13th Per Musicam ad Astra International Choir Festival & Competition
Toruń, Poland
16 September - 19 September 2027
The Per Musicam ad Astra International Choir Festival & Competition takes place in the beautiful medieval city of Toruń, Poland — a UNESCO World Heritage city renowned for its Gothic architecture, rich musical culture and connections to the astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus. Held every year, the festival welcomes choirs from around the world for a celebration of music, cultural exchange and artistic development.
Over five days, choirs can take part in a vibrant programme of competitions, concerts, friendship performances and educational activities. Choirs may participate in either the competitive or non-competitive festival section, with opportunities including Evaluation Performances, Individual Coaching, Voice Training workshops and Friendship Concerts with international ensembles.
The festival atmosphere combines inspiring performances with unforgettable cultural experiences. Choirs perform in historic venues throughout Toruń while also enjoying the city’s charming Old Town, riverside scenery and famous Polish hospitality. Whether competing for awards or simply sharing music with choirs from across the globe, Per Musicam ad Astra offers an unforgettable musical journey in one of Poland’s most atmospheric cities.
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 Toruń, Poland!
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 Equal & Mixed Voices, Musica Sacra, Folklore, Gospel, Jazz, Pop and Modern
Evaluation Performances | Individual Coaching | Voice Training | Friendship Concerts | Opening Concert Participation
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 F - Folklore
Category M - Gospel, Jazz, Pop, Modern
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
Voice Training | For all Choirs
The workshop held by Krzysztof Szydzisz is an excellent opportunity to benefit from the knowledge and skills of a world rank expert in choral singing; particularly in the range that is of your choir’s greatest interest and demand (be it vocal technique, sound or interpretation) and will allow for your further development and greater joy of singing.
Friendship Concerts | For all Choirs
Perform in concerts together with other international choirs. Friendship Concerts give choirs the opportunity to get acquainted with each other and to provide enjoyable entertainment and time in a friendly atmosphere. We advise you to select your programme in this spirit. Choirs may opt to participate in Friendship Concerts ONLY.
- Number of singers: Unlimited
- Singing time: Maximum 20 minutes
- Accompaniment: allowed (piano or e-piano can be provided upon request)
Grand Prize Competition
- Accompaniment: allowed (piano or e-piano can be provided upon request)
Category winners and specially nominated choirs achieving over 23 points may be invited to participate in the Grand Prize Competition.
The winner of the competition will receive the Grand Prize Per Musicam ad Astra 2027, endowed with €3,000.
- Programme: Two freely chosen a cappella pieces different from those already performed during the competition programme
- Singing time: Maximum actual singing time is 8 minutes
What’s Included in Your CCI Festival Experience in Toruń
- Festival registration and participation in the Per Musicam ad Astra International Choir Festival & Competition
- Accommodation in a 3* or 4* hotel in Toruń or surrounding area
- Daily breakfast
- Dinner each evening
- Conductors & Jury Meeting including reception and discussion session
- Official festival programme materials and certificates
- Opportunity to compete for festival awards, diplomas and Grand Prize awards
Participation in festival concerts, competitions, Friendship Concerts and official ceremonies
- Evaluation feedback from the international jury
- Opportunity to participate in Individual Coaching and Voice Training sessions
- Scheduled stage rehearsal(s) for your choir
- One free place for the choir conductor
- 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.
Optional Tours & Excursions
- Guided walking tour of Toruń Old Town
- Visit to the Nicolaus Copernicus Museum
- Vistula River cruise
- Excursion to Gdańsk
- Visit to Malbork Castle
- Private coach hire for sightseeing and excursions
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.
Transportation While in Poland
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 – Toruń 2027!
Day 1 - Arrival in Poland
Arrive in Poland and meet your local English-speaking guide.
Transfer to your hotel in Toruń and check in.
Reception for Conductors and Jury Members.
Evening Opening Concert.
Dinner at hotel.
Breakfast at hotel.
Stage rehearsals and competition performances.
Evaluation Performances, Individual Coaching and Voice Training sessions.
Friendship Concerts with international choirs in Toruń and surrounding area.
Dinner at hotel.
Breakfast at hotel.
Competition performances continue throughout the day.
Friendship Concerts and festival activities.
Optional sightseeing and excursions available including:
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Toruń Old Town
-
Nicolaus Copernicus Museum
-
Vistula River Cruise
Conductors & Jury Meeting.
Dinner at hotel.
Breakfast at hotel.
Grand Prize Competition.
Awards Ceremony and Closing Events.
Farewell celebrations with participating choirs.
Dinner at hotel.
Breakfast at hotel.
Hotel check-out and transfer to the airport for your return flight home.
Depart Poland with unforgettable memories, new friendships and an inspiring musical experience!
DEADLINE
Early Bird deadline: TBC
Registration deadline: 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 recommend 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 Torun.