Dates: To be Confirmed | Riva Del Garda, Italy

In March 2026, Riva del Garda and Arco will play host to the 18th International Choir Festival and Competition. This event in Italy attracts choirs from all corners of the globe. The festival is set in the picturesque Riva Del Garda area. The festivities begin as choirs begin to arrive and continue throughout the weekend. During your stay, choirs have the option of visiting two very different but very classic cities - Verona and Venice. For centuries, Italy 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.

The festival begins with an afternoon parade and reception for the Jury and Choir conductors.  In the evening, the festival opening ceremony takes place.  Choir need to arrive early or consider adding an extra night to their stay.  Arriving late on means that the choir will not be able to participate in the opening events. This festival is one of a range of Choral Festivals offered by Meeting Music.

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 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 of Mixed Voices, Musica Sacra, Gospel and Spiritual

Evaluation Performances | Individual Coaching | Acoustic Stage Rehearsal | Frienship 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 Festival Choirs(Non-competing choirs)

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

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

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

Number of singers: unlimited, singing time:  maximum 20 minutes, accompaniment: allowed (piano or e-piano can be provided upon request)

Whats Included in the Price 

- 4 nights in choice of hotel with breakfast included

- Dinner in hotel on four evenings

- Return airport transfer with pick-up at airport meeting point with sign

- 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

- Return airport tansfer

- 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

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 coach transportation for your group as required.