Space of music and friendship

The number of actors participating in this year's competition has doubled compared to the 2023 competition (from 600 to 1,200 actors). Photo: QUOC TUAN

Since 2011, the International Choir Competition has been organized by Hoi An City and INTERKULTUR Association (Germany) every two years in Hoi An. The event has left a deep impression and good feelings in the hearts of participating artists, people and tourists.

The scale and prestige of this event has been constantly increasing over the years. For example, the 7th competition in 2023 attracted about 600 actors with 18 groups from 7 countries, while this year's event has up to 1,200 actors with 29 groups from 9 countries.

Leaders of Quang Nam province presented flowers to the judges and the performing groups participating in the 8th International Choir Competition. Photo: QUOC TUAN

According to Mr. Johan Rooze - Artistic Director of INTERKULTUR, the art troupes participating in the competition are not only limited to Southeast Asia but also from faraway countries such as Korea, Poland and Canada.

“I clearly feel that the choral world is still full of vitality and more than ever, the saying “Singing together brings nations closer together” is still true, especially in a world heritage city like Hoi An” - Mr. Johan Rooze said.

During the festival (April 9-12), choral melodies from many unique cultures around the world will be performed at many locations in Hoi An for the public to enjoy.

The choir competition will take place at Hoi An Park; the street choir exchange “International Melody” will take place at Kazik Park and Ba Mu Pagoda; the art performance program “Hoai Giang Night” will take place on Hoai River…

A performance by a choir from Thailand on the opening night of the competition. Photo: QUOC TUAN

The teams will compete in 11 subjects in 7 categories. Specifically, Class A (Difficulty Level I) has 2 subjects (Male and Female Choir, Male/Female Choir); Class B (Difficulty Level II) has 2 subjects (Male and Female Choir, Male/Female Choir); Class G (Children's Choir - Youth Choir) has 3 subjects (Children's Choir, Male/Female Youth Choir, Mixed-Female Youth Choir); Class SE (Middle-aged Choir) has 1 subject; Class S (Hymn Choir) has 1 subject; Class SP (Religious Choir) has 1 subject; Class F (Folk Choir) has 1 subject.

It can be said that the international choir competition has become a regular "meeting place" for the host Hoi An to have the opportunity to create an emotional space of music and friendship.

Mr. Nguyen Van Lanh - Vice Chairman of Hoi An City People's Committee said: "This year's Vietnam International Choir Competition will make "Hoi An Creative House" more lively on its journey to join the UNESCO global network of creative cities; at the same time, contribute to the development of choral art and chamber music in Hoi An City".

Source: https://baoquangnam.vn/hoi-thi-hop-xuong-quoc-te-viet-nam-lan-thu-viii-khong-giant-cua-am-nhac-va-tinh-huu-nghi-3152526.html