International Federation for Choral Music

As part of the WSCM tradition, six WSCM 2026 invited choirs will be paired with six commissioned composers, culminating in world premieres at their gala concerts at the Macau Cultural Centre. Reflecting the symposium’s theme, each choir will perform a newly created work by a composer from a different country, creating a dynamic space for cultural exchange and musical dialogue.

Beatriz Bilbao, Venezuelan composer and performer, is known for her versatile writing and innovative repertoires. Having founded several choral and chamber ensembles, she conducted the Venezuelan premiere of Ancient Voices of Children, music by George Crumb and texts by Federico García Lorca, with the Simón Bolivar Orchestra Contemporary Music Ensemble in 1989.

Cultural diversity and research are part of Beatriz’s compositional interests. Her music has been performed internationally, and she has received several international and Venezuelan composition prizes. Her works often incorporate indigenous Venezuelan elements, reflecting her cultural background.

Beatriz works with both electronic media and acoustic instruments, composing for orchestra, chamber ensembles, electroacoustics, electronics, and vocal and piano performance. Her music has been recorded and issued on CDs, showcasing her versatility and talent as a composer.

Beatriz Bilbao’s note on Sancora

Sancora, angel of unified minds or Saint of Choirs

Five elements of nature inherent to distinct cultures and languages, geographically located in Asia, Africa, North & South America, and Europe, are voiced through the ideas of Earth, Wood, Metal, Water, and Fire. Exploring cultural diversity as a contemporary reality has taken the languages as the greatest indicators of idiosyncrasy, building the future with balance and peace.