Sound Waves Burgas, Black Sea International Choir Competition
Burgas, Bulgaria
27 May - 31 May 2027
A Brand New Choral Experience at the Black Sea!
Where inspiring choral music meets the beautiful Black Sea coastline, Sound Waves Burgas invites choirs to take part in INTERKULTUR’s first international choral event in Bulgaria.
In May, the vibrant seaside city of Burgas welcomes visiting choirs with long sunny days, mild spring temperatures and a relaxed coastal atmosphere – the perfect setting to combine musical ambition with the first taste of summer by the sea.
Children’s, youth and adult choirs will find a range of competition categories suited to different ensemble types and musical styles. The festival culminates with the presentation of the Black Sea Choral Award, the event’s highest artistic honour, awarded to the overall winner.
Beyond the concert stage, choirs can enjoy Burgas’ beaches, seaside promenades and welcoming holiday atmosphere. For Irish choirs looking for a rewarding musical journey abroad, Sound Waves Burgas 2027 promises an inspiring festival experience in a beautiful new destination.Where choral music meets the Black Sea, Sound Waves Burgas invites choirs to experience their first event in Bulgaria.
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 Burgas, Bulgaria!
PARTICIPATION OPPORTUNITIES
Choirs can choose to perform in the non-competitive section or opt for competitive participation
Competition | Mixed Choirs, Equal Voices, Chamber Choirs & Vocal Ensembles a cappella, Mixed Voices, Children‘s/Youth/Young Adult Choirs, Sacred Choral Music a cappella, and Folklore.
Evaluation Performance | Individual Coaching | Friendship Concerts | Festival Participation
Competition Categories
Category A - Difficulty Level I
A1 - Mixed Choirs
A2 - Equal Voices
Category B - Difficulty Level II
B1 - Mixed Choirs
B2 - Equal Voices
Category G - Children's & Youth Choirs
G1 - Children's Choirs
G2 - Youth Choirs
Category S - Sacred Choral Music a cappella
Category F - Folklore
Evaluation Performances
For non-competing choirs
- Three pieces of the choir's choice
- Performed before a panel of qualified international jurors who provide immediate positive artistic and pedagogical advice for improvement
-Certificates of participation will be awarded, as well as evaluation ratings and recommendation letters for future competitions upon request
Number of singers: Unlimited
Singing time: Maximum 15 minutes
Accompaniment: Possible
Duration: 45 minutes
For competing choirs
- Presentation of the competition program the day before competitions begin
- Performed before a panel of qualified international jurors who provide immediate positive artistic and pedagogical advice for improvement
- The evaluation does not involve preliminary decisions regarding the competition result
Number of singers: According to category rules
Singing time: According to category rules
Accompaniment: According to category rules
Duration: 45 minutes
Individual Coaching
- One piece of the choir’s choice
- With an international choral expert for stimulating artistic ideas and interpretive guidance
- For an effective rehearsal, choirs must prepare one piece in advance
Number of singers: Unlimited
Singing time: 45 minutes rehearsal session
Accompaniment: Possible
Friendship Concerts
Participating choirs may register to perform together with other international choirs. Choirs must prepare approximately 15 minutes of their own music pre-approved by the artistic committee. The concert should preferably be a cappella or with their own instruments.
Please be aware that several friendship concerts are planned open air. In the event that weather conditions do not allow this, some concerts may be cancelled due to the weather. The organizers will try to manage alternatives but choirs do not have any legal claim to this.
Choirs can also take part in friendship concerts only.
Grand Prize Competition
The respective Category Winners are invited to participate in the competition for the BLACK SEA CHORAL AWARD 2027. The jury reserves the right to nominate further choirs for participation. The winner of this competition will receive the BLACK SEA CHORAL AWARD 2027 in the amount of €2,000.
- Program: Two freely chosen a cappella pieces, of which one may be taken from the competition repertoire, while the other must be a new piece not previously performed in the competition. Those two pieces must be confirmed by the Artistic Committee.
- Singing time: The maximum actual singing time is 8 minutes.
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 Bulgaria
Choirs usually make their way around the city with the local guide via public transport. However, we can arrange private coach transportation for your group as required.
What's Included in Your CCI Festival Experience In Burgas
- Festival Registration and participation management
- Accommodation in a 3* or 4* Hotel in Burgas
- 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
Sample Tour Itinerary - Burgas 2027!
Day 1 - Arrival & Opening Event
Arrive in Burgas, a vibrant coastal city on Bulgaria’s Black Sea and meet your local English-speaking guide.
After check-in at your hotel, choirs will begin their festival experience with rehearsals and sound checks in preparation for upcoming performances.
In the evening, attend the Official Opening Event, where choirs from around the world gather to celebrate the beginning of the festival.
Time permitting, enjoy your first opportunity to explore Burgas and its beautiful seaside promenade.
Breakfast at hotel.
Choirs will take part in stage rehearsals, evaluation performances and individual coaching sessions with internationally respected choral experts.
Throughout the day, choirs may also perform in Friendship Concerts at venues across Burgas, sharing music with local audiences and fellow choirs.
The festival competition performances begin and continue throughout the day.
Optional sightseeing opportunities may be arranged to explore Burgas and the scenic Black Sea coast.
Breakfast at hotel.
Continue with competition performances, stage rehearsals and additional coaching sessions.
Choirs may also participate in Friendship Concerts, performing alongside international ensembles in concert halls and open-air locations around the city.
Free time to explore Burgas, including:
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Sea Garden Park (Morska Gradina) – A beautiful seaside park with gardens, sculptures and views of the Black Sea.
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Burgas Pier – One of the city’s most iconic landmarks offering panoramic sea views.
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Burgas Central Beach – A long sandy beach located just minutes from the city centre.
Breakfast at hotel.
Final competition activities take place during the day, including rehearsals and festival performances.
In the late afternoon or evening, attend the Grand Prize Competition, where selected category winners compete for the Black Sea Choral Award.
The festival concludes with the Awards Ceremony and Closing Event, celebrating the achievements of participating choirs. The overall winner receives the Black Sea Choral Award and €2,000 prize.
Breakfast at hotel.
Free time for sightseeing or relaxation before check-out.
Transfer to the airport and depart Bulgaria with unforgettable memories, new international friendships, and a shared musical achievement!
DEADLINE
Early Bird deadline: October 26, 2026
Registration Deadline: December 9, 2026
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 Burgas.