35th International Franz Schubert Choir Competition & Festival
Vienna, Austria
June 2028
The Franz Schubert Choir Competition & Festival, held biennially in Vienna, Austria, is a distinguished international choral event that honours the legacy of composer Franz Schubert. Organised by meeting music in collaboration with the Schubert Gesellschaft Wien-Lichtental and Chorforum Wien, this festival gathers choirs from around the globe to perform in the heart of Europe's classical music scene. Participants have the option to engage in competitive or non-competitive categories, including mixed, male, female, chamber, children and youth choirs, as well as genres like Musica Sacra and Gospel/Spiritual. The festival offers various activities such as concerts at the Vienna Concert Hall, evaluation performances, individual coaching sessions, and 'meeting in music' concerts in and around Salzburg .
In addition to the musical performances, the competition aims to foster cultural exchange and unity through choral music. The event culminates in the awarding of the Franz Schubert Grand Prize, a €2,000 award recognising exceptional choral achievement. The festival's 'meeting in music' concept underscores its commitment to intercultural dialogue and the universal language of choral music, making it a significant event for both participants and audiences alike.
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 Vienna, Austria!
PARTICIPATION OPPORTUNITIES
Choirs can choose to perform in the non-competitive section or opt for competitive participation
Choirs | Mixed Choirs, Female Choirs, Male Choirs, Chamber Choirs & Vocal Ensembles, Senior Choirs, Childrens Choirs, Youth Choirs of Mixed & Equal Voices, Musica Sacra, Gospel and Spiritual.
Evaluation Performances | Individual Coaching | Accompanied Stage Rehearsal | Frienship Concerts
Competition Categories
Category A - With Requirements
A1 – Mixed Choirs
A2 – Male Choirs
A3 - Female Choirs
A4 - Vocal Ensembles
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 GS - Gospel and Spiritual
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
Accompanied Stage Rehearsal | For Competing Choirs
Hold your normal acoustic stage rehearsal before your competition performance, An international choral expert will accompany the rehearsal and will give valueable tips for positioning the choir, best acoustic etc.
- Number of singers: According to category rules
- Singing time: 20 minutes (instead 10 minutes for a normal stage rehearsal)
- Accompaniment: According to category rules
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)
What's Included in Your CCI Festival Experience
- Festival Registration and participation management
- Accommodation in a 3* or 4* Hotel in Vienna
- 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
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 Vienna
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 - Vienna 2028!
Day 1 - Arrival in Vienna
Arrive in Vienna and meet your local English-speaking guide.
Transfer to your centrally located hotel and check in.
Enjoy free time to explore the elegant streets of Vienna or visit nearby cafés and historic landmarks.
In the evening, attend a Friendship Concert featuring participating choirs, offering an opportunity to meet ensembles from across the world.
Breakfast at hotel.
Choirs participate in stage rehearsals and competition performances in festival venues across Vienna.
Later, attend the Opening Concert of the Franz Schubert Choir Competition & Festival, welcoming all participating choirs and audiences to the festival.
Breakfast at hotel.
Choirs may take part in evaluation performances, individual coaching sessions and festival activities with members of the international jury.
Later, participate in Friendship Concerts alongside other international choirs, celebrating cultural exchange through music.
Free time may also be available to explore Vienna’s famous attractions, including:
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St. Stephen’s Cathedral
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Schönbrunn Palace
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Vienna State Opera
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Hofburg Palace
Breakfast at hotel.
Final rehearsals and festival events take place throughout the day.
Later, attend the Grand Prize Competition featuring the category winners.
In the evening, celebrate the conclusion of the festival at the Awards Ceremony, recognising the achievements of participating choirs.
Breakfast at hotel.
Hotel check-out and transfer to the airport for return flights home.
Depart Vienna with wonderful memories, new international friendships and the experience of singing in one of Europe’s most historic musical capitals.
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 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 Vienna.