the category rules.
The winner of the competition will receive the Grand Prize of the Concorso Corale – International Choir Festival & Competition, endowed with €2,000
The jury may also award special prizes for outstanding performances or artistic presentation. Choirs with a long tradition of choral singing may also receive a Diploma of Honour.
Whats Included inYour CCI Festival Experience in Riva del Garda
- Festival registration and participation in the Concorso Corale – International Choir Festival & Competition
- Accommodation in a 3* or 4* hotel in Riva del Garda
- Daily breakfast (other meals can be arranged as requested!)
- Return airport transfers
- Flight sourcing and booking
- Public transport guidance or optional private coach arrangements
- On-ground coordination
- Dedicated CCI Tour Manager
- Ongoing tour support throughout your booking
- 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.
Transport While in Riva Del Garda
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 2028!
Day 1 - Arrival & Festival Opening
Arrive in northern Italy and meet your local guide.
Transfer to your hotel in the Riva del Garda area and check in.
In the afternoon, take part in the colourful festival choir parade through the town, followed by a Reception for Choir Conductors and Jury Members.
In the evening, attend the Opening Concert of the festival, welcoming choirs from across the world to Lake Garda.
Breakfast at hotel.
Choirs take part in stage rehearsals and competition performances as part of the International Choir Festival & Competition.
Friendship concerts, evaluation performances and individual coaching sessions may also take place throughout the day.
Free time may also be available to explore the beautiful lakeside town of Riva del Garda.
Breakfast at hotel.
Festival activities continue with competition performances, friendship concerts and coaching sessions.
Choirs may also enjoy free time to explore the Lake Garda region or take optional excursions to nearby cities such as Verona or Venice.
Breakfast at hotel.
Final rehearsals and festival performances take place during the day.
Later, attend the Grand Prize Competition, where category winners compete for the festival’s Grand Prize Award, endowed with €2,000.
The day concludes with the official Awards Ceremony, celebrating the achievements of participating choirs and announcing the festival prize winners.
Breakfast at hotel.
Hotel check-out and transfer to the airport for return flights home.
Depart Riva del Garda with wonderful memories, new international friendships and the experience of performing at one of Europe’s most scenic choral festivals.
DEADLINE
Deadline Date: 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.