About

Committee for culture of St. Petersburg
The Center of International Cooperation — Inter Aspect

21st International Festival of Choral Art
“THE SINGING WORLD”
August, 1 – 6, 2024. St Petersburg, Russia

Dear Friends,

The Centre of International Cooperation “Inter Aspect” and St. Petersburg State Conservatory named after Rimsky-Korsakov under the aegis of The Committee for Culture and The State Academic Capella of St. Petersburg are inviting you to take part in the 21st International Festival of Choral Art “The Singing World”.

The Festival will take place from August, 1 to 6, 2024 and 20th International Competition of Choirs and Vocal Ensembles “THE SINGING WORLD” named after Yu. Falik in St. Petersburg (Russia).

The International Festival of Choral Art is being held as an event envisaged at promoting the art of choral singing and a rendezvous of the talent and artistic perfection of choirs from all over the world.

It is aimed at establishing artistic mutual relations and bringing together the choirs from St Petersburg, regions of Russia and other countries with the view to present and enlarge the array of singing traditions and choral repertoire, both time-tested and innovative.

THE MAIN GOALS OF THE FESTIVAL

  • rally concerts of ensembles and choirs of various artistic trends and styles who  perform choral music of different epochs;
  • creating and encouraging a welcoming atmosphere for professional dialogue to share experiences and repertoire;
  • joint performances of professional and amateur choral groups from different countries of the world;
  • exposing a broader audience to choral culture and mastery of choirs from all over the world;
  • discovering  new names and talents in choral singing;
  • involving music producers and managers in the organisation of further presentations of the choirs;

FESTIVAL SHEDULE

August 1

 

 Arrival of participants in St Petersburg.

Registration in Organizing Committee

18.00 – the Official Opening ceremony, Gala-concert of the participants
August 2

 

August 2 – 4

 

 Master classes, workshops, choral studios,

sightseeing tours

Concerts and performances on the main venues of St. Petersburg

CONCERT OF FOLK (NATIONAL) MUSIC

CONCERT OF CHURCH MUSIC (a cappella)

«Evening of Choral Music of St. Petersburg Composers» choirs and ensembles whose repertoire includes music by St. Petersburg composers can participate
August 5 International Choral Competition “The Singing World” named after Yuri Falik

19.30 – Friendship evening, announcement of the nominees for the Grand Prix.
August 6

 

 16.00 – the round table with members of jury.

18.00 – The contest for Gran Prix, gala concert of the participants of festival and

competition “The Singing World”, presentation diplomas, the Closing ceremony

Departure of the participants

PARTICIPANTS

  • The Festival is open to Mixed, Men’s, Women’s and Children’s Choirs and Chamber Vocal Ensembles (with a minimum of 3 (three) singers).
  • In the Festival take part the Choirs from all over the World, which desires to perform its cultural work.
  • The age of participants is not restricted.
  • The Festival organizers look forward to hosting professional and amateur choirs and choral ensembles.

FESTIVAL VENUES

  • Petersburg State Capella (20 Moika River Embankment);
  • St Peter and Paul Cathedral (22 Nevsky avenue);
  • The Russian Ethnographic Museum (Inzhenernaya St., 4/1);
  • Alexandro-Nevsky Lavra of the Hole Trinity, Centre «Sviato-Dukhovsky» (Monastyrka, 1);
  • Cathedral of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary (1st Krasnoarmeyskaya, 11);
  • Feodorovsky Cathedral of icon of the Mother of God (Mirgorodskaya str., 1-B);
  • Church of Our Lady of Lourdes (Kovenskiy lane, 7);
  • Catherine Swedish Lutheran Church (Malaya Koniushennaya, 1);
  • Roman Catholic Church of St. Stanislaus (Soyuz Petchatnikov str., 22);
  • Concert Hall of Yaani Kirik (Dekabristov str., 54 A).

TERMS OF PARTICIPATION IN THE FESTIVAL

  • All choirs who have submitted an application and agreed to the terms and conditions take part in festival.
  • The participants provide information material about the choir. This information is used in posters, booklets, catalogues of the Festival and in the media. Each choir receives a souvenir set of printed materials.
  • A participant choir is to provide promotional materials to be published as posters, booklets and catalogues of the Festival (the resume is not more that 15 lines); each choir participant will get a free catalogue with information on all the Festival performers;
  • Each choir will get a Diploma of Festival, souvenir cup and gift;
  • Each choir take part in the singing of the Festival’s Hymn (music will send in advance);
  • The Festival participants are to cover travel costs at their own expense. The Organising Committee provides: accommodation, catering and sightseeing programme agreed upon and confirmed by the participants (see below the festival packages);
  • The delegation may include not only the singers but also accompanying people. The number of accompanying people is not limited;
  • Official languages of the Festival and competition are Russian and English;
  • All rights to the audio, video recording and photography of any performance at the Festival are belong to the Festival organizers. The organizers have the right to reproduce and distribute such recordings made during the Festival.

FESTIVAL PROGRAMME

  • Participation in Gala-concert of the Opening. One work not more than 3 minutes,
  • Participation in minimum one concert of the festival. Duration of the performances from 15 to 20 minutes.
  • Participation in thematic concerts as Church music (a cappella), folklore music and Russian composer’s music – by wish. Not obligatory.
  • Participation in the International Choral Competition “The Singing World”. Conditions of the contest are below. Not obligatory.
  • Participation in workshops, master classes, choral studio and in the presentations. The scores will be sent before. Not obligatory.
  • The Organizing Committee of the International festival of choral art “The Singing World” reserves the right to edit the choir programs.

APPLICATION

The festival can be entered by sending the application form by e-mail: singingworld@mail.ru

The deadline for application is April 15, 2024

Document Required:

  • Application form with all the required information filled;
  • introduction of the choir (CV) (in English; max 20 lines) and the conductor (by wish),
  • photo of the choir (compulsory, min 2 Mb) and conductor,
  • the planned festival programs, audio or video recordings (sending some pieces by e-mail)

FESTIVAL FEE (for participants and accompanying persons)

(price per 1 person, payment in rubles or other foreign currency at the exchange rate at the time of payment)

“Festival Package A” “complete” (hotel 4*)

24500 rubles (≈285$ or ≈270€)

  • 5 nights in standard four-three beds room, with bathroom,
  • 5 breakfasts on buffet,
  • transfer airport-hotel-airport with guide
  • one dinner with other choirs (friendship party)
  • public concerts performances with other choirs (Diploma and cup-souvenir for choir)
  • one workshop of choral music (with Russian conductor) (Certificate for conductor or other leader)
  • sightseeing tour with guide (by bus)
  • set of festival information material to every person of the group,
  • photos of the official photographer from the concerts (sent to the leader by e-mail);
  • video of the Opening concert, Grand Prix and Closing Ceremony (sent to the leader by e-mail);
  • Diploma for each participant of the festival (leader of the choir enters the name of the participant);
  • one leader is free for group from 30 persons (in twin room): 30+1

 “Festival Package B” “economic” (hotel 4*)

(without transfers and sightseeing tour)

21800 rubles (≈255 $ or ≈235€)

  • 5 nights in standard four-three beds room, with bathroom,
  • 5 breakfasts on buffet,
  • one dinner with other choirs (friendship party)
  • public concerts performances with other choirs (Diploma and cup-souvenir for choir)
  • one workshop of choral music (with Russian conductor) (Certificate for conductor or other leader)
  • set of festival information material to every person of the group,
  • photos of the official photographer from the concerts (sent to the leader by e-mail);
  • video of the Opening concert, Grand Prix and Closing Ceremony (sent to the leader by e-mail);
  • Diploma for each participant of the competition (leader of the choir enters the name of the participant);
  • one leader is free for group from 30 persons (in twin room): 30+1

The organizing committee organizes transport, meals and excursion program in addition to the package (for an additional fee).

All options are agreed and approved in advance, before the arrival of the team.

ORGANIZING COMMITTEE:

E-mail: singingworld@mail.ru
Website: http://en.singingworld.ru/
Website: http://interfestplus.ru/en/

20th International Competition of Choirs and Vocal Ensembles
“THE SINGING WORLD” named after Yu. Falik

St.Petersburg, Russia

AIMS

The International Choir Competition “The Singing World” is intended to bring together the world’s choirs in order to provide them with the opportunity, not only to compare with each other but also to discuss choral literature from the individual countries, interpretation, styles, traditions, voice-training and techniques.

CATEGORIES

Category 1 — the Children choirs, the number of participants is not limited. The age should not have more than 17.

Category 2 – the Equal Voices Choirs Adults (Male and Female)

No maximum or minimum age is stipulated. A choir should not have less than 12 singers; the number of participants is not limited.

Category 3 – the Mixed choirs. A choir should not have less than 25 singers; the maximum of participants is not limited, the age is not limited.

Category 4 – the Choirs of boys and youth, the number of participants is not limited.

Category 5 – the Chamber choirs should not have less than 12 singers not more than 24 singers, the age is not limited.

Category 6 – the vocal ensembles – participate Female, Male, Mixed and Children ensembles, the number of participants from 3 to 12 persons in the ensemble, the age is not limited.

Category 7 – the Church, religious and gospel music — for Female, Male, Mixed and Children choirs and ensembles, the number of participants and the age is not limited.

Category 8 – the Modern music — for Female, Male, Mixed and Children choirs and ensembles, the number of participants and the age is not limited.

Category 9 – the Folklore music — for Female, Male, Mixed and Children choirs and ensembles, the number of participants and the age is not limited.

Category 10 – the Early music — for Female, Male, Mixed and Children choirs and ensembles, the number of participants and the age is not limited.

Category 11 – the Church choirs — for Female, Male and Mixed choirs from 12 persons that work at churches and cathedrals, the age is not limited.

Category 12 – the Senior choirs — for Female, Male, Mixed choirs not less than 12 singers, the maximum of participants is not limited, the age must be more that 50 age old. 10% of singers may be less than 50 age.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS:

August 1 Registration in Organizing Committee
August 2

14.00 – 17.00

  

Rehearsals. Each choir (ensemble) has the rehearsal (15 minutes on the stage).
 August 5

10.00 – 18.00

Competition day — Performances of the participants by categories
August 6

16.00

18.00

 Announcement of the results. The round table with jury.

The contest of the best groups in every category for Grand Prix, presentation diplomas and prizes, the Closing ceremony

COMPETITION PROGRAMME

The total performance time must be from 9 till 12 minutes, including the entrance and exit from the stage. The time breach jury will take into account in their valuations.

The Organizers provide the piano, the other instruments (included traditional folk music instruments) provide the participants.

Attention: only life music, the recording is not permitted!

Category 1 – the Children choirs

  1. one work composed before 1945;
  2. one work composed after 1945 from the choir’s country of origin;
  3. one work of the choir’s own choice

Minimum one work must be a-cappella.

Category 2 – the Female and male choirs

  1. one work composed before 1945;
  2. one work composed after 1945 from the choir’s country of origin;
  3. one work of the choir’s own choice

Minimum one work must be a-cappella.

Category 3 – the Mixed choirs

  1. one work composed before 1945;
  2. one work composed after 1945 from the choir’s country of origin;
  3. one work of the choir’s own choice

Minimum one work must be a-cappella.

Category 4 — the Choirs of boys and youth

  1. one work composed before 1945;
  2. one work composed after 1945 from the choir’s country of origin;
  3. one work of the choir’s own choice

Minimum one work must be a-cappella.

Category 5 – the Chamber choirs

  1. one work composed before 1945;
  2. one work composed after 1945 from the choir’s country of origin;
  3. one work of the choir’s own choice

Minimum one work must be a-cappella.

Category 6 – the Vocal ensembles

  1. one work from the ensemble’s country of origin;
  2. one work of the choir’s own choice;
  3. one work of the choir’s own choice

Minimum one work must be a-cappella.

Category 7 – the Church, religious and gospel music

  1. one work composed before 1800;
  2. one work composed from 1800 to 1920;
  3. one work composed after 1920 from the choir’s country of origin;

Minimum one work must be a-cappella.

Category 8 – the Modern music

  1. One work composed after 1970 year;
  2. one work composed after 2000 from the choir’s country of origin;
  3. one work of the choir’s own choice

Minimum one work must be a-cappella.

Category 9 – the Folklore music

  1. traditional work from the choir’s country of origin;
  2. one work of the choir’s own choice
  3. one work of the choir’s own choice

Minimum one work must be a-cappella.

Category 10 – the Early music

  1. One work composed before 1680;
  2. One work composed before 1725;
  3. One work composed before 1813;

The works must represent different composer’s schools.

Category 11 – the Church choirs

  1. One work (church music) composed before 1900;
  2. One work (church music) composed after 1900;
  3. One work of the choir’s own choice (in any genre);

The works must represent different composer’s schools.

Category 12 – the Senior choirs

  1. one work from the choir’s country of origin;
  2. one work of the choir’s own choice;
  3. one work of the choir’s own choice

Every choir can participate in some categories.

JURY

The jury consists of the international expert adjudicators.

The assessment will be based on the following aspects:

1. difficulty of the performance maximum 10 points from one juror
2. intonation, accuracy with respect to the written notes, maximum 10 points from one juror
3. vocal technique (tone production, diction, balance and overall) maximum 10 points from one juror
4. ensemble maximum 10 points from one juror
5. dynamic, agogics, rhythm, tempo maximum 10 points from one juror
6. accuracy of style maximum 10 points from one juror
7. emotions, expressiveness maximum 10 points from one juror
8. general impression, disclosure of the content, presentation, costumes, artistic maximum 10 points from one juror

The decisions of the jury are final and may not be legally challenge

The group can get the maximum 400 points:

The jury determines the places in each category by received points for each choir (ensemble):

Place Point Prizes
First prize (in each category) 340—400 Gold diploma (I place) and Cup
Second prize (in each category) 280—339 Silver diploma (II place) and Cup
Third prize (in each category) 200—279 Bronze diploma (III place) and Cup
Diploma of participation 0—199 Diploma in each category and Cup

The jury can separate one prize in two (or more) choirs in case of the same points.

THE CONTEST FOR GRAND PRIX

In the contest for Grand Prix take part the best choirs and ensembles from every category (max. of balls) or other golden winners by jury decision.

The program for this contest: One work of the choir’s/ensemble’s own choice not more than 3 minute

GRAND PRIX Diploma and Cup

Special prizes:

  1. The jury award  Special prizes:
  • the best performance of the Russian composer’s work;
  • the best performance of foreign composer’s work
  • the best performance of the folk song;
  • the best of sacred music;
  • the best of presentation the program;
  • the best conductor of the choir;
  • the best soloist;
  • Special price “the best performance of composer Youry Falik work”

Rules and conditions:

All choirs which have been officially admitted to the competition can participate. With their application, the choirs agree to the rules and conditions of the competition, to recording and broadcasts in sound and television as well as any other sound or visual recording being made in the context of this event, all rights resulting from such recording belong to organizes.

The choirs that sent the application with all necessary documents and paid the fee are admitted to the competition.

Applications for admission require the following documents:

  1. The story of the choir (important concerts performed at home and abroad, prizes or honors in competitions and festivals etc…)
  2. A photo of the choir and conductor.
  3. The planned competition programs, audio or video recordings (sending some pieces by e-mail)
  4. The planned competition program including times;

Entrance fee in competition

(price per choir, payment in rubles or other foreign currency at the exchange rate)

Category 1 – 5 and 12 – 12000 rubles per the choir (≈ 140 $)
Category 6 (ensemble) – 8000 rubles per ensemble (≈ 95 $)
Category 7 – 11 — 10000 per the choir and ensemble (≈ 116 $)

In case the choir (ensemble) takes part in some categories, every category must be paid. There is discount per third and next categories.

The choirs (ensembles) pay the fee after the sending of the application form and not later than June 15, 2024.

In case of refusal after July 15, 2024 the entrance fee doesn’t refund.

Registration

Deadline for application in the 20th International Competition of Choirs and Vocal Ensembles “THE SINGING WORLD” named after Yu. Falik is April 15, 2024. You can send the Application by e-mail: singingworld@mail.ru

Supplementary

  • Five scores of every works of choral music have to be handed to Organizing Committee (on registration).
  • The precise contest program with titles, composers and composer’s dates must be send before June 15.
  • No changes in the contest program are permitted after July 15, 2024.

COPYRIGHT ISSUES

Copyright of photographs and videos taken during the Festival and competition activities belong to the Organizing Committee. The Organizing Committee has the right to use such information, including audio/visual record of the choirs’ performances. The Organizing Committee reserves the right to publish such information in the media or on the Internet.

ORGANIZING COMMITTEE

E-mail: singingworld@mail.ru
Website of festival: http://en.singingworld.ru/
Main website of organisers: http://interfestplus.ru/en/