malta international choir fesitval

The Ministry for Tourism and the Malta Tourism Authority invite all international and Maltese choirs to participate in the 23rd edition of the Malta International Choir Festival ®

that will take place in Valletta, Floriana and other locations from 2 to 5 November, 2017.

Malta International Choir Festival ® Malta Tourism Authority

Auberge d'Italie, Merchants Street Valletta VLT1170,

Malta

www.maltachoirfest.com www.visitmalta.com/events

[email protected]

Tel. (00356) 22915136

info

rma

tio

n p

ack

ag

e fo

r p

art

icip

ati

on

in

th

e

20

17

MMAA

LLTT

AA II

NNTT

EERR

NNAA

TTII OO

NNAA

LL CC

HHOO

II RR FF

EESS

II TTVV

AALL

®

Malta International Choir Festival ® Information Package

1

MMAALLTTAA IINNTTEERRNNAATTIIOONNAALL CCHHOOIIRR FFEESSTTIIVVAALL ®

‘Where Voices Shine’

2 – 5 November 2017

organised by the

Ministry for Tourism & The Malta Tourism Authority


2

Table of Contents Welcome to the Malta International Choir Festival 2017 .................................................................................... 3

Festival Programme .............................................................................................................................................. 4

The Non-Competitive Programme of the Festival ................................................................................................ 5

The Competitive Programme of the Festival ........................................................................................................ 6

SACRED MUSIC .................................................................................................................................................. 9

SECULAR MUSIC .............................................................................................................................................. 10

CHILDREN & YOUTH CHOIRS ........................................................................................................................... 12

GRAND PRIX OF MALTA .................................................................................................................................. 13

General terms of participation for choirs ........................................................................................................... 14

Application Form................................................................................................................................................. 16

Additional information on other Festival projects.............................................................................................. 23

Appendix I ........................................................................................................................................................... 24

Appendix II .......................................................................................................................................................... 25


3

Welcome to the Malta International Choir Festival 2017

‘Where Voices Shine’

Malta has regularly hosted international choir festivals and competitions since 1988. The

islands of Malta and Gozo can boast of a very thriving choral scene and – with over 350

churches serving a population of about 430,000 – the choral tradition is, understandably,

built around and mostly focused on sacred music.

The Ministry for Tourism and the Malta Tourism Authority will be organising the 23rd

edition of the Malta International Choir Festival that shall be held from the 2 to the 5 of

November 2017. As with the last edition, in 2015, apart from the Festival proper on the

dates mentioned, the Organising Committee is aiming at expanding the Festival through a

number of satellite projects that do not necessarily take place during these four days.

We very much look forward to welcoming you in Malta to share with you and other

international choirs the joy and love for singing.

Malta International Choir Festival Committee Members Chairman Christopher Muscat Artistic Director Rev. John Galea Festival Administrator Martin Morana Festival Co-ordinator Gabija Jenciute Logistics Noel D'Amato Events Operation Adviser Edward Zammit


4

Festival Programme

WEDNESDAY November 1

All day: CHOIR REGISTRATION at the Festival`s office, Catholic Institute, Floriana

THURSDAY November 2

Morning / afternoon: CHOIR REGISTRATION at the Festival’s office, Catholic Institute, Floriana

16.00 hrs Opening Ceremony SINGING & PRAYING FOR PEACE at St John’s Co-Cathedral

Leaders of different religious denominations unite with the harmonious singing of choirs to pray together for peace in Malta’s most beautiful place of worship

17.30 hrs: CHORISTERS‘ STREET PARADE in the main streets of Valletta

18.30 hrs: WELCOME RECEPTION for all choristers in Valletta

FRIDAY November 3

Late morning / early afternoon: SINGING IN THE CITY concerts (various venues)

Afternoon / evening: CHORAL SINGING COMPETITIONS (Catholic

Institute, Floriana) and (St Publius Parish Church)

SATURDAY November 4

Morning / early afternoon: CHORAL SINGING COMPETITIONS (Catholic Institute Theatre and St Publius Parish Church, Floriana)

Late morning / early afternoon: SINGING IN THE CITY concerts (by various choirs at Valletta’s City Entrance )

Evening: FESTIVAL CONCERT by Arsis Handbell Ensemble from Estonia and Gentlemen’s Singers from the Czech Republic (Venue tbc)

SUNDAY November 5

Morning: Choirs sing during SUNDAY MASS in various churches around Malta (optional).

16.00 hrs GRAND PRIX OF MALTA COMPETITION& PRIZE GIVING and CLOSING CEREMONY. (Catholic Institute, Floriana)

Evening: FAREWELL RECEPTION (Venue tbc)

The Organiser of the Festival reserves the right to make as many necessary changes as required to ensure the smooth running of the Festival both before and during the actual events. Participating choirs will, however, receive detailed communications with the exact timings, closer to the Festival.


5

The Non-Competitive Programme of the Festival


6

The Competitive Programme of the Festival

The Malta International Choir Competition 2017

Preambles

"Festival" refers to the Malta International Choir Festival held between 2 and 5 November

2017.

"Competition" refers to the Choral Competition held as part of the Malta International

Choir Festival 2017."

"Artistic Committee" refers to the Artistic Committee of the Malta International Choir

Festival 2017.

"Jury" refers to the panel of distinguished professionals appointed by the Artistic

Committee to adjudicate the Competition.

“Organiser” refers to the Organiser of the festival and in charge of overall and logistical

matters.

Terms and Conditions 1. Non-professional choirs of any nationality may participate in the Festival’s competitive

categories. For the ends of this Competition, "non-professional choirs" shall refer to choirs whose singing members - therefore with the exception of the conductor and the accompanist – do not earn their living from professional singing.

2. There are no age restrictions except for Children & Youth Choirs categories.

3. Choirs may opt to take part in up to two (2) categories. Each selected category shall, however,

need to be approved at application level by the Artistic Committee on the basis of the

application package (please ensure that the choir's biography and sound recording is included).

4. Choristers can sing with only one (1) primary choir.

5. Choir members are allowed to sing in smaller ensemble formations in a different category, but

each ensemble should be clearly identifiable with the primary choir.


7

6. The competition programme for each selected category shall be approved by the Artistic

Committee at application stage. Choirs competing in different categories are not allowed to sing

the same work in two (2) different categories.

7. Accompaniment is limited to organ and electronic piano (with weighted keys) which will be

provided by the Organiser where applicable and as indicated in each respective category.

Where required, choirs are to provide their own accompanist who may also be a singer within

the same choir.

8. The use of other pitched instruments is not allowed except for the Folk Category, in which case

the choirs are responsible to provide any non-standard instrument/s as well as the

performer/s.

9. Percussion instruments are allowed in a cappella pieces/categories with the prior permission of

the Artistic Committee. Once approved, choirs would be responsible to provide both the

instrument/s and the performer/s.

10. Amplification (of choirs and of instruments) is not allowed in any of the categories.

11. Time restrictions for every category need to be strictly adhered to and there will be penalties

for over-running. Times indicated in the individual categories refer to actual singing time and

therefore do not include entrance, exit and applause.

12. Works should be performed as originally written by the composers. In some instances,

transpositions to a more convenient key are acceptable but the Artistic Committee should be

informed about any such changes at application stage to be able to inform the Jury.

13. Together with the application package, choirs must submit a PDF file by e-mail of every piece

performed in the competition including the Grand Prix of Malta (full vocal score) for the use of

the international Jury. Vocal scores should be written according to standard western notation

and preferably type-set. Titles and composers’ names should be clearly written in Roman

alphabet on each score.

14. Published works may only be sung using the original printed scores or authorized copies. The

use of unauthorized or handwritten copies is strictly prohibited.

15. Texts of the selected works can be in any language but works set to languages other than Latin

or English need to be accompanied by a translation into English and, if applicable, guidelines for

pronounciation.

16. The running order of choir performances in the competition is scheduled in such a way as to

accommodate any logistical requirements of competing choirs' commitments within the

Festival.


8

17. Due to an already heavy festival schedule, choirs are encouraged not to organise individual

concerts during the days of the Festival. However, choirs wishing to perform other concerts

beside the competition are cordially invited to inform the Artistic Committee at the application

stage so that choirs are assigned participation in Singing in the City within the framework of

the Festival.

18. The Jury shall consist of five (5) distinguished professionals in the field of choral music.

19. The decisions of the Jury are final and no discussion or correspondence will be entered into

during or after the conclusion of the Festival. Choir directors may however consult jury

members about their performance and ask for comments and feedback.

20. The competition is divided in various categories as outlined hereunder and based on one (1)

round.

21. PRIZES

a. Choirs obtaining an overall mark of less than 50% will receive a Certificate of

Participation in the Malta International Choir Festival.

b. Choirs obtaining an overall mark of between 50% and 75% will be receiving an

Honorary Diploma of Merit including the overall mark.

c. Choirs obtaining an overall mark of over 75% will be receiving an Honorary

Diploma of Excellence including the overall mark.

d. The winner of each category will be the choir with the highest overall mark with an

Honorary Diploma of Excellence.

e. The category winner shall receive a Trophy and a Diploma.

f. Each category winner shall also gain the right to take part in the Grand Prix of

Malta competition held on the Final Night. The Grand Prix of Malta will be divided

into three (3) divisions: (i) Sacred, (ii) Secular and (iii) Children & Youths. The

winning choir in each division shall receive a monetary prize of one thousand Euro

(€1,000).

g. If deemed appropriate, the Jury may award a number of Special Mention Diplomas

such as best conductor, best stage deportment, best performance of a contemporary

piece etc.


9

SACRED MUSIC SACRED MUSIC CATEGORY 1 (Sacred 1) with free programme This category is intended for those less experienced choirs who would like to perform a programme of their own choice. The presented programme shall nevertheless offer a variety of styles that demonstrate the choir's abilities at their best. Choirs will be required to perform a freely-chosen and varied programme of not less than three (3) and not more than six (6) works. Organ or piano accompaniment is allowed but at least two (2) works should be originally

written and performed a cappella.

Maximum duration is fifteen (15) minutes.

SACRED MUSIC CATEGORY 2 (Sacred 2) with compulsory programme This category is intended for those more experienced choirs who would like to perform a challenging programme ranging over a span of five (5)centuries, thus showing versatility and adaptability to various styles and genres from different eras. Choirs will be required to perform:

1. 1 work written up to 1600

2. 1 work written between 1601 & 1750


4. 1 work written after 1901

Organ or piano accompaniment is allowed but at least two (2) works should be originally

written and performed a cappella.


SACRED MUSIC CATEGORY 3 (Sacred 3): Monodic Chant This category is intended for choirs interested in the art of Monodic Chant of the choir's own religious denomination. Choirs will be required to sing a freely-chosen programme that should consist of not less than three (3) contrasting works. Accompaniment is not allowed.



10

SECULAR MUSIC

SECULAR MUSIC CATEGORY 1 (Secular 1) with free programme This category is intended for those less experienced choirs who would like to perform a programme of their own choice. The presented programme shall nevertheless offer a variety of styles that demonstrate the choir's abilities at their best. Choirs will be required to perform a freely-chosen and varied programme of not less than three (3) and not more than six (6) works. Piano accompaniment is allowed but at least one (1) work should be originally written and

performed a cappella.


SECULAR MUSIC CATEGORY 2 (Secular 2) with compulsory programme This category is intended for those more experienced choirs who would like to perform a challenging programme ranging from the distinguishing vocal idioms of medieval music to the new challenges of contemporary works. Choirs will be required to perform:




4. 1 work written by a living composer (at the time of application)

Piano accompaniment is allowed but at least one (1) work should be originally written and




11

SECULAR MUSIC CATEGORY 3 (Secular 3): Folk Music Choirs are asked to perform a folk programme typical of their country of origin. The programme may include a choreographed folk scene although the main emphasis should remain on the actual singing. Choirs taking part in this category should, ideally, wear traditional costumes. Choirs will be required to sing a freely-chosen programme that should consist of not less than two (2) contrasting works. Piano accompaniment is allowed.

Instrumental accompaniment is allowed but any non-standard instruments and performers need to

be provided by the choir. Amplification of any instrument whatsoever is not allowed.

In cases where vocal scores are not available, either a musical transcription or a short description of

the piece in English is required.

Choreographed scenes should be accompanied by a short description of the relative

custom/tradition and context in English.

A translation into English of all texts sung in this category is required.



12

CHILDREN & YOUTH CHOIRS

CHILDREN & YOUTHS CATEGORY 1 (Youths 1): Children's Choirs Children's choirs of any formation (girls only, boys only or mixed) are invited to participate in this category with compulsory programme. Works performed in this category may be of either sacred or secular nature. Choirs will be required to perform:




4. 1 freely-chosen piece



Maximum age limit of choristers in this category is sixteen (16).


CHILDREN & YOUTHS CATEGORY 2 (Youths 2): Youth Choirs Youth choirs in any formation (girls only, boys only or mixed) are invited to participate in this category with compulsory programme. Works performed in this category may be of either sacred or secular nature. Choirs will be required to perform:




4. 1 freely-chosen piece



Maximum age limit of choristers in this category is twenty five (25) .



13

GRAND PRIX OF MALTA

Each category winner shall also gain the right to take part in the Grand Prix of Malta on the final night . This is divided into three (3) divisions: (i) Sacred, (ii) Secular and (iii) Children & Youths. Participating choirs will be required to perform one (1) freely-chosen piece of not longer than six (6) minutes. Only piano accompaniment is allowed. The selected work for the Grand Prix of Malta shall be a different composition than the ones

performed in the competition by the same choir.


14

General terms of participation for choirs

PACKAGE PRICE € 45.00 inclusive of VAT per person to be paid by participating individual choristers and individual accompanying guests that include:

1. Airport transfers to and from hotel on arrival and departure, one coach or mini van for

each choir arriving on same flight;

2. Transport from Hotel to competition/concert venues and return;

3. Welcome reception which shall include drinks and finger foods;

4. English-speaking Liaison Officer to accompany each choir during Festival programme;

5. Choir Festival pocket guide - programme for each chorister;

6. Free admission to all festival events including those where the choirs are not taking part,

including FESTIVAL CONCERT.

7. Evaluation by an International Jury of choir’s performance.

8. A variety of workshops for choral conductors, choristers and composers.

9. Farewell party.

No payment should be sent by Choir to Organiser prior to receipt of invoice.

SPECIAL OPTIONAL SERVICES which may be availed of by choristers against an extra fee:

1. A varied midday lunch, consisting of a three (3) course meal and drink, (water or juice)

@ twelve Euro (€ 12) per person on any one or all of these days: Thursday 2nd, Friday 3rd

and Saturday 4th; between 11 am and 3 pm.

2. A varied list of accommodation options according to choir’s preference, needs and

budget (a list of a vast choice of accommodation options shall be sent on request.

Booking of accommodation for choir is to be done by the choir directly or by its

representative / tour operator);

3. Excursions to various places of interest in Malta and Gozo may be booked by choirs

directly with local handling agent or else via the choir’s tour operator. In case choir

wishes to come in contact with local (Maltese) handling agents who offer such tours,


15

choir representative may write to the Organiser of the Festival so that a list of handling

agents will be sent immediately (prices of tours will be included).

4. In the eventuality that any chorister may require an emergency taxi service, the

Organiser can arrange the booking on his behalf. The individual requesting such service

will pay the Taxi Company directly.

REGISTRATION Choirs wishing to take part in the Malta International Choir Festival ® 2017 need to register by not later than 31st July 2017. There is a choir registration fee of one hundred and fifty Euro (€150) per participating choir in the Festival. Should the same choir wish to apply to participate in a second competition category, another one hundred Euro (€100) charge is applicable. No payment should be sent by Choir to Organiser prior to receipt of invoice. All applications should be sent by e-mail to [email protected] that should include the following:

1. a duly completed application form (typed, signed, scanned and saved as a PDF). A separate copy of application form will be sent to choir to be filled in.

2. a recent recording of the choir (either as a youtube link or else as a small-size MP3 not larger than 5 Mb);

3. a high resolution photo of the choir (300dpi) saved as JPEG; 4. a short biography of the choir (not more than 120 words) in English saved as PDF and as

Word Document; 5. Copy of payment effected by choirs should be sent to Organiser; 6. a PDF copy of the scores of each piece being performed by choir in the Competition,

including the Grand Prix of Malta. * * choir competitions only

ORGANISER’S CONTACT INFORMATION Address E-mail The Malta International Choir Festival [email protected] c/o The Malta Tourism Authority Auberge d’Italie, Merchants Street Telephone Valletta, (00356) 2291 5136 MALTA

mailto:[email protected]


16

Application Form

GENERAL APPLICATION FORM TO PARTICIPATE in the

Malta International Choir Festival ® 2017

(an editable version of the application form will be sent to choirs upon request)

CHOIR’S INFO Choir Name ________________________________________________________________________________________

Number of choristers ______________ Number of accompanying persons (including conductor and/or accompanist) _________________ Country of Origin __________________________

Registered Address Street _____________________________________________________________________ House number / name ____________________________________________________________________ City/Town ____________________________ Post Code _________________________ Date of arrival ____________________________ Date of Departure _________________________ Do you have a local (Malta) handling agent? Yes No

Handling agent’s name ____________________________________________________


17

Hotel accommodation in Malta & location ____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ CONDUCTOR’S INFO Name ________________________________________________________________________________________ E-mail ________________________________________________________________________________________ Tel./Mob. Number ______________________________________________________ (please include country code) CHOIR REPRESENTATIVE’S INFO Name ________________________________________________________________________________________ E-mail ________________________________________________________________________________________ Tel./Mob. Number ______________________________________________________ (please include country code) EMERGENCY CONTACT INFO Name ________________________________________________________________________________________ E-mail ________________________________________________________________________________________ Tel./Mob. Number ______________________________________________________ (please include country code)


18

Language of COMMUNICATION

Please indicate the language/s spoken by representative Conductor ________________________________________________________________________________________ Choir representative ________________________________________________________________________________________ Do you require an interpreter to communicate with Yes No organiser and/or jury? Please state language of second preference __________________________________________________________ I am interested in participating in the following: (please tick the appropriate boxes) Singing in the City Workshops (further details will be sent to interested choirs)

Sunday Mass Please indicate sacred repertoire that you can offer

Composer`s name Composer`s surname Title

Please skip the next page if your choir is not taking part in the competition.


19

Competition Please choose preferred categories by ticking the appropriate boxes. A maximum of two (2) categories are allowed for every participating choir. In order to apply to participate in a second category an additional (one hundred Euro) €100 is applicable

Please indicate the age of the eldest member of the group (for Children & Youths Category only):

Please indicate the works performed in each of the selected categories including the Grand Prix of Malta (please include full name & surname of composers and title of musical pieces in Roman alphabet). Please list the repertoire for each respective category in the correct order of performance: Competition Category 1 Composer`s name Composer`s surname Hj;. Title Duration

Competition Category 2 Composer`s name Composer`s surname Hj;. Title Duration

Grand Prix of Malta Competition Composer`s name Composer`s surname Hj;. Title Duration

Sacred Sacred 1 Sacred 2 Sacred 3

Secular Secular 1 Secular 2 Secular 3

Children & Youth Choirs Youths 1 Youths 2


20

OPTIONAL SERVICES being offered to choirs (please tick the appropriate boxes): Midday lunch on List of Accommodation Thur Fri Sat List of Excursions Other special requirements Please indicate special requirements _____________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________

APPLICATION CHECK-LIST

1. a duly completed application form, typed, signed, scanned and saved as PDF; 2. a recent recording of the choir (either as a youtube link or else as a small-size MP3 not

larger than 5 Mb); 3. a high resolution photo of the choir (300dpi) saved as JPEG; 4. a short biography of the choir in English saved as PDF or as Word Document; 5. copy of bank payment; 6. a PDF copy of the scores of each piece being performed in the competition, including the

Grand Prix of Malta. * * choir competitions only


21

I, the undersigned, declare that:

the Information Package has been totally and well understood. The choir’s management binds itself to immediately inform the Festival Organiser of any changes that may occur following the submission of this application form up until the days when the festival is due.

I have read and understood, and accept as binding the regulations of the competition and the general conditions of the Festival as outlined in the Information Package;

I accept that the Jury’s decision is final and that no correspondence will be entered into about the results of the competition;

I agree that the Organiser shall not be responsible for any liabilities, claims, actions, losses, damages, lawsuits, and expenses, including legal expenses of whatsoever nature and kind imposed upon, and from or against proceedings against, in respect of any violation of the law or the rights of a third party caused by the undersigned. This clause shall survive the actual competition and Festival.

I confirm that I am accepting to confirm all the above on behalf of the management of the choir mentioned on this binding document.

_______________________________________ _____________________________________

Choir Representative’s Signature Choir Conductor’s Signature

_______________________

Date


22

Other Terms & Conditions

In case of cancellation of festival: The Organiser will not bear any obligations towards choirs registered to participate in the Festival, should the Festival be cancelled due to Force Majeure, that is an act of God, national mourning, local (Malta) general elections (close to one (1) week before or after the dates mentioned above for the Festival), political (national or international) unrest or any other such similar reason that can put at risk the safety of the participants and/or damage the general image of the Festival. In case of changes to the festival programme: The Organiser reserves the right to make changes and amendments to the existing information material and/or the announcement in the event of unforeseen technical, organisational or artistic circumstances. The programme may also be changed in its format and schedule to ensure the best outcome possible for the Festival. Recording rights and transmission by Organiser of images and voices of choirs: All rights regarding the audio and audiovisual recordings of the event (“Recordings”) as well as their exploitation are herewith being granted exclusively to the Organiser by the choir/artists. All rights granted to the Organiser hereunder may be exploited by the Organiser in perpetuity without any limitation as to time, territory and/or manner of exploitation free of any rights of third parties. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, this includes in particular the following exclusive rights in the Recordings which can also be transferred by the Organiser to a third party at the Organiser’s discretion: the Organiser shall be exclusively entitled to reproduce the Recordings wholly or partly by way of producing videos and videos on line of the event wherein the choir will be participating. This also includes the right to publicly perform or broadcast the Recordings by private or public broadcast stations, including digital radio services, via cable, satellite or other technical transmission services either against payment or free of charge (including the right to collect in the Organiser’s own name broadcast fees accruing in connection with the public performance or broadcast of the Recordings). The organiser’s rights also include the right to edit and/or alter the Recordings (e.g. by producing mixes or remixes), to couple the Recordings with other recordings (e.g. with recordings of other artists) and the right to release and sell the Recordings on so-called “special product” audio- or audio-visual carriers. Furthermore, the Organiser shall be entitled to grant synchronisation rights in the Recordings for movies, videos, TV and/or movie commercials, image films etc., to translate them into other languages. Finally, this includes the non-exclusive right to use the choir’s/artist’s name as well as images of the choir/artist in the context of the exploitation and the advertising and promotion measures mentioned above. The Organiser does not pay any money to the artist, director, manager or chorister for the exclusive grant of rights mentioned above. The artist accepts explicitly that the positive promotion effect resulting from an exploitation of the Recordings by the Organiser represents an adequate return service for this transfer of rights.


23

Additional information on other Festival projects


24

Appendix I

Malta International Choir Festival

COMPOSITION COMPETITION

As part of the structural components of the festival the Organising Committee is pleased to

launch the 2nd edition of the Malta International Choir Festival Composition Competition.

The aim of this competition is to choose the best composition for SATB choir a cappella on

a sacred text. The Organisers are inviting interested composers to submit their own choral

composition. The winning composition shall be performed and recorded during the

festival.

There will be one (1) prize-winner who will receive a monetory prize of €1000 (one

thousand Euro), a diploma and the first performance and recording of the work during the

festival.

For further information and application forn kindly visit www.maltachoirfest.com

http://www.maltachoirfest.com/


25

Appendix II

CHORUSOLOGY SYMPOSIUM

From 20 to 22 April, 2017 the Malta International Choir Festival, in collaboration with the

Croatian Choral Directors‘ Association, will be supporting a Chorusology symposium held

in Malta, thanks to the support of the Ministry of Education, Ministry for Justice, Culture

and Local Government and the Ministry for Tourism. Guest speakers for this symposium

will be Branco Stark (professor of vocal technique, singing and acting voice, at the

University of Split, Croatia); David Howard (Head of Electronics Department, at Royal

Hooloway, University of London); Filipa La (lecturer at the Department of Communication

and Arts at Veiro Univeersity, Portugal); Per-Ake Lindestad (senior lecturer, research

supervisor and clinician at Karolinska University Hospital, Sweden); Christian Herbst

(researcher at the Voice Research Lab, department of Biophysics, Palacky University

Olomouc, Czech Republic) and Henri Pompidor (professor of choral singing and choral

conducting at the Music Conservatory of the City of Paris).

malta international choir fesitval

Documents