Acceptance will be granted only to non-professional choirs whose members don´t gain their livelihood neither through professional singing nor educating.Conductors and instrumentalists are the exception of the rule, also singers involved as students of music.

Each choir may participate in one or two of the following four categories:

1.      Sacred music
2.      Secular music
3.      Contemporary music
4.      Folklore

All categories are without compulsory piece. The chosen repertoire should represent the choir´s quality. In the categories "Sacred Music" and "Secular Music", the competition programme may only include a cappella works. In the other categories - "Contemporary music" and "Folklore" - instrumental accompaniment is permitted.

The total duration, from the beginning of the first piece until the end of the last piece - not just the singing time! - must not be less than 15 minutes and not more than 20 minutes. The performance time will not be interrupted by applause.

The competition bidding was deliberately designed to give each choir the chance to express its own traditions and strengths. A programme is expected that reflects the choir music activities according to the different countries. At the same time, the idea of the 1st „Heart of Europe“ Choir Competition includes the hope that choirs take an interest in cultural and musical traditions elsewhere in the world and will perform at least one piece that does not have its origins in their native cultural circles.


1. Sacred Music und 2. Secular music

In the category "Sacred music" and "Secular music", each choir has to perform at least three works. The performance must include:

a) a musical work of the choir´s originating country or area.
b) a musical work of a composer originated from a different than the choir’s country or area.


3. Contemporary music:

This category is to allow insight into the composition work of the 20th century up to the very present.
In the category contemporary music, each choir has to perform at least three works. All pieces must be written in 1990 or later. The performance must include:

a) a musical work of the choir´s originating country or area.
b) a musical work of a composer originated from a different than the choir’s country or area.


4. Folklore

The festival comittee aims to present international folklore in wide variety as well as in a most comprehensive way. A choir may interpret the folklore of its native country or its different ethnic groups. In the same way, a choir may choose to represent a culture other than the dominant one in its home country. These categories do not envisage choirs performing national folk songs from different countries (potpourris).

Choreographies are permitted. Main emphasis must be put on the vocal part. To perform in traditional costumes typical of the country is desirable. In case sheet music is not available, a short description for the jury written in English is requested.



„Heart of Europe“-Grand Prix:

After the competitions in the several categories the "Heart of Europe" - Grand Prix will take place. The contestants will be chosen by the jury from the participating choirs. The performance time ist limited to 15 minutes. The contestants will do a program of their own choice.