CATEGORIES:

Children’s choirs and youth choirs:

The performance program may be of the choir’s choice and should include at least two different musical styles or time periods.
At least one of the pieces must be performed a cappella (without instrumental accompaniment).

A1 – CHILDREN’S CHOIRS

Age groups: 7-16
Singing time: maximum 15 minutes
Minimum Number of Singers -16

A2 – YOUTH CHOIRS OF EQUAL VOICES

Age groups: 16-25
Singing time: maximum 15 minutes
Minimum Number of Singers -16

A3 – YOUTH CHOIRS OF MIXED VOICES

Age groups: 16-25
Singing time: maximum 15 minutes
Minimum Number of Singers -16

Vocal Ensembles and Chamber Choirs:

The performance program may be of the choir’s choice and should include at least two different musical styles or time periods.
At least one of the pieces must be performed a cappella (without instrumental accompaniment)

Age groups:

1st – 7 – 10 years old
2nd – 11 – 14 years old
3rd – 15 – 18 years old
4th – 18 – 25 years old
5th – above 25 years old
6th – Mixed Age Group (participants from various age categories)

Singing time: maximum 15 minutes
Minimum Number of Singers -3
Maximum Number of Singers -16

Adult Choirs:
The performance program may be of the choir’s choice and should include at least two different musical styles or time periods.
At least one of the pieces must be performed a cappella (without instrumental accompaniment)

С1 – FEMALE Choirs
Age groups: 18 and over
Singing time: maximum 15 minutes
Minimum Number of Singers -17

С1 – MALE Choirs
Age groups: 18 and over
Singing time: maximum 15 minutes
Minimum Number of Singers -17

С1 – MIXED Choirs
Age groups: 18 and over
Singing time: maximum 15 minutes
Minimum Number of Singers -17

World Sacred Music

Participants can present choral arrangements and ritual music from Christian Catholic, Orthodox, Protestant, Islamic, Buddhist, Jewish, Hindu, Sikh, and many other traditions. This may also include religious melodies and hymns, prayers, spiritual songs, and ceremonial music.
The performance program may be of the choir’s choice.

Age groups: no age restrictions
Singing time: maximum 15 minutes
Number of Singers no restrictions

Folklore

Ensembles perform a folklore program. Corresponding choreography and stage performance are also possible. It is advisable to sing in traditional costumes. If there is no musical notation, please prepare a brief description of the program in English.
The performance program can be chosen by the choir.

Age groups: no age restrictions
Singing time: maximum 15 minutes
Number of Singers no restrictions

Pop – jazz – gospel

The performance program may be of the choir’s choice. Performances may include pieces with instrumental accompaniment, phonograms or a cappella.

Age groups: no age restrictions
Singing time: maximum 15 minutes
Number of Singers no restrictions

Academic Singing

Participants may present works from the classical repertoire, including opera, operetta, arias, etc. At least one of the pieces must be performed a cappella (without instrumental accompaniment).

Age groups:
2nd – 11–14 years old
3rd – 15–18 years old
4th – 18–25 years old
5th – above 25 years old
6th – Mixed Age Group (participants from various age categories)
Singing time: maximum 15 minutes. Number of Singers no restrictions

TERMS OF PARTICIPATION:

Competition performance

1)The competition takes place at the Municipal Theater of Lloret de Mar.
2) For performances, the organizer provides a Yamaha Arius YDP 143 piano with 88 keys and two organ functions. Additionally, a grand piano is available (subject to availability on the day of the competition). The organizer can also provide 6 Condenser microphones, 4 Wireless microphones, and 2 Headset microphones.
If the choir requires any additional equipment, musical instruments, or anything else, they must bring it with them or request it from the organizing committee for an additional fee.
3) SINGING TIME: In all categories, the time limit for clean singing is 15 minutes (minimum 7 minutes). This does not include applause and stage time. The exact duration of each piece must be correctly indicated on the Program Confirmation form that we will send you 30 days before the contest.
4) In those categories where a phonogram is used for performances, please send the phonogram in MP3 format to the specified e-mail address together with the confirmation form.
5) Please ensure you bring 5 copies of the sheet music for each musical composition to be performed. Scores without titles or composer names printed in the Roman alphabet must have a transcription in Roman characters

One copy of the score will be retained by the organizer after the competition. The remaining scores can be collected from the organizer after the awards ceremony.
Each participating choir is responsible for respecting copyright and performance rights for the songs during the competition. The use of unauthorized or reproduced copies is strictly prohibited.

Performance in Montserrat

1.Only choirs preparing a single a cappella musical composition are permitted to perform in Montserrat.
2.All girls and women must ensure their shoulders are covered while performing at the Montserrat monastery.
3.Repertoire for performances in the Basilica of Montserrat must be appropriate for the venue.
4.Participation in the concert is optional; participants may choose not to perform in the Montserrat concert. However, they are welcome to join the Montserrat tour, participate in group photos with all choirs, and attend the concert.

JURY AND JUDGING CRITERIA:

The jury of the contest is formed of the most important cultural workers of Spain, France, Canada and other countries of the Eastern Europe and Asia. International jury is formed by the contest’s providers.

The jury has the right

• not to award all the prizes; 
• to share prize among performers;
• to award special prizes to teachers for outstanding achievements;
• to make a decision about breaking a performance which exceeds the bounds of the regulations;
• the jury evaluates the participants on one hundred-point system, the final result is made up of the average quantity of the received scores and the average value of the progress scores;
• the jury’s decisions are final and are not subject to review.

Judging criteria

1-Technical Proficiency: This criterion assesses the quality of performance, pitch accuracy, intonation, diction, rhythmic precision, breath control, and other technical aspects.

2-Interpretation: It evaluates the choir’s ability to convey emotions and ideas of the musical composition, expressiveness, artistry, depth, and insight into the musical work.

3-Musicianship: This criterion focuses on the choir’s musical understanding and expressiveness, their ability to work in unity, maintain tempo and dynamics, and use dynamic nuances effectively.

4-Repertoire: The evaluation includes the selection and diversity of musical repertoire, the complexity of the pieces chosen, and how well the choir adapts to different styles and genres.

5-Ensemble Interaction: This criterion assesses the unity and coordination of the choir during performance, their ability to listen to each other, synchronize movements, and interact with the conductor.

6-Accuracy of Interpretation: It evaluates how well the choir follows the provided scores and accurately interprets the musical notations.

7-Overall Impression: It encompasses the overall assessment of the choir’s performance, their level of professionalism, originality, and uniqueness.

AWARDS:

The jury evaluates the participants on 100-point scale.

Regarding the genres of performing and categories the awards are distributed due to seven age groups

• participants who received up to 70 points become diploma holders;
• participants who received from 70 to 79 points – laureates of the third degree;
• participants who received from 80 to 89 points become laureates of the second degree;
• participants who received from 90 to 99 points become laureates of the first degree;
• participants who received 100 points become winners of the grand prize of the contest “GOLDEN VOICES OF MONTSERRAT”.
• Grand Prix winners receive a big cup and diplomas (one per group/category);
• First place winners receive a standard trophy and diplomas (one per group/category);
• Second and third place winners receive diplomas (one per group/category);
• All contestants receive diplomas with their results (one per group/category).

Each leader and sponsor will be given a personalized thank-you letter on the official numbered letterhead of the kingdom of Spain.
Special trophy cups are provided for the winners.
Each contestant in the group can request a personal diploma and medal for an additional fee (before the competition).

DRAFT PROGRAM:

1st day:
– check-in to a hotel from 14:00 pm;
– meeting with the organizers of the contest and presentation of the excursion programs;
– dinner;

2nd day:
– breakfast;
– lunch (if you have ordered this option for an additional cost);
– rehearsal;
– beginning of the contest;
– dinner.

3rd day:
– breakfast;
– travel to the basilica of a monastic complex of Montserrat (for an additional fee);
– Performance at the Basilica of Montserrat for the thousands of viewers and visitors;
– Return to the hotel;
– dinner;
– possibility to visit flamenco show with wine, sangria, cava and drinks (for additional fee).

4th day:
– breakfast;
– possible organization of friendly concerts and master classes;
– lunch (if you have ordered this option for an additional cost);
– Dinner;
– Gala concert and Awarding ceremony.

5th day:
– breakfast;
– check out from the hotel at 10:00.

ATTENTION! Organizers have opportunity to modify the program.