Choir & Vocal Solo Competitions
Note: Dates and times for the competition categories can be found on our Schedule.
Eligibility
All choirs and soloists are invited to participate in various competitions. The competitions are open to all amateur choirs and soloists (i.e. people who do not earn their main livelihood as singers). The competitions are judged by a jury of internationally renowned musicians. First and second prizes are awarded in each category. All choirs will receive positive and constructive written comments from our international jury. First prize winners perform in the Kathaumixw Awards Concert.General
Choirs entering the Competition must adhere to all Kathaumixw rules and are obliged to participate in the planned schedule of the entire festival.
Each choir must provide three published editions of their scores for the jury 15 minutes before the competition begins (exceptions: copied music from the public domain or music not yet published but used with written permission of the composer).
Choirs must agree to waive all rights associated with radio, television, internet broadcasting and audio and video recordings.
All choirs participating in the Kathaumixw Choral Competition must accept the decisions of the Jury as final.
Special Awards
created by wildlife artist and
Tug Ghum Gallery owner Debra Bevaart.
The Elmer Iseler Award is presented to the choir chosen for the best performance of an original choral composition (not an arrangement) by a Canadian composer during the choir competitions and is awarded at the Gala Closing Concert.
Dr. Elmer Iseler, O.C. (1927-1998) was the Dean of Canadian Choral Conductors, pivotal to the development of choral music in Canada and a great supporter to the International Choral Kathaumixw. He achieved a sound and technique in choral singing which was without parallel in Canada, establishing a benchmark in Canadian choral music to which other choirs across this country, and internationally, aspire. He established a tradition of commissioning Canadian compositions. The International Choral Kathaumixw is honoured to present this award in his name.
Choir of the World at Kathaumixw Award is presented to the winning choir chosen from the best performance of the first place winners during the Awards Concert and awarded at the Gala Closing Concert. More info >>
Choir Competition Categories
Category 1
101 Children's Choir (maximum 18 years of age)
Choirs must perform three contrasting compositions:
a) an original composition written before 1900
b) an original composition by a composer of the choir's own country, sung in any language.
c) a folk song or folk song arrangement.
Total performance time for all 3 pieces must not exceed 13 minutes.
102 Youth Choir, SSA(A), TTB(B) or SATB (maximum 25 years of age)
Choirs must perform:
a) an original composition written before 1900
b) an original composition by a composer of the choir's own country, sung in any language
c) a folk song or folk song arrangement
Total performance time for all 3 pieces must not exceed 13 minutes.
103 Adult Mixed Choir
Choirs must perform:
a) an original composition written before 1900
b) an original composition by a composer of the choir's own country, sung in any language.
c) a folk song or folk song arrangement.
Total performance time for all 3 pieces must not exceed 13 minutes.
created by wildlife artist and
Tug Ghum Gallery owner Debra Bevaart.
104 Equal Voice Choir, SSA(A) or TTBB (over 18 years of age)
Choirs must perform:
a) an original composition written before 1900
b) an original composition by a composer of the choir's own country, sung in any language
c) a folk song or folk song arrangement
Total performance time for all 3 pieces must not exceed 13 minutes.
Choir Competition Awards
An original art piece will be awarded to all first place winners of the
Kathaumixw choral competitions. All second place winners will receive
a Kathaumixw Trophy.
CATEGORY 2
201 Chamber Choir (for choral ensembles of not less than 6 and not more than 16 singers)
Choirs must perform two contrasting compositions:
a) one from sacred repertoire
b) one from secular repertoire
Total performance time for both pieces must not exceed 10 minutes.
202 Contemporary Choral Music
Choirs must perform two compositions written after 1900 displaying innovative and important contemporary compositional techniques.
Total performance time for both pieces must not exceed 15 minutes.
created by wildlife artist and
Tug Ghum Gallery owner Debra Bevaart.
203 Folk & Cultural Traditions
Choirs must perform two contrasting pieces that reflect their country, region or cultural traditions. Authentic costumes, instruments and movement may be used where appropriate.
Total performance time (both pieces) must not exceed
13 minutes.
Choir Competition Awards
An original art piece will be awarded to all first place winners of the Kathaumixw choral competitions. All second place winners will receive a Kathaumixw Trophy.
Vocal Solo Competitions Categories
Members of participating choirs wishing to enter the vocal solo competition must complete the Vocal Solo Application Form.
There is no extra fee for singers attending as a member of a participating choir. NOTE: up to five (5) individual singers from your choir may enter the vocal solo competition for their age group.
Soloists entered in the vocal solo competitions must provide one original copy of their selected music to the secretary of the International Vocal Solo Jury 15 minutes prior to the competition.
Individuals coming solo who wish to participate must complete the Vocal Solo Application Form as well as the Individual registration form.
CATEGORY 3
created by Kwakwaka'wakw artist George Matilpi,
represented by Spirit Gallery.
301 Vocal Solo (maximum 16 years of age)
Soloists must sing two contrasting selections:
a) one from sacred repertoire
b) one from secular repertoire
Total performance time must not exceed 10 minutes.
302 Vocal Solo (maximum 21 years of age)
Soloists must sing two contrasting compositions:
created by Kwakwaka'wakw artist George Matilpi,
represented by Spirit Gallery.
a) one from sacred repertoire
b) one from secular repertoire
Total performance time must not exceed 10 minutes.
303 Vocal Solo (over 21 years of age)
Soloists must sing two contrasting selections:
a) one from sacred repertoire
b) one from secular repertoire
Total performance time must not exceed 10 minutes.
created by Kwakwaka'wakw artist George Matilpi,
represented by Spirit Gallery.
Vocal Solo Competition Awards
An original art piece will be awarded to all first place winners of the
Kathaumixw choral and vocal competitions. All second place winners will receive a Kathaumixw Trophy.