9 Inspiring Choir Festivals (and How to Join Them)

Choir festivals offer much more than performance opportunities. They provide transformative experiences where singers connect through music, explore historic venues, and engage with cultures far beyond their own. For directors, they offer structure, inspiration, and a clear vision to guide your season.

Whether you lead a school ensemble, community choir, or faith-based group, the right festival can elevate your program and energize your singers. Rehearsals take on new meaning, fundraising gains urgency, and your ensemble grows stronger with every note shared abroad.

Encore Tours makes it easy to participate. Our team manages every detail from registration and logistics to local support and cultural extensions. We work directly with festival organizers and local partners in more than 30 countries to ensure that your choir gets the most out of every experience. Here are nine choir festivals we recommend, along with how Encore can help bring your tour to life.

Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod

Llangollen, Wales

This world-renowned festival has welcomed choirs from over 100 countries since 1947. Known for its emphasis on peace and cultural exchange, the event blends high-level competition with collaborative workshops and public performances. Llangollen International Eisteddfod is ideal for ensembles seeking a meaningful and globally recognized choral experience. Encore can support your participation and design an itinerary that includes travel through the UK and Ireland.

Encore Voices Prague

Prague, Czech Republic

Join choirs and singers from around the world for a masterfully directed performance of Brahms’ Ein deutsches Requiem at the historic Rudolfinum. Led by Anthony Blake Clark and guided by Simon Halsey, this event combines artistry, education, and cultural immersion. Encore Voices Prague also includes guided excursions, a river cruise, and personal rehearsal support from Encore staff throughout the festival.

Cork International Choral Festival

Cork, Ireland

Held annually since 1954, this vibrant spring festival features gala concerts, school performances, and the prestigious Fleischmann International Trophy Competition. Choirs from across the globe gather in Cork for music-making and warm Irish hospitality. Cork International Choral Festival offers diverse performance settings and a wide reach, with Encore assisting every step of the way, including audition preparation and travel extensions.

Sing Mit Festival

Vienna or Salzburg, Austria

This three-day festival takes place in iconic Austrian venues such as St. Stephen’s Cathedral in Vienna and the Mozarteum in Salzburg. Choirs rehearse and perform sacred repertoire under expert direction, while also exploring cities shaped by the legacies of Mozart and Haydn. With Encore handling all arrangements, your ensemble can focus fully on preparing for a standout performance at Sing Mit Festival.

Spittal an der Drau Choir Competition

Spittal, Austria

This long-running festival is known for its celebration of folk and traditional choral music. Choirs perform in multiple languages and styles, showcasing the cultural heart of their repertoire. Spittal Choir Competition is selective, but Encore can help guide your ensemble through the application and provide rehearsal and travel support from start to finish.

Musica Orbis Festival

Prague, Czech Republic

Designed for choirs of all levels, this festival offers both competitive and non-competitive tracks in stunning venues throughout Prague. Musica Orbis Festival balances performance with sightseeing, musical exchange, and a welcoming atmosphere. Encore ensures your itinerary fits your group’s interests, from rehearsal space to cultural immersion.

Summa Cum Laude Festival

Vienna, Austria

Taking place at the Musikverein and Konzerthaus, this international youth festival welcomes choirs, orchestras, and bands for adjudicated performances and workshops. Summa Cum Laude Festival is among the most prestigious student events in Europe. Encore can handle all festival coordination and build a customized Austrian tour that fits your goals.

Festival des Trois Châteaux

Loire Valley, France

Under the direction of Maestro Till Aly, participating choirs rehearse and perform Faure’s Requiem alongside French ensembles in the majestic Cathédrale de Blois. Festival des Trois Châteaux combines high artistry with a culturally rich setting. Encore helps with festival placement, rehearsal prep, and optional Paris extensions.

Baires Canta

Buenos Aires, Argentina

Though not in Europe, this standout festival offers a vibrant mix of performances, exchanges, and cultural excursions. Choirs from Latin America, North America, and Europe come together to share music in historic theaters and local neighborhoods. Baires Canta is a great fit for ensembles ready for a transformative global experience. Encore’s Latin America specialists will guide every step of your journey.

Let Encore Make It Possible

Joining a festival abroad is an incredible way to grow your ensemble, but organizing it alone can be overwhelming. With Encore, you gain a trusted partner to coordinate registration, travel, accommodations, and on-tour support. Our global network and experienced consultants ensure your focus stays on the music, not the logistics.

To learn more about these festivals and how we can help, visit our festival overview page or contact our team to start the conversation.