Tolosa Choral Contest 2026

The 57th Tolosa Choral Contest brings 14 choirs from 10 countries across Europe and Asia to Tolosa from 29 October to 1 November. Ten ensembles compete in the chamber choir category, in Basque song and folk music as well as polyphony, and four in the children's choir category, performing set pieces by contemporary Basque composers. A seven-member international jury will assess the performances, and the Grand Prize winner receives 2,000 euros and the chance to compete in Arezzo in 2027 as part of the European Grand Prix for Choral Singing. Competition runs from 29 to 31 October, with the closing session on 1 November. The choirs will also give 56 a cappella concerts in other towns, and special concerts include Arvo Pärt's "Kanon Pokajanen" performed by Sofia Vokalensemble.