WorldFestivalAssociation

INVITATION

With pleasure, we INVITE Children’s, Youth, & Adult Choral Groups to participate in the XX International Choir Festival “SEA OF RHYTMS,” which will be held from 20 – 24 May 2026 in Budva, Montenegro.

The intention of our invitation and the Festival light motive is to present the cultural tradition of different countries and to provide an opportunity for the members of groups to get together, to establish friendships and culture presentation through dance and music.The idea of the Festival is to bring the music closer to the people and to present the music on the streets and the squares.The festival is open for folk and choir ensembles, as well as orchestras and majorettes regardless of the members gender and age.

Budva, the lively heart of the Montenegrin coast, is famous for its Riviera of sandy beaches and vibrant nightlife. Its crown jewel is a beautifully preserved Old Town (Stari Grad), a fortified city over 2,500 years old, featuring Venetian-era stone walls, the historic Citadel, and ancient churches. Just offshore, don't miss the picturesque islet of Sveti Stefan, a former fishing village turned luxury resort, which is arguably Montenegro's most iconic sight. Budva seamlessly blends thousands of years of history with a modern, energetic summer atmosphere.

 General Rules:

Every choir, singing formation, and orchestra has the right to participate.

Categories include: Children’s Choirs (2/3 of participants must be 16 or younger)

Youth Choirs (2/3 of participants must be 27 or younger)

Adult Choirs (1/3 of participants must be older than 27)

Application requirements: Submit an application form, a photograph of the choir and conductor, and a recent audio recording.

Materials can be sent via email, uploaded online, or sent by post.

The festival features two participation options: Competitive or Non-Competitive.

Competitive participation is judged by an international jury.

A minimum of five choral groups is required for the competition.

Categories: Uniform, Mixed, Children’s Choirs. A statue “St. Stefan” will be awarded as the grand prize.

Sections of the Festival:

Section One – Performances (15-20 minute open-air programs at various public locations)

Section Two – Pop Music (choral arrangements of pop songs, lasting 8-12 minutes)

Section Three – Folk Music (choral arrangements of folk songs or motifs, lasting 8-12 minutes)

All choirs must perform in at least two sections.

By applying, choirs agree to respect and regulate the legal rights of authors of their performed works and grant rights for the festival to use any recorded material.

Participation Conditions:

Limited number of participants (groups up to 50 members including singers, managers, and musicians)

Groups must provide transportation for arrival and departure

Required: Short CV, photos of the choir, and a country flag

Each choir must prepare two performances for two sections (8-14 minutes each)

 Accommodation Cost:

€112 per person (3 nights / 4 days, 2 meals per day)
€145 per person (4 nights / 5 days, 2 meals per day)
€179 per person (5 nights / 6 days, 2 meals per day)

Additional double room is €10 per person for 1 night
Extended stay in Budva available at €32 per person per day

Hotels:
Hotel Empire:https://www.apartmanibudva-dib.com/hotel-empire/
Villas Hotel Park:http://hotelparkbudva.com/me/smjestaj/turisticko-naselje-vile-hotela-park.html
Hotel Lobo: Link

Accommodation on request:
Slovenska Plaza:https://www.hgbudvanskarivijera.com/en/slovenska-plaza-resort
Hotel In
Hotel Park:http://hotelparkbudva.com/me/smjestaj/smjestaj-hotel-park.html

Tourist tax and insurance (1.50 Euros per person/day) are to be paid additionally.

Parking for buses is paid additionally.

 Festival organizers provide:

For 30 performers – one free of charge (30 paying + 1 free)

Souvenir and gift for each group

Certificates of attendance

Refreshments during performances

Festival promotion (press releases, social media, posters, flyers)

Competitors: Receive certificates, and the winner gets the statue “Sveti Stefan”

Insurance: Personal responsibility and health insurance are within the other obligations of the groups. First Aid and Medical Hospital will be available, medical services must be covered by the group

Transportation: for groups who are coming by plane, we can arrange transport from (Tivat or Podgorica airport) to Budva. (Paid additionaly).

 Festival program  :

PROGRAM INFORMATION

Day 1:
12:00 – 14:00 Arrival in Budva and hotel accommodation
18:30 – 20:00 Dinner in hotel
21:00 Welcome reception with leaders and conductors

Day 2:
08:00 – 10:00 Breakfast
10:30 – 14:00 Budva sightseeing and boat trip to Sveti Stefan peninsula
19:30 – 20:00 Dinner in hotel
21:00 Official opening of the festival with welcome speech, singing together, and open-air acapella performance in the old city

Day 3:
08:00 – 10:00 Breakfast
11:00 – 14:00 Competition (Hotel Splendid, judged by an international jury)
20:00 – 21:00 Dinner in hotel
21:00 Festival evening

Day 4:
09:00 – 10:00 Breakfast
09:00 – 18:00 Optional excursions or free activities (visit Kotor, Herceg Novi, Dubrovnik, Aqua Park, or Boka Kotorska Bay)
19:00 – 21:00 Dinner in hotel
21:00 – 00:00 Closing ceremony, certificates of attendance, awards, and exchange of presents

Day 5:
09:00 – 10:00 Breakfast
12:00 Departure

 COMMUNICATION STEPS

Step 1 — Apply

Fill out the online application form with your group details.

Step 2 — Confirmation

You’ll instantly receive an email confirming we got your application.

Step 3 — Application Number

Within 2 days you’ll receive your Application Number and required materials list.

Step 4 — Review

WOFA reviews your application and checks availability.

Step 5 — Acceptance

If accepted, you’ll receive an Invitation Letter and deposit instructions.

Deposit must be paid within 10 days.

Step 6 — Secure Your Spot

Send us your deposit confirmation. Your participation is officially confirmed.

Step 7 — Finalization

A WOFA coordinator will guide you through the final steps: participant list, travel details, and performance info.

 Important Details

Due to the Old Town location, a stage is not allowed.

Festival location:https://maps.app.goo.gl/XeRZKmf56nnAe2zb8

The official festival program will be provided one month before arrival.

Festival Highlights

See videos of performances on our official YouTube playlist:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL8RE8ufsZ3154Go7BFVp8lDE6h4QH-2nB

 Excursion information

Visiting Ostrog Orthodox Monastery: sacred site built into a cliffside.

Tara River Canyon: explore the second deepest canyon in the world.

Shkodra Lake with Lunch: largest lake in Southern Europe with traditional lunch.

Shkodra Lake without Lunch + Boat Ride: panoramic boat ride experience.

Visiting Kotor with Boat Ride: cruise Bay of Kotor and explore UNESCO-listed Old Town.

Visiting Kotor without Boat Ride: walk through historic landmarks in Old Town.

Kotor Cable Car Adventure: panoramic views of Montenegro.

 NEWS FROM THE FESTIVAL                                            Published on 25.05.2025

From 18-22 May 2025 in Vienna was held XX International Choir Festival “SEA OF RHYTMS,” with great success.

At the festival over 300 participants from Poland,Lituhania, Albania, Estonia, Bulgaria,Lithuania,Romania

On the welcome reception with the leaders of the groups on 18 May   director of the festival Mr Zoran Strezovski wished them welcome in the beautiful city and explained the detailed program.

On 21 May  festival evening was held on the stage of the city of Budva where all ensembles had their performances. Organizers of the festivals were WOFA - World Festival Association

In 2023 the festival had over 280 participants and 8 ensembles from 6 EU countries..

NUMBER OF SEATS IS LIMITED on 250 participants and 8 ensembles!!

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Reviews from the groups:

This festival has review of 11 groups and average estimation is EXCELLENT - 9,4/10