Sing For Gold – The World Choral Cup
Riga, Latvia
07 October - 11 October 2027
Riga, the capital of Latvia, is known as the “Singing Nation” and is one of Europe’s most important centres for choral music. With a rich musical heritage and a strong international reputation, Riga has hosted major events such as the World Choir Games and European Choir Games, establishing itself as a leading destination for choirs worldwide.
The SING FOR GOLD – The World Choral Cup arrives in Riga in 2027, bringing together choirs from across the globe for a high-level international competition. Organised by INTERKULTUR, this prestigious event offers choirs the opportunity to perform in world-class venues, receive professional evaluation, and compete for medals and the overall World Choral Cup.
In addition to the competition, choirs can take part in evaluation performances, individual coaching sessions, and friendship concerts, creating valuable opportunities for artistic development and cultural exchange.
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 Riga Latvia!
PARTICIPATION OPPORTUNITIES
Choirs can choose to perform in the non-competitive section or opt for competitive participation
Competition | Children’s Choirs, Youth Choirs, Chamber Choirs & Vocal Ensembles, Adult Choirs, Sacred Music, Pop, Jazz & Gospel, Folklore
Evaluation Performance | Individual Coaching | Friendship Concerts
Competition Categories
Category 1 - Children's Choirs
Category 2 - Youth Choirs
Category 3 - Chamber Choirs & Vocal Ensembles
Category 4 - Adult Choirs
Category 5- Sacred Choral Music
Category 6 - Pop, Jazz, Gospel
Category 7 - Folklore
Evaluation Performances | For Non-Competing Choirs
Choirs will sing a program of three pieces for a maximum performance time of 15 minutes in front of a panel of international experts. At the conclusion of the program there will be a brief internal consultation of the panel of choral experts. Finally, the program will be discussed with the choir in an open and amicable atmosphere.
Performance coaching and recommendations will be given for future participation in international competitions. The choirs will receive an official certificate of participation.
Evaluation Performances | For Competing Choirs
Competing choirs have the chance to present their competition program (in case of several categories a selection from the program) to the jury. They will get immediate positive artistic and pedagogical advice for improvement and the evaluation does not involve preliminary decisions regarding the competition result.
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
- Approx 45 minute session
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. Piano or digital piano can be provided upon request.
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 do their best to find suitable alternative arrangements whenever possible, although alternative performances cannot always be guaranteed.
The World Choral Cup
The highlight of the festival, the World Choral Cup, brings together the highest-scoring choirs from each category to compete for the overall title.
- Participation by qualification through category results
- International jury evaluation
- Prestigious title awarded to the overall winning choir
- Prize: €2,500
The Imants Kokars Choral Award
This special award honours the legacy of Latvian choral conductor Imants Kokars and celebrates excellence in choral interpretation.
- Awarded for outstanding performance of Latvian choral music
- Open to participating choirs performing eligible repertoire
- Recognises artistic excellence and interpretation
- Prize: €1,000
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 Latvia
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 Riga
- Festival Registration and participation management
- Accommodation in a 3* or 4* Hotel in Riga
- 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 - Riga 2027!
Day 1 - Arrival in Riga & Opening Event
Arrival in Riga, meet your local English-speaking guide and and transfer to your hotel.
Participation in Evaluation Performances for competing choirs.
Enjoy free time to explore Riga’s Old Town, including Riga Cathedral and the historic city centre.
Evening: Official Opening Event of the Festival
Breakfast at your hotel.
Participation in:
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Evaluation Performances for competing choirs
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Individual coaching sessions
Free time to explore Riga or join optional sightseeing.
Breakfast at hotel
Compete throughout the day and participate in festival activities and Friendship Concerts — a fantastic way to meet choirs from around the world.
Afternoon free time to explore Riga.
Breakfast at hotel.
Morning: Competition rounds
Afternoon: World Choral Cup Final
Evening: Awards Ceremony & Closing Event
Breakfast at hotel.
Free time for sightseeing or shopping before check-out.
Transfer to the airport and depart Riga with unforgettable memories, new international friendships, and a shared musical achievement!
DEADLINE
Early Bird deadline: March 08, 2027
Registration Deadline: May 18, 2027
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 Riga..