23rd Venezia in Musica International Choir Festival & Competition
Carole & Venice, Italy
23 October - 27 October 2026
6 May - 10 May 2027
The 23rd edition of the Venezia in Musica International Choir Festival & Competition is scheduled for October 23–27, 2026, in Caorle and Venice, Italy. Organized by Meeting Music in collaboration with the InChoral International Choral Festival Network, this esteemed event offers choirs from around the world an opportunity to perform in historic venues, receive expert evaluations, and engage in cultural exchange.
The festival features both competitive and non-competitive categories, including Mixed, Female, Male, Children and Youth, Musica Sacra, Folklore, and Gospel/Spiritual. Choirs can participate in stage performances, individual coaching sessions, and the renowned choir parade through the streets of Caorle. The event culminates in an awards ceremony, with the Grand Prize of €2,000 awarded to the choir with the highest marks across categories A, B, and C.
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 Carole & Venice, Italy!
PARTICIPATION OPPORTUNITIES
Choirs can choose to perform in the non-competitive section or opt for competitive participation
Choirs | Mixed Choirs, Female Choirs, Male Choirs, Vocal Ensembles, Senior Choirs, Children Choirs, Youth Choirs of Mixed & Equal Voices, Musica Sacra, Gospel, Spiritual and Folklore.
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 - Children & Youth Choirs
G1 - Childrens Choir
G2 - Youth Choirs of Equal Voices
G3 - Youth Choirs of Mixed Choirs
Category S - Musica Sacra
Category F - Folklore
Category GS - Gospel/Spiritual
Evaluation Performances | For Festival Choirs (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
Coaching time: 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
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
Two freely chosen a cappella pieces (different from those already performed in competition).
Participants: Category winners with a result over 23 points, Choirs with special awards over 23 points
- Singing time: Maximum 8 minutes
- Accompaniment: Not permitted (a cappella only)
- Amplification: According to category rules
Grand Prize Award: €2,000
Special Prizes may also be awarded for outstanding performances and unique presentations
Whats Included in Your Festival Experience with CCI
- Festival Registration & participation management
- Accommodation in 3* or 4* hotel in Caorle region
- Daily breakfast (additional meals can be arranged on request!)
- Flight sourcing & booking
- Return Airport transfers (with guide assistance on arrival)
- On-ground coordination
- Public transport guidance or optional private coach arrangements
- Dedicated CCI Tour Manager
- Ongoing tour support from throughout your booking
- One free place for every 35 paying participants (Early Bird offer)
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 Venice
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 - Carole & Venice 2026!
Day 1 - Arrival, Parade & Opening Concert
Arrive in Venice or the Caorle region and transfer to your hotel.
Check in and enjoy time to explore the charming seaside town of Caorle, with its colourful harbour, narrow streets and coastline.
Participate in the festive Choir Parade through the streets of Caorle, a joyful highlight bringing music directly to the public.
Reception for Conductors & Jury.
In the evening, all choirs gather for the Official Opening Concert, marking the beginning of this prestigious international choral celebration
Friendship Concerts, Evaluation Performances and Individual Coaching sessions may begin according to your personalised schedule.
Breakfast at hotel.
Attend scheduled Stage Rehearsals and Competition Performances.
Festival choirs may take part in:
-
Evaluation Performances (with international jury feedback)
-
Individual Coaching sessions
-
Accompanied Stage Rehearsals (for competing choirs)
-
Friendship Concerts in Caorle & surrounding venues
Enjoy a Day in Venice, including optional sightseeing and participation in Friendship Concerts in this world-renowned city.
Explore:
-
St. Mark’s Square
-
Basilica di San Marco
-
The Doge’s Palace
-
Rialto Bridge
Evening at leisure.
Breakfast at hotel.
Further Stage Rehearsals and Competition Performances continue.
Additional Friendship Concerts take place in Caorle, Venice and surrounding towns.
Free time for sightseeing, shopping or relaxing along the Adriatic coast.
Evening at leisure.
Breakfast at hotel.
Final meetings for conductors and jury.
Selected category winners (scoring over 23 points) compete in the Grand Prize Competition, performing two contrasting a cappella works.
Attend the Awards Ceremony, where Bronze, Silver and Golden Diplomas are presented.
The festival concludes with the presentation of the Grand Prize of €2,000 to the overall winner.
Evening at leisure or optional farewell gathering.
Breakfast at hotel.
Check out and transfer to airport.
Depart Italy with unforgettable memories, new international friendships and the pride of performing in one of Europe’s most beautiful musical destinations!
DEADLINE
Early Bird Deadline: January 31, 2026
Registration deadline: March 10, 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. 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 Venice.