14th International Johannes Brahms Choir Festival & Competition 2027
Wernigerode, Germany
11 March - 14 March 2027
Set in the fairytale town of Wernigerode, the International Johannes Brahms Choir Festival & Competition offers Irish choirs the opportunity to perform, compete and collaborate in one of Germany’s most picturesque and musically rich regions. Surrounded by colourful timber-framed houses and nestled in the Harz Mountains, Wernigerode provides a truly inspiring setting for choirs seeking artistic challenge, international recognition and meaningful cultural exchange.
Since 1999, the festival has welcomed choirs from around the world and is organised by INTERKULTUR — the world’s leading organiser of international choral competitions. As an official partner, Choir Contact Ireland works directly with the organisers to ensure seamless registration, clear communication and full support for Irish choirs throughout the process.
Irish choirs may also participate in individual coaching sessions and evaluation performances, which offer remarkable opportunities for professional growth and artistic development.
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 Wernigerode, Germany!
PARTICIPATION OPPORTUNITIES
Choirs can choose to perform in the non-competitive section or opt for competitive participation
Competition | Mixed Choirs, Equal Voices, Chamber Choirs & Vocal Ensembles a cappella, Mixed Voices, Children‘s/Youth/Young Adult Choirs, Sacred Choral Music a cappella, and Folklore.
Evaluation Performance | Individual Coaching | Friendship Concerts | Festival Participation
Competition Categories
Category A - Difficulty Level I
A1 - Mixed Choirs
A2 - Equal Voices
Category B - Difficulty Level II
B1 - Mixed Choirs
B2 - Equal Voices
Category C - Chamber Choirs & Vocal Ensembles a cappella
B1 - Mixed Voices
B2 - Equal Voices
Category G - Children's & Youth Choirs
G1 - Children's Choirs
G2 - Youth Choirs
G3 - Young Adult Choirs
Category S - Sacred Choral Music a cappella
Category F - Folklore
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
For competing choirs
- Presentation of the competition program the day before competitions begin
- Performed before a panel of qualified international jurors who provide immediate positive artistic and pedagogical advice for improvement
- The evaluation does not involve preliminary decisions regarding the competition result
Number of singers: according to category rules
Singing time: according to category rules
Accompaniment: according to category rules
Duration: 45 minutes
Individual Coaching
- One piece of the choir’s choice
- With an international choral expert for stimulating artistic ideas and interpretive guidance
- For an effective rehearsal, choirs must prepare one piece in advance
Number of singers: unlimited
Singing time: 45 minutes rehearsal session
Accompaniment: possible
Friendship 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 preferably be a cappella or with their own instruments.
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.
Johannes Brahms Special Prize
Among all performed competition pieces, regardless of the chosen category, the Johannes Brahms Special Prize 2027 will be presented for the best interpretation of an original work by the composer Johannes Brahms.
The Johannes Brahms Special Prize 2027 includes a cash prize of €500.
Grand Prize Competition
The respective category winners are invited to participate in the competition for the Grand Prize. The jury reserves the right to nominate further choirs for participation. The winner of this competition will receive the Johannes Brahms Choir Prize 2027 - endowed with €2,000.
- Program: two freely chosen a cappella pieces which may not be the ones the choir had already performed in their whole competition program. Those two pieces must be confirmed by the artistic committee.
- Singing time: the maximum actual singing time is 8 minutes.
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 Germany
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 - Wernigerode 2027!
Day 1 - Arrival & Festival Orientation
Arrive in Wernigerode and meet your local English-speaking guide.
Transfer to your centrally located hotel and check in.
Spend the afternoon with stage orientation and rehearsals, including evaluation performances and individual coaching sessions — the perfect way to settle in and prepare for the festival.
That evening, attend the Festival Opening Concert, where all choirs gather to celebrate the beginning of this international musical journey.
Optional evening: enjoy a short walk through Wernigerode’s historic town centre with its colourful half-timbered houses.
Breakfast at your hotel.
Participate in scheduled stage rehearsals and evaluation performances before international jurors.
Non-competing choirs may enjoy sightseeing in Wernigerode, including:
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Wernigerode Castle, perched above the town with panoramic views
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The picturesque Market Square and historic Town Hall
Join the Choir Parade and official Opening Event of the festival.
Evening highlight: the Gala Concert, celebrating the first full day of international choral music.
Breakfast at hotel.
Compete throughout the day or participate in festival activities and Friendship Concerts — a fantastic way to meet choirs from around the world.
Afternoon free time to explore Wernigerode and the Harz region. Popular options include:
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Riding the historic Harz narrow-gauge steam railway
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Visiting the Brocken, the highest peak in the Harz Mountains
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Sampling local treats at cafés around the Market Square
Evening: Benefit Concert showcasing festival highlights and memorable performances.
Breakfast at hotel.
Final competition performances and preparations for the Grand Prize Competition.
The excitement builds as category winners compete for the Johannes Brahms Choir Prize, with a grand cash award of €2,000.
Attend the Awards Ceremony & Choir Party — celebrate your choir’s achievements and share the festival spirit with international colleagues.
Breakfast at hotel.
Attend the Morning Closing Concert — a final opportunity to perform and enjoy the musical camaraderie.
Free time for sightseeing or shopping before check-out.
Transfer to the airport and depart Wernigerode with unforgettable memories, new international friendships, and a shared musical achievement!
DEADLINE
Early Bird deadline: October 19, 2026
Registration Deadline: December 14, 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 care of the logistics — while your choir creates unforgettable memories in Wernigerode.