Once again Debrecen will host one of the world’s most prestigious musical events, the Béla Bartók International Choir Competition, organized by Jeunesses Musicales Hungary and Kodály Philharmonia Debrecen!
This year, the event will be presented to the public in a new format after the pandemic. But this competition is not just a competition, it is also a celebration of musical excellence, where the world’s best choirs will present gems of contemporary a cappella art! This year, alongside Italian, Greek and Catalan choirs, choirs from Angola, Japan and the Philippines will each represent their country. The Hungarian national choirs include the Ad Libitum Choir and the Zoltán Kodály Youth Choir. And the winning ensemble will not only win the Grand Prix but will also be able to delegate to one of Europe’s most prestigious choral competitions, the “European Grand Prix of Choral Music”.
All the rounds will be open to the public in the city’s public venues, and there will be accompanying events throughout the town, including folklore evenings, church performances and community sing-alongs.
The Opening Ceremony and the competitions in each category are free of charge, but the other events are available online and through kodalyfilharmonia.jegy.hu with a 500 HUF registration ticket that can be purchased in person at the Klassz Pont ticket office, the Kölcsey Centre ticket office, and the Tourinform Office.
OPENING EVENT – Béla Bartók International Choir Competition
1 August 2024, 19:00
Great Reformed Church
Eleven choirs from three continents will compete in the 29th edition of the renewed Béla Bartók International Choir Competition in Debrecen from 1-4 August 2024. The opening ceremony of one of the world’s most prestigious choral competitions will feature ensembles from Hungary, Italy and Greece, as well as choirs from Angola, Japan, the Philippines and Catalonia. The prestigious international jury, led by Lorenzo Donati, will be introduced and a new work by Máté Bella, composed especially for the occasion, will be performed.
Ticket price: FREE!
“Vivat, crescat, floreat!”
2 August 2024, 19:00
Kölcsey Centre, Great Hall
Program:
Bella Máté: Vivat, crescat, floreat!
Árpád Barabás: Dinos and Humans – premiere
Zoltán Kodály: Pentecost Slayer
Bence Kutrik: Puer natus
Dániel Dobos: Callis stellarum – premiere
Bárdos Lajos: Cantemus!
With:
Lautitia Children’s Choir (choir director: József Nemes) / Kodály Choir (choir director: Zoltán Kocsis-Holper)
Conductor: József Nemes and Zoltán Kocsis-Holper
– intermission –
Péter Tóth: Wedding – premiere
With:
Gabriella Balga (soprano)
Kodály Choir (choir director: Zoltán Kocsis-Holper) / Kodály Philharmonic Orchestra
Conductor: Zsolt Hamar
Ticket price: 500 HUF registration ticket
Grand prize concert and results announcement
4 August 2024, 15:00
Kölcsey Centre, Great Hall
The final event of the 2024 Béla Bartók International Choir Competition will feature the choirs nominated by the international jury led by Lorenzo Donati for the Grand Prize. In the Grand Prix competition, the ensembles will perform a program of their own choice from the repertoire of the 20th and 21st centuries, with a special focus on the turn of the millennium. The winning choir will be invited to participate in the European Grand Prix for Choral Singing, which will be held in Arezzo, Debrecen, Jurmala, Maribor, Tolosa and Varna, at different venues each year. The Grand Prix Concert will be followed by a results ceremony and awards ceremony.
Ticket price: 500 HUF registration ticket
For more information and the schedule of the Béla Bartók International Choir Competition click HERE.
