WorldFestivalAssociation

INVITATION

We are delighted to invite Children’s, Youth, and Adult Choral Groups to participate in the XII International Choir Festival and Competition “SINGING IN DURRËS”, which will take place from June 18–22, 2026, in Durrës, Albania.

The main aim of the festival is to celebrate and promote choral music from different countries, encourage artistic exchange, and provide participants with the opportunity to share their culture, form new friendships, and perform in a joyful atmosphere by the Adriatic Sea.

Durrës, one of Albania’s oldest and most captivating coastal cities, beautifully merges ancient heritage with vibrant seaside life. Situated on the Adriatic Sea, it is known for its long sandy beaches, lively promenade, and rich history dating back over 3,000 years. The city’s centerpiece, the Roman Amphitheatre—one of the largest in the Balkans—stands as a testament to its glorious past. Strolling through Durrës reveals a blend of Roman, Byzantine, and Venetian influences alongside modern cafés, seafood restaurants, and a bustling marina. With its golden sunsets and Mediterranean charm, Durrës offers the perfect mix of history, leisure, and coastal beauty.

 General Rules:

Participation is open to all types of choirs, singing formations, and orchestras, regardless of age or repertoire.
The festival features two main sections: competitive and non-competitive (the competitive section will be held only if five or more choirs apply).

There are three performance categories:

Section 1 – Open-Air Performances
Each choir performs a 12–15 minute program of their choice at several outdoor venues in Durrës.

Section 2 – Spiritual Music
Performance of 8–14 minutes, featuring choral arrangements of sacred or spiritual works.

Section 3 – Pop or Folk Music
Performance of 8–14 minutes, featuring choral arrangements of popular or folk songs.

Each participating choir must perform in at least two sections.

To apply, choirs must submit an application form, a photo of the choir and conductor, and a recent audio recording (link, email, or postal submission accepted).

By applying, each choir agrees to respect copyright regulations for their performed works and grants the festival the right to use audio or video material recorded during the event for promotional purposes.

Participation is limited to 80 members per group, including singers, musicians, and leaders.
There is no age limit for participants.
Each choir should prepare at least two performances (8–14 minutes each).
Groups must send a short CV and photos, bring their national flag, and arrange their own transportation to and from the festival.

Flights:
Low-cost flights are available via Wizz Air and Ryan Air to Tirana Airport.

 Accommodation Cost:

The festival will be hosted at Hotel Bonita (5★) — a luxury beachfront hotel in Durrës with a private beach, swimming pool, and spa facilities.

Participation Fee:
153 EUR per person – 3 HB (3 nights with 2 meals)
193 EUR per person – 4 HB (4 nights with 2 meals)
233 EUR per person – 5 HB (5 nights with 2 meals)

After the festival, participants may extend their stay at the hotel for 45 EUR per person (HB).
Double room supplement: 10 EUR per person per day
Single room supplement: 20 EUR per person per day

 Festival organizers provide:

For 25 dancers – one gratis

Souvenir and gift for each group

Welcome cocktail with leaders

Certificate for attendance

Drinks during the performance

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

Free parking

Insurance: Groups must have their own personal responsibility and health insurance.

First aid and medical services will be available and covered by the group.

A tourist tax of 1 EUR per person per day is an additional cost.

Transportation: for groups who are coming by plane, we can arrange transport from Tirana airport to Durres. (Paid additionally).

Program Information

Day 1
12:00–14:00 – Arrival in Durrës, hotel accommodation
19:00–21:00 – Dinner at the hotel
21:00 – Welcome reception with festival organizers

Day 2
08:00–10:00 – Breakfast
10:00–14:00 – Sightseeing tour of Durrës
17:00–19:30 – Dinner at the hotel
20:00 – Festival Opening Evening

Day 3
09:00–10:00 – Breakfast
12:00–15:00 – Choir competition performances
18:30–20:30 – Dinner at the hotel
21:00 – A Cappella Singing in the City

Day 4
09:00–10:00 – Breakfast
10:00–14:00 – Excursion to Kruja
18:30–20:30 – Dinner at the hotel
21:00 – Farewell Party with all participants

Day 5
09:00–10:00 – Breakfast
09:00–14:00 – Departure of participantsOfficial program details will be provided one month before the festival.
Hotel:Hotel Bonita Location

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

The organizers provide a stage for all performances.
Festival location:https://www.google.com/maps/@41.3138911,19.4462747,83m/data=!3m1!1e3?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI1MDkwNy4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D

 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=PL8RE8ufsZ316vYNOijWI2d2Rjq-OaT24M

Excursions Information

BERAT – UNESCO Full-Day Tour
Explore the “City of a Thousand Windows,” a UNESCO site with Ottoman-era houses and a hilltop fortress overlooking the Osum River.

KRUJA – Half-Day Tour
Visit the medieval town of Kruja, home of Albania’s national hero Skanderbeg, and stroll through its charming Ottoman bazaar.

TIRANA & KRUJA – Full-Day Tour
Experience the contrast between Tirana’s modern life and Kruja’s rich history in this cultural full-day trip.

TIRANA – Half-Day Tour
Discover Albania’s vibrant capital, its colorful architecture, and Skanderbeg Square, the city’s cultural heart.

DIVJAKË–KARAVASTA NATIONAL PARK – Full-Day Tour
Explore Albania’s largest lagoon and the habitats of the rare Dalmatian pelican, surrounded by pine forests and sandy dunes.

NEWS FROM THE FESTIVAL                                            Published on 25.06.2025

From  18-22 June  2025 in Durres  was held  XII International Choir Festival and Competition “SINGING IN DURRËS”,with great success.

At the festival over 250 participants from Poland, Lithuania, and Bulgaria

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

On 20 June festival evening was held on the stage of the city of Bar where all ensembles had their performances. Organizers of the festivals were WOFA - World Festival Association

In 2023 the festival had over 350 participants and 6 ensembles from 4 EU countries..

NUMBER OF SEATS IS LIMITED on 300 participants and 8 ensembles!!

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Reviews from the groups:

This festival has review of 5 groups and average estimation is EXCELLENT - 9,3/10