Dates: 06 August - 16 August 2026 | Helsingborg, Sweden

In August 2026, Sweden will host the world’s largest international choir competition: The World Choir Games are coming to Helsingborg! This picturesque coastal city enchants with its musical diversity, vibrant cultural heritage, and the welcoming spirit of Scandinavia. Here, the global choral community meets Nordic hospitality.

The World Choir Games 2026 offer the right format for every choir: The Open Competition is designed for choirs with little or no competition experience. The Champions Competition gives seasoned ensembles the opportunity to compete at the highest level with the world's top choirs.

Beyond the competition, the event is a true festival of encounters: at Friendship Concerts across Helsingborg and the surrounding region, diverse cultures and musical styles come together. The program is complemented by workshops, educational activities, and plenty of opportunities for international exchange.

Whether your focus is on ambitious competition or inspiring community – every choir is welcome at the World Choir Games 2026. Look forward to an event that uniquely brings together diversity, excellence, and connection. HelSINGborg 2026 will be the meeting place of the international choral world – with your voice at the heart of it!

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 Sweden!

PARTICIPATION OPPORTUNITIES

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

Competition | Adult choirs of Equal Voices, Mixed Choirs, Equal Voices Choirs, Children‘s and Youth Choirs, Senior Choirs, Sacred Choral Music, Religious Music, Contemporary Music, Spiritual, Gospel, Pop and Folklore

Evaluation Performances | Friendship Concerts | Individual Coaching 

Competition Categories

1 – Young Children's Choirs

2 – Children's Choirs

3 – Youth Choirs of Equal Voices

4 – Mixed Youth Choirs

5 – Mixed Chamber Choirs & Vocal Ensembles

6 – Mixed Choirs

7 – Chamber Choirs & Vocal Ensembles of Equal Voices

8 – Adult Choirs of Equal Voices

9 – Senior Choirs

10 – Sacred Choral Music a Cappella

11 – Sacred Choral Music with Accompaniment

12 – Music of Spirit and Faith

13 – Contemporary Music

14 – Spiritual

15 – Gospel

16 – Pop Ensembles

17 – Pop Choirs

18 – Folklore and Indigenous Music a Cappella

19 – Folklore and Indigenous Music with Accompaniment

Evaluation Performance

For non-competing choirs

Choirs will perform a program of three pieces, with a maximum duration of 15 minutes, in front of a panel of international experts. At the conclusion of the performance, the panel will hold a brief internal consultation. Afterwards, the program will be discussed with the choir in an open and amicable atmosphere.

Performance coaching and recommendations will be provided to support future participation in international competitions. Each choir will receive an official certificate of participation.

Individual Coaching

All participants – whether competing or not – are invited to take part in a special session with a distinguished international choir director.

Choirs wishing to take advantage of this opportunity are asked to prepare one choral piece. A renowned expert in choral music will rehearse the piece with the choir, offering fresh artistic insights and inspiration. Choirs not participating in the competition will receive a certificate of participation along with personalized recommendations to support their future involvement in international choral events.

Frienship Concerts

In addition to their competitive or non-competitive participation, choirs may also perform in Friendship Concerts alongside other ensembles at public venues. These free public concerts offer choirs the opportunity to showcase the musical traditions and national costumes of their home countries.

Festival Stage Choir

The Closing Ceremony will become a spectacular stage for choral fireworks, as the flags of all participating countries are assembled and the colors of the World Choir Games are ceremoniously handed over to the next host city. As part of the celebration, a specially formed massed choir, joined by soloists and a full symphony orchestra, will perform folk songs from around the world and popular melodies that invite the audience to sing and dance along, bringing this brilliant event to a joyful conclusion.

Choirs wishing to participate in the massed choir must register for this activity in advance. Participation requires attendance at mandatory rehearsal sessions together with choirs from around the world. Please note that final selection will be made by the Artistic Committee. Choirs are required to prepare the repertoire on their own and arrive well-prepared for the final rehearsals.

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 Sweden

DEADLINE

Early Bird deadline: June 16, 2025

Registration deadline: September 01, 2025

FLIGHTS