Competition Categories

Category A: Open Mixed Choirs (No age limit)

A1: With compulsory set piece

1. Competition set piece Sweet Honey-Sucking Bees by John Wilbye;
2. One original composition by a composer born in the 20^th century from choir's home country or its cultural area;
3. One original composition by a composer born in the 20^th century NOT from choir's home country or its cultural area;

Rules and guidelines for Category A1

1. Both chosen pieces are to be sung a cappella.
2. The total singing time for two choice pieces must not exceed 10 minutes.
3. There should be a minimum of 20 singers in the choir excluding conductor and/or accompanists.

A2: Without compulsory set piece

1. One original choral composition/arrangement from choir's home country or its cultural area;
2. One original composition/arrangement NOT from choir's home country or its cultural area;
3. One freely chosen choral piece.

Rules and guidelines for Category A2

1. Minimum one song should be sung a cappella.
2. The total singing time must not exceed 10 minutes.
3. There should be a minimum of 20 singers in the choir excluding conductor and/or accompanists.

Category B: Open Male / Female Choirs (No age limit)

B1: With compulsory set piece

1. Competition set piece As Fair As Morn' by John Wilbye;
2. One original composition by a composer born in the 20^th century from choir's home country or its cultural area;
3. One original composition by a composer born in the 20^th century NOT from choir's home country or its cultural area;

Rules and guidelines for Category B1

1. Both chosen pieces are to be sung a cappella.
2. The total singing time for two choice pieces must not exceed 10 minutes.
3. There should be a minimum of 20 singers in the choir excluding conductor and/or accompanists.

B2: Without compulsory set piece

1. One original choral composition/arrangement from choir's home country or its cultural area;
2. One original composition/arrangement NOT from choir's home country or its cultural area;
3. One freely chosen choral piece.

Rules and guidelines for Category A2

1. Minimum one song should be sung a cappella.
2. The total singing time must not exceed 10 minutes.
3. There should be a minimum of 20 singers in the choir excluding conductor and/or accompanists.

Category C: Children Choirs (For ages 13 and below)

1. One original choral composition/arrangement from choir's home country or its cultural area;
2. One original choral composition/arrangement NOT from choir's home country or its cultural area;
3. One freely chosen choral piece.

Rules and guidelines for Category C

1. Minimum one song should be sung a cappella.
2. The total singing time must not exceed 10 minutes.
3. There should be a minimum of 30 singers in the choir excluding conductor and/or accompanists.

Category D: Junior Youth Choirs (For ages between 12 and 17)

1. One original choral composition/arrangement from choir's home country or its cultural area;
2. One original choral composition/arrangement NOT from choir's home country or its cultural area;
3. One freely chosen choral piece.

Rules and guidelines for Category D

1. Minimum one song should be sung a cappella.
2. The total singing time must not exceed 10 minutes.
3. There should be a minimum of 25 singers in the choir excluding conductor and/or accompanists.

Category E: Senior Youth Choirs (For ages between 15 and 25)

1. One original composition from choir's home country or its cultural area;
2. One original composition NOT from choir's home country or its cultural area;
3. One freely chosen choral piece.

Rules and guidelines for Category E

1. Minimum one song should be sung a cappella.
2. The total singing time must not exceed 12 minutes.
3. There should be a minimum of 20 singers in the choir excluding conductor and/or accompanists.

Category F: Folklore (No age limit)

1. Two choral arrangements of folk songs from choir's home country or its cultural area.
2. National costumes are welcome.
3. Pieces may be accompanied by piano or by any traditional instruments.
4. Choreography combined with the performance are allowed.

Rules and guidelines for Category F

1. The total singing time must not exceed 8 minutes.
2. There should be a minimum of 20 singers in the choir excluding conductor and/or accompanists.

Grand Prize Competition

Category winners have the opportunity to take part in the Grand Prize Competition if nominated by the artistic committee.

For category A and B, only winners of Category A1 & B1 are able to compete in the Grand Prize Competition.

The programme consists of two freely selected pieces. The pieces must be approved by the Artistic Director. The total singing time must not exceed 10 minutes.