Sing & Smile – a choir festival in Georgia, Tbilisi, Georgia
Dates: 20 October - 25 October 2025/2026/2027 | Tbilisi, Georgia
This festival-contest is unique: you will be immersed in the atmosphere of medieval Georgian temples with their unique acoustics and will be able to sing in these ancient heritage temples. Participants will experience authentic places, traditions and hospitality of Georgia, tasting local wines and gastronomic experiences, as well as lunch with a live performance of a Georgian choir – a bright touch to a deep immersion in the spirit of the country.
You can talk about Georgia endlessly, and it is impossible to get to know this country in one trip, except to get to familiarize yourself with it. But this experience will leave a trace of incredible beauty in your heart, which will beckon you to return time after time. This is a country whose hospitality is legendary, with the rugged beauty of mountain temples or the taverns of old Tbilisi, unique dance culture and unique polyphony.
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 Georgia!
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, Vocal Ensembles and Chamber Choirs, Adult Choirs, Sacred Choral Music, Folklore, Pop, Jazz, Gospel and Academic Singing.
60 Participating Countries | Official Awards & -Prices |International Jury |
Competition Categories
Category A - Children's & Youth Choirs
A1 – Children's Choirs
A2 – Youth Choirs of Equal Voices
A3 - Youth Choirs of Mixed Voices
Category B - Vocal Ensembles & Chamber Choirs
B1 - Age groups :
1st – 7 – 10 years old
2nd – 11 – 14 years old
3rd – 15 – 18 years old
4th – 18 – 25 years old
5th – above 25 years old
6th – Mixed Age Group
Category C - Adult Choirs
C1 - Female Choirs
C2 - Males Choirs
C3 - Mixed Choirs
Category D - World Sacred Music
Category E - Folklore
Category F - Pop, Jazz, Gospel
Category G - Academic Singing
Jury & Judging
The competition will be judged by an international Jury. The Judging criteria is based on :Technical Proficiency, Interpretation, Musicianship, Repertoire, Ensemble Interaction, Accuracy of Interpretation and Overall Impression.
Whats Included in the Price
- Accommodation at the hotels Residence Plaza, Green Town, or similar level (check-in from 14:00, check-out by 12:00)
- Singing in two temples (*orthodox chanting required)
- Excursions on the itinerary
- Transport service during the tour
- English speaking guide
- Breakfast at the hotel and dinners
- Lunches during sightseeing
- Shared airport-hotel-airport transfer
Prizes
The jury evaluates the participants on 100-point scale.
Regarding the genres of performing and categories the awards are distributed due to seven age groups
- Participants who received up to 70 points become diploma holders;
- Participants who received from 70 to 79 points – laureates of the third degree;
- Participants who received from 80 to 89 points become laureates of the second degree;
- Participants who received from 90 to 99 points become laureates of the first degree;
- Participants who received 100 points become Grand Prize winners of the contest “Sing and Smile”.
- Grand Prix winners receive a big cup and diplomas (one per group/quartet/trio/duo/solo);
- First place winners receive a standard trophy and diplomas (one per group/quartet/trio/duo/solo);
- Second and third place winners receive diplomas (one per group/quartet/trio/duo/solo);
- All contestants receive diplomas with their results (one per group/quartet/trio/duet/solo).
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 Georgia
Choirs can reach the concert venues by subway (or public bus) from the hotel or we can offer optional coach transfers. We recommend that larger groups consider the use of a coach for the transfers
SAMPLE ITINERARY
- Arrival at Tbilisi International Airport
- You are met by Fiestalonia representative
- Transfer to the hotel with a guide, accommodation
- Dinner
- Rest
- Competition day and award ceremony
- Breakfast at the hotel
- Competition day and awarding ceremony of the participants
- Returning back to the hotel, dinner
- Breakfast at the hotel
- Excursion around Tbilisi
- Visit the city centre
- Visit Old Town
- Visit Peace Bridge
- Walk around Old Tbilisi, Rustaveli Avenue, Abanotubani
- Return to the hotel
- Breakfast at the hotel, excursion
- Excursion to Kakheti
- Visit to “Alaverdi” Monastery
- Performance in the Temple no more than 10 minutes
- Transfer to the Twins Old Cellar wine cellar
- Visit and tour of the new type of cellars and the “kvevri” museum
- Bake Georgian bread, shoti, in a clay oven, ton
- We will learn how to make Georgian sweets – churchkhela.
- You will have a unique opportunity to feel yourself a Georgian winemaker.
- We will take part in the harvest and in the process of pressing grapes.
- And during lunch, at a traditional Georgian feast we will taste the famous wines of the cellar owners
- Return to Tbilisi
- Dinner at the hotel
- Overnight stay in Tbilisi
- Breakfast at the hotel
- Departure for sightseeing
- Excursion to the Monastery of 13 Assyrians to the Abbot, archimandrite Seraphim Bit-Kharibi
- Services are conducted in two languages – Georgian and Aramaic, the language spoken by Jesus
- Today divine services are conducted here by spiritual master and abbot of the monastery, His Eminence Seraphim Bit-Haribi
- Performance in the Temple no more than 10 minutes (*mandatory repertoire: Orthodox chants).
- During the tour lunch is provided
- Returning to the hotel, overnight in Tbilisi
- Breakfast at the hotel
- Transfer to the airport
- End of programme
DEADLINE
Registration Deadline: TBA
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