The concept of calling into being an event like the World Choir Games, taking the Olympic ideal into the arts, arose from the dream to peacefully unify singing people and nations connected by song in a fair competition. The idea should inspire people to experience the strength of interaction which is able to challenge personality and community equally through the power of singing together. No matter on which artistic level one is working – whether singing for pleasure or reaching for artistic stars. The World Choir Games are an international choir festival taking place biannually on different continents.

This idea of the World Choir Games is carried out through the personal experience of millions of people throughout the whole world who sing in choirs daily and internalize and pass on human ideals through song. The idea is instrumental in helping people overcome conflicts and offering, through their social interaction, an example for life. In the future, choirs from all over the world will come together regularly to the World Choir Games, in order to contribute to understanding and peace among nations. All participants celebrate this amazing festival of music, as music is the common language of the world!

“Singing together brings nations together”

The idea of the World Choir Games originates from the effort to bring together people and peoples, who are united through singing, in peaceful competition. This way the coming together of nations, also in arts, can be effectively and illustratively demonstrated and continuously challenged.

“Participation is the highest honour”

Being the world’s biggest choir competition the World Choir Games shall inspire people to experience the strength of interaction which is able to challenge personality and community equally by singing together. Participation alone is important and the greatest honour. The World Choir Games are organised for amateur choirs from all over the world, no matter which continent they come from or which musical genres are represented in their repertoires or which artistic ambitions they have. To experience this festival for choirs from all over the world means to participate, to contribute one’s own performance, to compare to others and to experience the enthusiasm of singing together.

Shaoxing and Shanghai: two outstanding venues

Shaoxing is located on the southern reaches of the Yangtze Delta, not far from Shanghai. Shaoxing is a flourishing metropolis with a history that goes back more than a thousand years. Its people live in a city whose life is determined by water, whose beauty is reflected in its trees and plants and whose culture makes its soul come alive. The people of both cities are looking forward to this important cultural event with great enthusiasm and anticipation. Experience these two fascinating megacities. Welcome to our friends from all over the world!

Credit: Interkultur