Press & Information

20th International Chamber Choir Competition in Marktoberdorf, May 14–18, 2027

Since 1989, Marktoberdorf has been the gathering place for the international choral community every two years during the Pentecost holidays. Over this time, the International Chamber Choir Competition has developed into one of the world’s most renowned competitions for chamber choirs. In the 19 competitions held to date, more than 250 choirs from around 50 countries have demonstrated the diversity and artistic quality of international choral music through high-caliber competitions and exceptional concerts. Experts and choral music enthusiasts alike value the competition as an exceptional forum for musical encounters, artistic exchange, and international dialogue.

The 20th edition of the International Chamber Choir Competition will take place in Marktoberdorf from May 14 to 18, 2027. Up to twelve outstanding chamber choirs from around the world are expected to participate in this anniversary edition. As an invitational competition, the event brings ensembles together for an artistic competition at the highest level. In addition to the competition rounds, the program features concerts and gatherings throughout the Allgäu region.

The competition’s international significance is also reflected in the composition of the jury. With Pan Jiang from China, Stephen Layton from England, Maria Felicia Pérez from Cuba, Ragnar Rasmussen from Norway, and Jan Schumacher from Germany, five internationally renowned figures from the choral world have been recruited for this anniversary edition. Pan Jiang is a renowned Chinese choral conductor and university professor with extensive international experience as a conductor, jury member, and educator. Stephen Layton is one of Britain’s most distinguished choral conductors and is the founder and director of the internationally renowned ensemble Polyphony as well as the Holst Singers. Maria Felicia Pérez is one of the most prominent figures in the Cuban choral scene and is the founder and director of the internationally renowned chamber choir Exaudi. Ragnar Rasmussen is an internationally sought-after Norwegian choral conductor, composer, and university professor who has been active for many years as a conductor, lecturer, and judge at international choral events. Jan Schumacher is the university music director and a professor in Frankfurt; he leads several renowned choirs and is active internationally as a conductor, lecturer, and jury member.

A special musical highlight of the 20th International Chamber Choir Competition will be the world premiere of Charlotte Seither’s “Wings / Departure”. The work was commissioned specifically for the anniversary competition and is designated as the required piece for the participating mixed chamber choirs. The composition will be performed publicly for the first time in Marktoberdorf in 2027. In doing so, the competition is also sending a clear signal in support of contemporary choral music. The new work is part of the first round of the competition, in which the choirs will present a 15- to 20-minute a cappella program featuring works from three different stylistic periods.

The application period for the 20th International Chamber Choir Competition has already begun. Interested choirs have until October 31, 2026, to apply to participate and submit the required documents. Only mixed chamber choirs are eligible to participate. The competition consists of two rounds: In the first round, the choirs will present an a cappella program featuring works from three different stylistic periods, including the required piece by Charlotte Seither. The second round will focus on a ten-minute program of the choirs’ own choosing, allowing the ensembles to showcase their unique musical and cultural talents. The 20th edition of the International Chamber Choir Competition thus promises not only a high-caliber artistic competition but also an international celebration of choral music and cultural exchange. When choirs from around the world gather in Marktoberdorf in May 2027, it will once again become clear why the competition has held a special place in the international choral scene for nearly four decades.

For more information and to apply, visit www.kammerchorwettbewerb.org