12th Canta Al Mar Festival
callela, Barcelona, Spain
21 October - 25 October 2027
Join the spectacular Canta Al Mar – Festival Coral International in Calella & Barcelona, one of Europe’s most popular international choral festivals. Since 2012, choirs from around the world have gathered on Spain’s Mediterranean coast for an unforgettable combination of competition, concerts and cultural experiences.
Sunny weather, sandy beaches, short walking-distances as well as sightseeing and performance opportunities in Barcelona with concerts and competitions in the world-renowned Cathedral and the nearby 15th century church Santa Maria del Pi, make this festival a unique experience for all participants.
Venues located directly at the beach, as well as must-have events like “Calella Sings” in the historic city center and the “Fiesta de la amistad” with local delights create extensive opportunities to meet the locals and to socialize with fellow singers from all around the world.
Enjoy a happy and relaxed choir event on the Spanish Mediterranean Coast in a festival that beautifully combines holiday feeling and love for music. Join us for an unforgettable musical escape and be part of a community where every note resonates with excitement and every sunset brings a new melody!
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 Barcelona, Spain!
PARTICIPATION OPPORTUNITIES
Choirs can choose to perform in the non-competitive section or opt for competitive participation
Competition | Mixed Choirs, Choirs of Equal Voices, Chamber Choirs & Vocal Ensembles, Mixed Voices, Equal Voices, Children‘s & Youth Choirs, Sacred Choral Music a capella, Pop & Jazz and Folklore.
Evlaution Performance | Friendship Concerts | Official Events
Competition Categories
Category A - Difficulty Level I
A1 - Mixed Choirs
A2 - Choirs of Equal Voices
Category B - Difficulty Level II
B1 - Mixed Choirs
B2 - Choirs of Equal Voices
Category C - Chamber Choirs & Vocal Ensembles
C1 - Mixed Voices
C2 - Equal Voices
Category G - Children's & Youth Choirs
G1 - Children's Choirs
G2 - Youth Choirs
Category S - Sacred Choral Music a capella
Category F - Folklore
Category P - Pop & Jazz
Evaluation Performances
For non - competing choirs
- Three pieces of the choir's choice
- Performed before a panel of qualified international jurors who provide immediate positive artistic and pedagogical advice for improvement
-Certificates of participation will be awarded, as well as evaluation ratings and recommendation letters for future competitions upon request
Number of singers: unlimited
Singing time: maximum 15 minutes
Accompaniment: possible
Duration: 45 minutes
Friendship Concerts
Choirs are invited to join international Friendship Concerts and perform together with other choirs from around the world. Each participating choir should prepare a program of approximately 15 minutes, which must be pre-approved by the INTERKULTUR Artistic Committee.
Performances are preferably a cappella or accompanied by the choir’s own instruments. A piano or e-piano can be provided upon request.
The city centre of Calella offers several beautiful venues, providing an inspiring setting for these concerts. Local residents and visitors alike greatly enjoy these performances, creating a warm and appreciative atmosphere for all participating choirs.
Please note that several Friendship Concerts are planned to take place outdoors. In case of unfavorable weather conditions, some concerts may need to be cancelled. The organizers will make every effort to arrange alternative options, but choirs should note that a replacement performance cannot be guaranteed.
Choirs can also take part in Friendship Concerts ONLY (Non-competitive Festival Participation)..
What's Included in Your CCI Festival Experience
- Festival Registration and participation management
- Accommodation in a 3* or 4* Hotel in Calella
- Daily Breakfast (other meals can be arranged as requested!)
- Flight sourcing and booking
- Return Airport transfers (with guide assistance on arrival)
- On-ground coordination
- Public transport guidance or optional private coach arrangements
- 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. 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.
Sample Tour Itinerary - Barcelona 2027!
Day 1 - Arrival & Festival Opening
Arrive in Barcelona and transfer to your hotel in the beautiful seaside town of Calella.
Check in and enjoy time to relax along the Mediterranean coast — sandy beaches and palm-lined promenades set the tone for a wonderful musical week ahead.
Attend scheduled stage rehearsals.
That evening, all choirs gather for the official Opening Event of Canta Al Mar, marking the beginning of this international celebration of choral music.
Breakfast at hotel.
Participate in scheduled stage rehearsals, evaluation performances or competition performances in Calella and Barcelona.
Perform in outstanding venues such as:
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Església de Santa Maria i Sant Nicolau, Calella
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Sala Mozart, Calella
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Santa Maria del Pi, Barcelona
Non-competing choirs may take part in:
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Evaluation Performance before an international jury
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Friendship Concerts in Calella’s historic city centre
Afternoon free for sightseeing in Barcelona, including:
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La Sagrada Família
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Las Ramblas
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Gothic Quarter
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Barcelona Cathedral
Breakfast at hotel.
All-day competitions and festival concerts continue in Calella and Barcelona.
Choirs connect through International Friendship Concerts, performing alongside ensembles from around the world in beautiful city-centre venues.
Free time to enjoy:
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Calella’s beachfront promenade
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Café culture and shopping
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Optional guided excursion into Barcelona
Evening at leisure.
Breakfast at hotel.
Final stage rehearsals and remaining competition performances.
The excitement builds toward the Awards Ceremony & Closing Event, where Bronze, Silver and Gold Diplomas are presented under the MUSICA MUNDI evaluation system
Celebrate your choir’s achievements at the unforgettable “Fiesta de la Amistad” — a joyful evening of music and dancing.
Breakfast at hotel.
Free time for last-minute sightseeing or a stroll along the beach.
Hotel check-out and transfer to Airport.
Depart Spain with unforgettable memories, new international friendships and the shared achievement of performing on the Mediterranean stage!
DEADLINE
Early Bird deadline: March 15, 2027
Registraion Deadline: May 24, 2027
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 care of the logistics — while your choir creates unforgettable memories in Barecelona.