In 2025, Cēsis will become Latvia’s Cultural Capital, and one of the most remarkable events will be the choir and vocal ensemble competition “Cēsis,” which will take place on October 4, 2025.
The goal of this competition is to create a unique platform where participants not only compete but also develop and refine their choir and vocal ensemble skills, enhance their performance in amateur arts, and deepen their interest in preserving choral singing traditions. Therefore, we invite choirs (mixed, women’s, and men’s) and vocal ensembles (adult and senior) to apply—both to inspire one another and to contribute to the continuation of these traditions!
You can find the competition regulations HERE.
By February 28, 2025, choirs and vocal ensembles must electronically submit their completed application form (attached to the regulations) and a video performance of one a cappella piece to the Cēsis Cultural Administration via email at [email protected].
After reviewing the applications, no more than 20 choirs and 25 vocal ensembles will be selected to participate in the competition. The chosen participants will face a special challenge—choirs will perform a mandatory piece from the repertoire of Latvian choral music classic Emīls Dārziņš in honor of his 150th anniversary. Meanwhile, ensembles will have the opportunity to premiere a newly composed piece by Matīss Pēteris Circenis.
A professional jury will evaluate the competition, and the winners will be awarded special prizes. The winning choir will receive a cash prize of 1,500 EUR, while the best vocal ensemble will be awarded 500 EUR.
The competition is organized by the Cēsis Municipality Cultural Administration.
This text has been automatically translated using artificial intelligence.