The International Federation for Choral Music (IFCM) announces a proposal call to host the World Symposium on Choral Music (WSCM 2026). This triennial symposium is the peak global event in the international choral calendar. It draws together the world’s leading musicians, choirs, vocal ensembles, conductors, composers, clinicians and arts administrators for a superlative experience of concerts, workshops, seminars, presentations and networking opportunities.
IFCM has held 11 symposia in 14 world-class cities over the past 34 years. The first WSCM was held in Vienna in 1987, followed by Stockholm/Helsinki/Tallinn in 1990; Vancouver, 1993; Sydney, 1996; Rotterdam, 1999; Minneapolis, 2002; Kyoto, 2005; Copenhagen, 2008; Puerto Madryn, 2011; Seoul, 2014; Barcelona, 2017; (Auckland, 2020, canceled). IFCM policy states that locations will alternate between the five continents. The next WSCM will be held in Istanbul, Turkey, from 25-30 April 2023.
Hosting a World Symposium brings high profile and prestige to the presenting city. The benefits accrue not only to the city and presenting partners, but to the musical growth and boosted economy of the region. If you and your institution are interested in hosting the 2026 symposium, please examine the guidelines HERE, which give essential information about hosting a WSCM, a list of requirements that will need to be considered, and details on the conference setup and the responsibilities of the host country.
The proposal must come from a national organization, institution, or consortium. A major partnership with other companies such as city/regional government, and convention tourist bureau, is highly recommended.
These past two years have certainly shown that a change in the organization of choral events and programming an event a long time in advance and secure it with the necessary funds has become more difficult and more uncertain.
Therefore, during its last meeting on September 3rd, the Board of IFCM has decided to postpone the call to host the World Symposium on Choral Music 2026, reducing the organizational period to two and a half year.
The new timeline is:
Submit it to office@ifcm.net
Official magazine of the International Federation for Choral Music, the International Choral Magazine is published quarterly in the four official languages of IFCM: English, French, German and Spanish. It is distributed in more than 80 countries on the five continents and is the official voice of choral music around the world.
Read moreOur focus at the moment is to unite the choral calendars of international choral organisations. Meanwhile please consult the calendar of choral events published by the European Choral Association - Europa Cantat here.
Read more
