Director: Diana Pavlov The International choir contest in Italy “WORLD OF CHOIRS” is an event of international scale aimed at the development, dissemination, and popularization of choral singing. The International choral singing competition World of Choirs brings together choirs from all over the world on one stage within the framework of the contest, in a warm and friendly atmosphere, so that they can demonstrate not only their skills but also the culture and uniqueness of choral singing. Not only experienced choirs but also those for whom participation in such a large-scale contest will become a new step and motivation for the development of their talents are invited to the International choir competition World of Choirs. Given that participation in the contest can be a new step in the development and promotion of their art for many choirs, the search for sponsors becomes even more significant and necessary. Thanks to such support, talented choirs get the opportunity to demonstrate their unique creative ideas and skills on the world stage and reveal their creative potential. Are you passionate about choral singing? Then you can’t miss the international choir contest in Italy called “WORLD OF CHOIRS.” It’s a unique opportunity to showcase your skills, learn from other talented choirs, and discover the beauty of this charming country. The choir contest in Italy welcomes choirs from all over the world, regardless of their experience level, as long as they’re eager to perform and share their culture. And if you’re wondering about the jury, let’s just say you’ll be impressed. Don’t miss the chance to become part of this musical celebration! There are two options for participating in “WORLD OF CHOIRS”: 1. Competitive Participation: This option allows choirs to take part in the competitive segment of the competition, where they will be evaluated by the jury, compete with other choirs, and have a chance to win awards and recognition. 2. Non-Competitive Participation: In this option, choirs can participate in all concerts and events without being part of the competitive aspect. They will still receive diplomas of participation and recommendations from the jury members. Categories: A. CHILDREN’S CHOIRS and YOUTH CHOIRS. The performance program may be of the choir's choice and should include at least two different musical styles or time periods. At least one of the pieces must be performed a cappella (without instrumental accompaniment). A1. Children's choirs Age groups: 7-16 Singing time: maximum 15 minutes Minimum Number of Singers -16 A2. Youth choirs of equal voices Age groups: 16-25 Singing time: maximum 15 minutes Minimum Number of Singers -16 A3. Youth choirs of mixed voices Age groups: 16-25 Singing time: maximum 15 minutes Minimum Number of Singers -16 B. VOCAL ENSEMBLES and CHAMBER CHOIRS The performance program may be of the choir's choice and should include at least two different musical styles or time periods. At least one of the pieces must be performed a cappella (without instrumental accompaniment). 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 (participants from various age categories) Singing time: maximum 15 minutes Minimum Number of Singers - 3 Maximum Number of Singers - 16 C. ADULT CHOIRS The performance program may be of the choir's choice and should include at least two different musical styles or time periods. At least one of the pieces must be performed a cappella (without instrumental accompaniment). C1. Female choirs Age groups: 18 and over Singing time: maximum 15 minutes Minimum Number of Singers -17 C2. Male choirs Age groups: 18 and over Singing time: maximum 15 minutes Minimum Number of Singers -17 C3. Mixed choirs Age groups: 18 and over Singing time: maximum 15 minutes Minimum Number of Singers -17 D. WORLD SACRED MUSIC Participants can present choral arrangements and ritual music from Christian Catholic, Orthodox, Protestant, Islamic, Buddhist, Jewish, Hindu, Sikh, and many other traditions. This may also include religious melodies and hymns, prayers, spiritual songs, and ceremonial music. The performance program may be of the choir's choice Age groups: no age restrictions Singing time: maximum 15 minutes Number of Singers no restrictions E. FOLKLORE Ensembles perform a folklore program. Corresponding choreography and stage performance are also possible. It is advisable to sing in traditional costumes. If there is no musical notation, please prepare a brief description of the program in English. The performance program can be chosen by the choir. The performance program may be of the choir's choice Age groups: no age restrictions Singing time: maximum 15 minutes Number of Singers no restrictions F. POP – JAZZ – GOSPEL The performance program may be of the choir's choice. Performances may include pieces with instrumental accompaniment, phonograms or a cappella Age groups: no age restrictions Singing time: maximum 15 minutes Number of Singers no restrictions G. ACADEMIC SINGING Participants may present works from the classical repertoire, including opera, operetta, arias, etc. At least one of the pieces must be performed a cappella (without instrumental accompaniment). 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 (participants from various age categories) Singing time: maximum 15 minutes Number of Singers no restrictions Competition performance: 1) The competition viewing will take place in a closed venue, such as a theater, auditorium, or another suitable hall for the competition showcase. 2) For performances, the organizer provides a Yamaha Arius YDP 143 piano with 88 keys and two organ functions. Additionally, a grand piano is available (subject to availability on the day of the competition). The organizer can also provide 6 Condenser microphones, 4 Wireless microphones, and 2 Headset microphones. If the choir requires any additional equipment, musical instruments, or anything else, they must bring it with them or request it from the organizing committee for an additional fee. 3) SINGING TIME: In all categories, the time limit for clean singing is 15 minutes (minimum 7 minutes). This does not include applause and stage time. The exact duration of each piece must be correctly indicated on the Program Confirmation form that we will send you 30 days before the contest. 4) In those categories where a phonogram is used for performances, please send the phonogram in MP3 format to the specified e-mail address together with the confirmation form. 5) Please ensure you bring 5 copies of the sheet music for each musical composition to be performed. Scores without titles or composer names printed in the Roman alphabet must have a transcription in Roman characters. One copy of the score will be retained by the organizer after the competition. The remaining scores can be collected from the organizer after the awards ceremony. Each participating choir is responsible for respecting copyright and performance rights for the songs during the competition. The use of unauthorized or reproduced copies is strictly prohibited. AGREEMENT: With the application, all participating choirs agree to photography, recordings and broadcasts in sound or television as well as any other recordings made in conjunction with the competition "WORLD OF CHOIRS". Jury and judging criteria: The jury has the right: not to award all the prizes; to share prize among performers; to award special prizes to teachers for outstanding achievements; to make a decision about breaking a performance which exceeds the bounds of the regulations; the jury evaluates the participants on one-hundred-point system, the final result is made up of the average quantity of the received scores and the average value of the progress scores; the jury’s decisions are final and are not subject to review. Judging criteria: 1-Technical Proficiency: This criterion assesses the quality of performance, pitch accuracy, intonation, diction, rhythmic precision, breath control, and other technical aspects. 2-Interpretation: It evaluates the choir’s ability to convey emotions and ideas of the musical composition, expressiveness, artistry, depth, and insight into the musical work. 3-Musicianship: This criterion focuses on the choir’s musical understanding and expressiveness, their ability to work in unity, maintain tempo and dynamics, and use dynamic nuances effectively. 4-Repertoire: The evaluation includes the selection and diversity of musical repertoire, the complexity of the pieces chosen, and how well the choir adapts to different styles and genres. 5-Ensemble Interaction: This criterion assesses the unity and coordination of the choir during performance, their ability to listen to each other, synchronize movements, and interact with the conductor. 6-Accuracy of Interpretation: It evaluates how well the choir follows the provided scores and accurately interprets the musical notations. 7-Overall Impression: It encompasses the overall assessment of the choir’s performance, their level of professionalism, originality, and uniqueness. Awards: 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 "WORLD OF CHOIRS". Grand Prix winners receive a big cup and diplomas (one for each group/category). First place winners receive a standard trophy and diplomas (one per group/category). Second and third place winners receive diplomas (one for each group/category). All contestants receive diplomas with their results (one for each group/category). Each choir is given a personalized certificate in the form of engraving on a special base for its contribution into the cultural international relations (for groups from 5 people). Each team head and sponsor will be given a personalized thank-you letter on the official numbered letterhead of the kingdom of Spain. Special trophy cups are provided for the winners. Each contestant in the group can request a personal diploma and medal for an additional fee (before the competition). Program: 1st day: – check-in to a hotel from 14:00 pm; – meeting with the organizers of the contest; – registration of the participants, presentation of the excursion programs; – dinner. 2nd day: 8:00 – breakfast; 8:30 – departure to the festival-competition; 9:00 – rehearsal; 10:30 – opening of the festival-competition; contest previews; Awarding ceremony;18:00 – (If possible) Friendly evening concert in the cathedral or a church 19:00 – returning to the hotel; 20:00 – dinner in the hotel. 3rd day: 7:00 – breakfast; 7:30 – excursion program of your choice: Venice, Florence, Rome, San Marino (for an additional price); 21:30 – return to the hotel; 22:00 – dinner. 4th day: 8:00 – breakfast; – check out from the hotel before 10:00. ATTENTION! Additional performances can be organized. ATTENTION! Organizers have opportunity to modify the program. ATTENTION! We can provide you with a transfer from airports and train stations to the hotel and back. Ask our managers for the price INCREASE the number of days of your stay and we will organize an excellent excursion program for you! The price of additional days is indicated in the “price” section. For detailed information on excursion programs, you can check with our managers by mail BOOK an excursion program in advance, ask our managers for details about our excursion offer Participation fee: 358 Euro per person - Triple accommodation. Extra Night Per Person: 67 Euro. 394 Euro per person - Double accommodation. Extra Night Per Person: 74 Euro. 490 Euro per person - Single accommodation. Extra Night Per Person: 110 Euro. Each 25th group’s participant gets a pack of our services for free!* Participation fee includes: 4 days and 3 nights in a three-star hotel; half board, buffet (breakfast and dinner) + water; competitive viewings; Awarding ceremony; certificates and trophy cups from the contest providers; diplomas (one per group/category); thank-you letters for teachers and sponsors; festival fee; Live streaming of the contest viewings and Awarding ceremony on YouTube. ADDITIONAL FEES For participation in the additional nomination for groups – additional fee 295 euros per group. ATTENTION: Price does not include tourist tax. Tourist tax is paid directly by the client directly to the hotel at check in. ADDITIONAL SERVICES *Each contestant can additionally request a personalized diploma and medal for 14 euros (before the competition, is given during the award ceremony). This option is ordered by up to 90% of all participants. *Additional letters of appreciation on a numbered State Emblem paper of the Kingdom of Spain can be requested for 10 euros (before the competition). This option is ordered by up to 80% of all participants. *Add excursions to your stay (this option is ordered by up to 90% of all participants). *You can order a personalized written commentary from the jury 70 euros/per performance (before the competition). *Services of a professional photographer and cameraman – your personal video clip at the contest (prices to be specified). Additional services: Original pictures from the contest and the Award ceremony on a CD/flash drive; Photo services during the trips/excursions. Photoshoots; Concertmaster; Hair stylist (Make-up and hairstyle); Master classes from the Spanish art workers; Assisting Translator (Accompanying person); Video shooting of a contest/Awarding ceremony. *All the extra services are provided on demand. They should be requested minimum 3 days before the beginning of the contest. The prices of the extra services are to be specified from our managers. Extra trips: Rome Venice San-Marino Florence Urbino Additional travel services - Airport transfers to the hotel or any transportation services Any group willing to participate must submit an Application form. Approved groups pay in advance a 10% guarantee fee, which is to be deducted at the final payment.