Sing for Gold - The World Choral Cup Competition & Festival

 

Calella & Barcelona, Spain

22 October - 26 October 2026

 

After a fantastic premier event in 2022, SING FOR GOLD and the WORLD CHORAL CUP promises a great cultural experience with stunning performances of international choirs and an all round unforgettable experience for 2026.

Interkultur invites choirs from Ireland and all around the globe to participate and compete for medals, a place in the World Rankings, and most importantly, for the prestigious golden World Cup of choirs, which will be awarded once again in Calella in 2026.

Join us and sing for the next World Choral Cup in Calella!

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 at reservations@choircontactireland.ie to begin planning your choir's unforgettable experience in Barcelona, Spain!

 

 

PARTICIPATION OPPORTUNITIES

Choirs can choose to perform in the non-competitive section or opt for competitive participation

Competition | Adult Choirs, Children‘s Choirs, Youth Choirs, Vocal Ensembles and Chamber Choirs, Sacred Choral Music, Pop, Jazz, Gospel and Folklore.

Evlaution Performance | Indiviadual Coaching |Friendship Concerts


Competition Categories

1 - Childrens Choirs

2 - Youth Choirs

3 - Chamber Choirs & Vocal Ensembles

4 - Adult Choirs

5 - Music Sacra

6 - Pop, Jazz, Gospel

7 - Folklore


The World Choral Cup

There will be a final competition for the WORLD CHORAL CUP. The category winners are invited to participate in the WORLD CHORAL CUP competition. In addition, the jury has the right to nominate another choir from each category to participate in this competition. The winning choir of the final competition will receive the WORLD CHORAL CUP and a prize of €2500.


Evaluation Performances

For non-competing choirs

Choirs will sing a program of three pieces for a maximum performance time of 15 minutes in front of a panel of international experts. At the conclusion of the program there will be a brief internal consultation of the panel of choral experts. Finally, the program will be discussed with the choir in an open and amicable atmosphere.

Performance coaching and recommendations will be given for future participation in international competitions. The choirs will receive an official certificate of participation.

For competing choirs

Competing choirs have the chance to present their competition program (in case of several categories a selection from the program) to the jury. They will get immediate positive artistic and pedagogical advice for improvement and the evaluation does not involve preliminary decisions regarding the competition result.


Individual Coaching

All participants, whether taking part in the competitions or not, are given the opportunity to participate with their choir in a session with a noted international choir director.

Choirs interested in making use of this opportunity are required to prepare one piece of choral music. An internationally respected choral music expert will then rehearse the piece with the choir to provide new artistic ideas and impetus. Choirs not participating in the competition are presented a certificate and a recommendation for their future participation in international choral competitions.


Frienship Concerts

Participating choirs may register to perform together with other international choirs. Choirs must prepare approximately 15 minutes of their own music pre-approved by the Artistic Committee. The concert should be preferably a cappella or with own instruments. Piano or digital piano can be provided upon request.

The city centre of Calella offers several possibilities for performing in international Friendship Concerts. Selected choirs can also sing at the famous monastery Montserrat close to Barcelona and at the impressive Cathedral of Barcelona. Please be aware that several Friendship Concerts are planned open air. In the event that weather conditions do not allow this, some concerts may be cancelled due to the weather. The organizers will try to manage alternatives but choirs do not have any legal claim to this.

Choirs can also take part in Friendship Concerts only.


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 Barcelona

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


What's Included in Your CCI Festival Experience

- Festival Registration and participation management

- Accommodation in a 3* or 4* Hotel in Wernigerode

- Daily Breakfast (other meals can be arranged as requested)

- Flight sourcing and booking

- Public transport guidance or optional private coach arrangements

- Return Airport transfers (with guide assistance on arrival)

- 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

 


Sample Tour Itinerary - Barcelona 2026!

 

Day 1 - Arrival & Festival Opening

Arrive in Barcelona and meet your local English-speaking guide.

Transfer to your hotel in the coastal town of Calella and check in.

Choirs may attend evaluation performances or rehearsal sessions, where competing groups can present their competition programme and receive feedback from international choral experts.

In the late afternoon, all choirs gather for the Festival Opening Event, officially launching the Sing for Gold – World Choral Cup.

Evening free to explore Calella’s seaside promenade, cafés and Mediterranean atmosphere


Day 2 - Competition & Friendship Concerts

Breakfast at hotel.

Participate in competition performances in venues across Calella and Barcelona.

Many choirs will also take part in International Friendship Concerts, performing alongside ensembles from around the world.

Non-competing choirs may enjoy sightseeing opportunities in the region, including:

  • La Sagrada Família

  • La Rambla & Gothic Quarter

  • Calella Beach & Promenade

Evening free to relax and enjoy the vibrant Spanish atmosphere.


Day 3 - Performances

Breakfast at hotel.

Continue participation in competition performances, evaluation sessions and coaching opportunities with internationally recognised choral experts.

Additional Friendship Concerts take place throughout the day, offering choirs the opportunity to perform for local audiences and connect with other singers.

Free time may be available to explore the Costa del Maresme region or enjoy optional excursions to Barcelona’s cultural highlights.

Evening free for group dinners and relaxation.

 

Day 4 - World Choral Cup & Awards Ceremony

Breakfast at hotel.

The excitement builds as selected choirs compete in the World Choral Cup Final, presenting additional performances for the international jury.

In the evening, attend the Awards Ceremony & Closing Event, celebrating the achievements of all participating choirs.

This festive evening concludes the festival with performances, celebrations and the announcement of the World Choral Cup winner.

 

Day 5 - Departure

Breakfast at hotel.

Hotel check-out and transfer to the airport.

Depart Spain with wonderful memories, new international friendships and an unforgettable choral experience!


DEADLINE

Early Bird deadline: March 16, 2026.

Registraion Deadline: May 18, 2026


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

 or email us at reservations@choircontactireland.ie

Let CCI take of the logistics — while your choir creates unforgettable memories in Barcelona.