WorldFestivalAssociation

INVITATION

We are delighted to invite Children’s, Youth, and Adult Choral Groups to participate in the 11th edition of the International Choir Festival & Competition "SINGING IN DURRES" from 18-22 June . Held in the historic city of Durrës, Albania, this vibrant event gathers choirs from around the world to celebrate the beauty and cultural richness of vocal music.

Festival Purpose & Vision

“Singing in Durres” serves as a global platform to promote choral traditions, foster musical exchange, and build lasting friendships among participants. The festival emphasizes both performance excellence and cultural connection, allowing choirs to share their unique musical identity while experiencing the warmth of Albanian hospitality and the charm of Durrës.

Organizer

This festival is organized by the World Festival Association (WOFA), in cooperation with the Center of Culture in Durrës and the Municipality of Durrës.

About Durrës

Located on Albania’s central coast, Durrës is the country’s second-largest city and a major tourist destination. It features historical landmarks such as the Durrës Ancient City Wall, the Durrës Castle, and the largest amphitheatre in the Balkans, which is under consideration as a UNESCO World Heritage site. With over 800,000 tourists annually, its beaches, cultural venues, and lively atmosphere make it an ideal setting for a music festival.

Festival performances will be held in the Catholic Church in the city center and in open-air public spaces.

Festival Structure & Regulations

The festival welcomes:

• Children’s Choirs
• Youth Choirs
• Adult Choirs
• Orchestras and Vocal Ensembles

Festival Format:

• Non-Competitive Section
• Competitive Section (only if 5+ choirs register)

Three Performance Sections:

• Open-Air Program – 12–15 minutes in public outdoor locations
• Spiritual Music – 8–14 minutes (choral arrangements of sacred songs)
• Pop or Folk Music – 8–14 minutes (choral arrangements of popular or folk songs)

All choirs must participate in at least two of the three sections.

Application Requirements:

• Submit application form, short choir CV, conductor and choir photo
• Include a recent audio recording (via email, website, or post)
• Bring a national flag
• Use own transport for arrival and departure
• Maximum group size: 80 people (including singers, musicians, and managers)
• Age: No limit

Legal Notice: By applying, the choir agrees to regulate copyright and grants the festival the right to use recordings and media from the event.

Program Proposal

Day 1

• 12:00–14:00 – Arrival, hotel check-in
• 19:00–21:00 – Dinner
• 21:00 – Welcome reception with group leaders

Day 2

• 08:00–10:00 – Breakfast
• 10:00–14:00 – Durrës sightseeing
• 17:00–19:30 – Dinner
• 20:00 – Festival Evening in the Catholic Church

Day 3

• 09:00–10:00 – Breakfast
• 12:00–15:00 – Choir competition (if applicable)
• 18:30–20:30 – Dinner
• 21:00 – A Capella performances around the city

Day 4

• 09:00–10:00 – Breakfast
• 10:00–14:00 – Excursion to Krujë (historic city & museum)
• 18:30–20:30 – Dinner
• 21:00 – Farewell party for all participants

Day 5

• 09:00–10:00 – Breakfast
• 09:00–14:00 – Departure

 Accommodation Details

Hotel:

• 5★ Hotel Bonita Durrës
• https://hotelbonita.al
• Includes private beach, , spa, swimming pools and full resort amenities

Pricing:

• €139 per person for 3 HB (3 nights, 2 meals/day) in triple rooms
• €179 per person for 4 HB (4 nights, 2 meals/day) in triple rooms
• Double rooms for leaders and drivers included; extra doubles available at €10/person/day
• €49 HB is additional day with brekfast and dinner at Hotel Bonita

Additional Fee:

• Tourist tax: €1 per person/day (mandatory)

 Festival Services Provided

• 1 free package per 24 participants
• Souvenirs & gifts for each group
• Certificate of participation
• Welcome cocktail for group leaders
• Free parking
• Press, social media, and flyer promotions

 Insurance & Transport

• Each group is responsible for its own insurance
• First Aid and medical services available (costs not covered by organizers)
• Airport transfer from Tirana provided upon request (cost based on group size)

 Past Festival Participation

• 2024: Over 420 participants from 10 countries
• Durrës choir festivals continue to grow as a respected event in the European choral community.

 IMPORTANT

• LIMITED TO 400 PARTICIPANTS or 10 CHOIRS ONLY
• Early application is strongly encouraged!