Advocacy statement on the safeguarding of collective singing traditions
With the European Union declaring 2018 as the European Year of Cultural Heritage, broader public awareness for the safeguarding of our collective singing heritage increased across Europe, and new initiatives and projects were born. Yet, despite the 20-year existence of the UNESCO Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, there is still, and all too often, a focus on tangible heritage, whereas intangible heritage is not always fully recognized.
Since vocal music, which includes choral music and collective singing in general, has the largest number of intangible heritage traditions listed by UNESCO within the field of music, the European Choral Association decided to publish an advocacy statement calling on decision-makers and cultural heritage professionals to fully recognize the importance and role of intangible cultural heritage and to encourage measures of support, protection, and promotion.
The statement also calls on persons active in the education sector to integrate collective singing traditions in their work with all age groups.
Read the full statement HERE
IFCM International Online Cafes are open to everyone! Recordings are available to IFCM members only. Since the first online meeting in 2023, IFCM has invited prestigious choral leaders, conductors and composers, from all over the world: Maria Guinand (Venezuela), Eric Banks (USA), Michael Ostrzyga (Germany), Tracy Wong (Malaysia/Canada), Luz Helena Peñaranda (Colombia), Joel Magus P. Navarro (Philippines), Ana María Raga (Venezuela), Carmen Acevedo (Puerto Rico), Jurģis Cābulis (Latvia), Lim Ai Hooi (Singap
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.
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