Dates: 29 April - 03 May 2026 | Salzkammergut, Austria

The International Choir Competition and Festival Bad Ischl is one of Austria's most cherished and picturesque choral events – a prestigious competition set against the stunning backdrop of the Salzkammergut region.

Competing and learning: Internationally renowned jurors and choral experts will adjudicate the competition and support choirs with valuable feedback during special Evaluation Performances. Alongside the competitions in the Kongresshaus, the event also features international Gala and Friendship Concerts, or performances during masses.

A standout highlight is the international choir parade through the heart of this charming Austrian spa town. In addition to these exciting events, choirs may also enjoy the breathtaking Salzkammergut region, near the famous Wolfgangsee, adding an extra touch of beauty to their musical journey. Combining intercultural exchange and beauty of nature make this event an unforgettable experience for choirs and choral music lovers alike!

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 Austria!

PARTICIPATION OPPORTUNITIES

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

Competition | Mixed Choirs, Choirs of Equal Voices, Children‘s and Youth Choirs, Sacred Choral Music a capella, Folklore and Popular Choral Music

Evaluation Performances | Individual Coaching | Friendship Concerts | Grand Prize Competition

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 G – Children's and Youth Choirs

G1 – Children's Choirs

G2 – Youth Choirs 

Category S – Sacred Choral Music a capella

Category F – Folklore

Category P – Popular Choral Music

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

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.

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.

Bad Ischl and the surrounding communities of the Salzkammergut are ideal places for concerts. Participating choirs may register to perform in local concert settings together with other international choirs, such as the event venues, churches, and open air on squares and in parks.

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 Bad Ischl Grand Prize 2026 - 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.

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 Austria

SAMPLE ITINERARY

• Stage Rehearsals
• Evaluation Performances and Individual Coachings
• Concert performances in the Salzkammergut
• Competitions
• Grand Prize Competition
• Evening: Closing Event with Awards Ceremony & Choir Party
• Sightseeing and excursions*

• Sightseeing & excursions*
• Departure

DEADLINE

Early Bird deadline: September 29, 2025

Registration deadline: December 08, 2025

FLIGHTS