Malta International Christmas Choir Festival
Location: MEDINA, Malta
Director: G.N. & WOFA
Application Deadline: 15 December, 2024
INVITATION
Malta, with its strategic position at the centre of the Mediterranean Sea, has always been a crossroad for exchanges of cultural diversity, also due to so many Nations who have ruled over this country along its history. This is why the island's choral tradition is very old, strong and widespread. The aim of this International Festival is to make sure that the different choral traditions from all over the World meet up in Malta, for a reciprocal cultural exchange and enrichment.
Today, Malta is definitely one of the most important countries in Europe’s tourism sector. Rich in history and charm..... with a great sense of hospitality towards visitors and above all.. with a warm temperate climate. During the free time, participating groups will have the chance to relax and explore the various unique cities and villages of this magical island... full of history. Hence we would like to invite you to discover this reality, perhaps at the most beautiful time of the year.
Malta has indeed a strong Christmas tradition. It would be a wonderful opportunity for you to sing in this festive atmosphere in some of the most stunning baroque churches on the island along with local choirs, in a climate of mutual exchange and enrichment.
The past editions of this Festival were much more than successful, with the participation of several choirs from several European countries, such as England, France, Italy, Wales, Sardinia, Hungary, Ireland, Bulgaria, Lithuania, Spain, Sicily, Greece, Estonia and of course from Malta and the sister island of Gozo.
TThe Festival 2023 will be organised over 3 days from the 1st to the 3rd December at various unique baroque churches in Malta. Maltese choirs will also participate in this International festival. The festival is not competitive, and is open for mixed choirs, male choirs, women's choirs, youth choirs, sacred music choirs, gospel choirs, folk music
Each choir can perform in its own style but must keep in mind that this Festival is being held in Catholic Churches and so song list must include sacred songs, for sure Christmas songs and maybe even gospel songs. Each choir can perform "a cappella", or can be accompanied by piano organ or other musical instruments. The Organisation will arrange for the use of the respective churches piano organs. If the piano organ of a particular church could not be used, it will be replaced by an electric piano/keyboard. Any other instruments must be brought over by the respective choir.
The group will be accommodated in a 3 or 4 star Hotel on half board or bed and breakfast basis.
Draft Festival Programme
Day 1
In the morning, all groups must arrive in Malta
Transfer to the Hotel, situated in one of the most popular touristic areas
Buffet Lunch or dinner at the Hotel (if the group is on half board basis).
Friday 1 December
Buffet Breakfast at the Hotel
Some of the choirs will participate in an event for school children and other events around the island.
Buffet Lunch at the Hotel (if the group is on half board basis).
In the evening, another performance in another of the local baroque churches together with local choirs.
Day 2
Buffet Breakfast at the Hotel
For those interested, there will be other optional excursions to visit other magical places around Malta
Buffet Lunch at the Hotel (if the group is on half board basis).
In the evening, another performance in another of the local baroque churches together with local choirs.
Day 3
Buffet Breakfast
Some of the Choirs will participate in Sunday Mass celebrations at one different churches.
Buffet Lunch at the Hotel (if the group is on half board basis).
In the evening, the final night of the Malta International Christmas Choir Festival. Local Authorities and the Organisation Committee will present participation certificates to all choirs who have participated in this International Festival at the end of this final
Day 4
Departures of all International Choir
Participation Package Prices – 3 nights in a 4 Star Hotel on BB Basis:
In twin, triple or quadruple room per person € 220
Single room supplement for 3 nights € 75
Children up to 3 years free of charge.
For extra persons, who are not performers (friends, family, etc) there is a € 5 supplement per person per night.
This Package includes:
• 3 nights accommodation in a 4 Star Hotel, in the tourist area
• Buffet Breakfast
• Tourist tax
• Transfers from the Airport/ Harbour to the Hotel – arrival and
departure
• Transfers from Hotel for all performances
• Assistance by our personnel
• Festival registration fee
Participation Package Prices – 3 nights in a 4 Star Hotel on HB Basis:
In twin, triple or quadruple room per person € 275
Single room supplement for 3 nights € 75
Children up to 3 years free of charge.
For extra persons, who are not performers (friends, family, etc) there is a € 5 supplement per person per night.
This Package includes:
• 3 nights accommodation in a 4 Star Hotel, in the tourist area
• Half board basis – (buffet breakfast, buffet lunch or dinner) – soft
drinks included (water, wine, coke, sprite)
• Tourist tax
• Transfers from the Airport/Harbour to the Hotel – arrival and
departure
• Transfers from Hotel for all performances
• Assistance by our personnel
• Festival registration fee
N.B.
Groups can arrive or depart from Malta a day before or after the scheduled programme due to flight itineraries. Arrangements will be made according to the group’s necessities.
Each group is responsible for airfare/transportation to Malta.
The above is only a draft programme and may be amended as necessary by the Organisation
The Organisation will choose the Choirs who will participate in both the event for school children and the other event on Friday morning, as well for the participation in Sunday
Mass celebrations.
The final Programme including concerts venues, details and time of performances, will be defined after the Organisation has the full confirmation of all choirs participating.
NUMBER of SEATS is LIMITED!!