International Choral Celebration & Laurea Mundi Budapest, Hungary

Dates: 03 July - 06 July 2026 | Budapest, Hungary

Budapest plays host to the annual Budapest International Choral Celebration. The festival takes place in the stunning city of Budapest and attracts choirs from all corners of the globe who come to take part in the festivities. The festival begins on the 3rd of July as choirs begin to arrive and then continues throughout the week with a variety of choral activities. The festival is organised by Meeting Music and is one of a range of Meeting Music festivals offered throughout Europe. The festival is a 3-night stay. This event takes place every year.

Choirs have the option of participating in the non-competitive festival category and singling purely for pleasure or participating in one of the Competitive categories.In addition to the competing and singing in the festival, choirs also have the opportunity for individual coaching, friendship concerts with local host choirs, and accompanied stage rehearsal for competing choirs. Each day of this choral is filled with music opportunities and sightseeing.

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 Budapest, Hungary!

 

 

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, Chamber Choirs, Vocal Ensembles, Musica Sacra, Jazz, Pop/Modern, Gospel, Folklore and Spiritual

Evaluation Performances | Individual Coaching | Gala Concerts | Frienship Concerts |

Competition Categories

Open Competition Categories 

OC1 - Children’s Choirs S(S)A(A)

OC2 - Youth Choirs S(S)A(A) / boys T(T)B(B)

OC3 - Youth Choirs Mixed Voices SA(T)B

OC4 - Female Choirs

OC5 - Male Choirs

OC6 - Mixed Choirs

OC7 - Chamber Choirs and Vocal Ensembles of Equal Voices

OC8 - Chamber Choirs and Vocal Ensembles Mixed Voices

OC9 - Musica Sacra

OC10 - Jazz / Pop / Modern

OC11 - Gospel

OC12 - Spiritual

OC13 - Folklore

 

Grand Prix Competition Categories 

 GP1 - Children’s Choirs: S(S)A(A)

GP2 - Youth Choirs S(S)A(A) or T(T)B(B) or SATB

GP3 - Female Choirs

GP4 - Male Choirs

GP5 - Mixed Choirs

GP6 - Musica Sacra

GP7 - Pop / Jazz / Modern

GP8 - Gospel

GP9 - Spiritual

GP10 - Folklore

Evaluation Performances | For Festival Choirs(Non-competing choirs)

Three (3) 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 Festival Choirs(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

Gala Concert | For all Choirs

Gala concerts are taking place in the most prestigious concert halls in Budapest. Two to four choirs from all over the world are performing at these concerts. We advise to select pieces which best reflect the culture, tradition of the choirs country. Choirs can also present a choral show with nice costumes, choreography and dance. Choirs may also choose to register for Gala Concerts only. Participation of choirs has to be admitted by the artistic director.

Number of singers: Unlimited, singing time: 20-30 minutes, accompaniment: Piano can be provided upon request. For further instruments please contact the organiser.

Frienship 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)

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 Hungary

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

 

SAMPLE ITINERARY

Day 1

  • Arrival 
  • Rehearsal Opening Concert
  • Reception for Conductors & Jury
  • Opening Concert
  • Stage Rehearsals and Competitions - Open Competition (OC)
  • Evaluation Performances & Individual Coaching
  • Excursions & Sightseeing (depending on the individual schedule of the choir)
Day 2
  • Gala & meeting in music Friendship Concerts
  • Long Night of the Choirs
  • Stage Rehearsals and Competitions - Open Competition (OC)
  • Stage Rehearsals and Competitions - Grand Prix Competition (GP)
  • Evaluation Performances & Individual Coaching
  • Excursions & Sightseeing (depending on the individual schedule of the choir)
Day 3
  • Rehearsal Closing Concert
  • Conductors & Jury Meeting
  • Closing Concert
  • Award Ceremony
  • Festival Choir Concert
  • Stage Rehearsals and Competitions - Open Competition (OC)
  • Stage Rehearsals and Competitions - Grand Prix Competition (GP)
  • Evaluation Performances & Individual Coaching
  • Excursions & Sightseeing (depending on the individual schedule of the choir)
Day 4
  • Departure or prolongation of sta

DEADLINE

Early Bird deadline: December 15, 2025
Registration deadline: February 15, 2026

FLIGHTS

Once you enquire with CCI you will be given your own dedicated festival planner, and this planner will also 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. Travel Insurance CCI recommend that all travellers take out travel insurance at the time of booking.

 

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

 or email us at reservations@choircontactireland.ie