WorldFestivalAssociation

INVITATION

With pleasure we INVITE Folk Ensembles, Choral Groups, Brass Bands, Orchestras, Modern Dance Groups, and Majorette Teams (children, youth, and adult groups) participate on XV International Christmas Choir Festival “VIENNA CHRISTMAS VOICES”.

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 trough 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.

Vienna, the former heart of the Habsburg Empire, enchants with its opulent past and vibrant cultural scene. As the "City of Music," it echoes the brilliance of composers like Mozart and Strauss, while imperial palaces like Schönbrunn and the Hofburg showcase its unmatched grandeur. Don't forget to savor the legendary Viennese coffee house culture—a UNESCO tradition—or gaze upon the masterpieces, including Klimt's The Kiss, at the Belvedere Palace.

 General Rules:

Every choir, singing formation, vocal groups accompany with orchestra or not has the right to participate, Children’s choirs, Youth choirs, Adult choirs

Each choir prepares 15minutes (3–4 pieces).

Must include at least one national piece.

Repertoire can be sacred, secular, Christmas carols, or other music.

The concert is non-competitive: atmosphere of friendship & cultural exchange.

Stage, sound system and electric piano provided.

Certificates and Closing ceremony after the festival;

 Participation information

Participation fee is

144 euro per person for 3 BB in luxury A&T hostel in the center of the city www.athostel.com in multibed rooms

176 Euro per person – for 3 BB – accommodatiоn in 3* hotels like HOTEL ASTORIA, APART HOTEL BIANKA,

199 euro per person – for 3 BB – accommodation in 4* EVENT HOTEL Pyramide or Arion City hotel 4* hotel

It covers hotel accommodation 3 nights (bad and breakfast (OPEN BUFFET) – in multibad rooms on selected hotel… dinner is additional 20 euro in 3* hotel and 25 euro in 4* hotel..

Double rooms are additional 15 euro per person per day…single room 25 euro per person per day..

Prices do not include tour tax ( 2 euro per day per person) and facultative excursions.

 Festival organizers provide:

for 25 participants – one gratis,

souvenir and gift for each group,

certificate for attendance,,

advertising of the festival (press release, social media promotion, posters and flayers).

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: The festival will organize the transport for the groups coming by plane by picking them up from the airport, during the festival days and back to the same airport and inform you how much it will cost.

 Festival program  :

Day 1

12.00 – 14.00 Arriving in Vienna, accommodation

Meeting with director of the festival

Day 2

08.00 -10.00 Breakfast,

10.00 -16.00 Vienna sightseeing

19.00 -22.00 Dinner in the city with traditional music (optional)

Day 3

08.00 -10.00 Breakfast,

18:00-18:45 Rehearsal and Sound check

19:00-22:00 Festival Evening (29 November)

Day 4

09.00 -10.00 Breakfast,

11.00 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

Festival organisers provide a stage for the performance.

Festival location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/iyPa2nNTZqtiQDEJ9

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/watch?v=StPh54h-aoY&list=PL8RE8ufsZ316xDQXmbAU4kD2S_-8Hr-Mo

 Excursion information

Vienna is one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations, rich in cultural offerings and history. Participants will have the opportunity to experience the charm of this once-imperial city, known for its stunning architecture and vibrant cultural life. Excursion will be confirmed upon arrival.

 NEWS FROM THE FESTIVAL                                            Published on 01.12.2024

From 26-29 November 2024 in Vienna was held XV International Christmas Choir Festival “VIENNA CHRISTMAS VOICES”

with great success.

At the festival over 300 participants from Poland, Slovakia, Ukraine, North Cyprus, Bulgaria,Lithuania..

On the welcome reception with the leaders of the groups on 26 November director of the festival Mr Zoran Strezovski wished them welcome in the beautiful city and explained the detailed program.

On 27 November a festival evening was held on the stage of the city of Vienna where all ensembles had their performances. Organizers of the festivals were WOFA - World Festival Association

In 2023 the festival had over 250 participants and 8 ensembles from 7 EU countries..

NUMBER OF SEATS IS LIMITED on 300 participants and 10 ensembles!!

-----------------

Reviews from the groups:

This festival has review of 8 groups and average estimation is EXCELLENT - 9,3/10