11th International Chamber Choir Competition Marktoberdorf, Germany

Ever since 1989, connoisseurs of the international choral scene have met every two years in Marktoberdorf to attend one of the most famous chamber choir competitions in the world. In the ten events which have been held to date, more than 160 choirs from 36 countries have demonstrated in exciting competitons and outstanding concerts the very best of choral music to be heard in the world today. Choral experts and the concert public are unanimous in their praise and enthusiasm: "Many thanks for allowing this to happen and for working so hard to keep this competition on this very high artistic level." (Maria Guinand, jury member from Venezuela). Visitors and representatives from international choral associations, competitions and festivals in more than 45 countries have been particularly impressed by the special atmosphere of the Marktoberdorf competition, a competition which attaches great importance, not only to high artistic achievement and musical contest but also to the chance to meet together in a friendly atmosphere. Here there exists much more than just the normal competition rivalry. In Marktoberdorf, choirs come together in a common rehearsal under the guidance of the famous Marktoberdorf conductor Arthur Groß, evening concerts performed together with other choirs provide an opportunity to experience the choral traditions of other, different cultures and relaxed evening get- togethers in the festival tent help to establish friendly relationships which stretch way beyond national and international borders.
All this in one of the most attractive areas in Germany, the Allgäu region - already chosen and made famous by King Ludwig as the site of his world-renowned Neuschwanstein castle.