The 2012 World Choir Games (WCG), the largest choral competition in the world, will be held in Cincinnati, Ohio from July 4 to 14, 2012 – the first time the event will have been held in North America. It has previously been held in Austria, Germany, China and South Korea.
The WCG takes place every two years and is the signature event of Interkultur, a Germany-based organization that produces international choral events. Inspired by the Olympic ideal, the goal of the WCG is to unite people from all nations through singing in peaceful competition.
The 2012 World Choir Games is expected to host 400 choirs from more than 70 countries; bring together 20,000 participants, including performers, staff, delegations and international jury members; and deliver up to 200,000 spectators at the WCG events.
There will be 23 different musical categories evaluated by an impartial international jury. The categories: Children’s Choirs, Young Children’s Choirs, Youth Choirs of Equal Voices, Mixed Youth Choirs, Male Choirs, Male Chamber Choirs, Young Male Choirs, Mixed Boys Choirs, Female Choirs, Female Chamber Choirs, Mixed Choirs, Mixed Chamber Choirs, Musica Sacra, Music of Religions, Contemporary Music, Popular Choral Music, Folklore, Scenic Folklore (with choreography), Show Choir, Jazz, Gospel, Spiritual and Barbershop.
The World Choir Games is divided into two weeks. There will be Opening Ceremonies in Cincinnati USA on July 4 and 10, 2012. There will be Closing Ceremonies on July 8 and 14, 2012. Of the estimated 400+ choirs participating, close to 50% will compete in each week. A handful of choirs may perform across the two weeks.
For more information about top events in Ohio take a look at the Top Events USA selection of the annual main festivals and events in Ohio.
For more information on the 2012 World Choir Games visit www.2012worldchoirgames.com