International Federation for Choral Music

WORLD CHORAL DAY 2026 | The Courage to Listen | 13 December 2026 

Singing together begins with listening.

Whether you sing, conduct, compose, teach, organize, publish, research, support, or simply enjoy choral music, you have a place in World Choral Day. 

Register your intent to participate

 

Theme invitation

This World Choral Day, we invite people and organizations across the choral ecosystem to make room for voices, experiences, and stories beyond their own. Join the worldwide celebration through an activity, a personal reflection, or an initiative that helps others sing and listen.

Listening can encourage us to pause, reconsider what we know, and make room for someone whose experience differs from ours. Together, let us explore: Who do we need to hear?

 

Everyone has a part to play

Here are some ways to participate. You are welcome to contribute in more than one way or propose your own.

 

How to participate, choose, register, listen, and share.

1. Choose your contribution. Sing, create, teach, gather, listen, share a story, or support others in a way connected to The Courage to Listen. 
2. Register your intent. Tell us how you plan to participate. Tentative plans are welcome. 
3. Make room for listening. Consider: Who do we need to hear? For group activities, include a minute of intentional listening and invite participants to reflect together. 
4. Share your experience. Share a photograph, short video, or reflection to help tell the story of this worldwide celebration.

Want to go further? Listen to a person or community beyond your usual circle and let that encounter shape a shared activity. Reflect on: Because we listened, we… 

 

A celebration across time zones

During 7-13 December, IFCM will share selected contributions from across the world, bringing together the people and communities who sustain choral music. 

Wherever you are, we invite you to share a short video, photograph, or reflection inspired by The Courage to Listen. Our aim is to carry these voices across time zones, showing how the celebration unfolds around the world. Selected contributions will be scheduled for publication through IFCM’s social media channels. 

 

Register your intent 

You can participate on your own or through a choir, institution, organization, or business. Register your intent even while your plans are still taking shape.

Register your intent to participate

 

Campaign materials

Use these resources to prepare your contribution and invite your community:

• Participation guide
• World Choral Day 2026 graphics
• Updated English Proclamation
  

 

Naming your event

Give your event its own title and add “[Name of Your Choir or Association] Celebrating World Choral Day 2026.” Clearly identify the actual organizer. 

Country-level titles, such as “World Choral Day [country]” and wording implying official IFCM organization or endorsement, require prior coordination with IFCM. Geographic titles should be considered only for a national entity or an organizer with a demonstrable national mandate or scope. Registration alone does not establish IFCM sponsorship, endorsement, or partnership. 

 

Share your celebration

Help us bring celebrations and contributions together through photographs, short videos, and reflections. You might respond to “Because we listened, we…” or “I wish the world would listen to…” Selected submissions may be featured through IFCM’s World Choral Day communications.

 

Questions and contact

• Do we need to be IFCM members? No. Everyone across the choral ecosystem is welcome.
• Do I need to belong to a choir or organize an event? No. You can take part through a personal reflection, resource, conversation, creative contribution, or other action connected to the theme. 
• Can we register before our plans are final? Yes. The confirmation will explain how to provide updates. 
• Must we read or record the proclamation? No. Using the proclamation is optional. 
• Will every contribution appear on IFCM social media? Selected contributions will be featured, subject to permissions and the editorial schedule.