International Federation for Choral Music

"Travel for a choir is a gift," says Carmen Acevedo. Choral events are not just about competition, they are about growth, connection and cultural exchange, and creating unforgettable memories.

Jurģis Cābulis' best memories relate to his choirs. His credo is "the choir is a reflection of the conductor"; his strategy is to prepare his choir technically, artistically, and mentally.

According to Lim Ai Hooi, it's all about choice, choice, and choice. Choirs need to go out of their own country to get more experience and exposure, but also to know where they stand on the international scene. Ai Hooi also shared her experience as organiser of the Singapore International Choral Festival.

Our three guests gave so much advice to follow:

Know when your choir is ready for competitions. Look for something challenging but that will make the choir successful. Your choir is a brand; show it of. Be realistic in your aspirations. Let your choir shine. Treat every singer equally and play as a team. Inspire your singers but be inspired by them and make them feel important. Represent your culture with pride. Build your programme like a story. Start researching and fundraising early. Plan your finances carefully. Be aware of the early bird discount. Consider your singers' availability. Intensify rehearsals. Make sure your application stands out. Plan your accommodation, meals, and schedule carefully. Don't overwhelm your singers by entering too many categories. Competitions are a challenge; be prepared to lose. See the benefits for your choir… and much more in the recording available to IFCM members here (after login).

Our three guests (from left to right): Lim Ai Hooi (Singapore), Carmen Acevedo (Puerto Rico) and Jurģis Cābulis (Latvia).