Welcome to
1st CANTOS International Choral Forum
5 - 8 November 2026
Alexandria - Egypt
CANTOS International Choral Forum is a pioneering platform for international choral exchange, connecting voices, cultures, and communities across the Arab and African regions and the wider world.
The CANTOS International Choral Forum is a Festival in collaboration between
EGYPT & GREECE
CANTOS Foundation for Arts & Development
(Alexandria - Egypt)
Armonia Choral Society of Preveza
International Choral Festival of Preveza
(Preveza - Greece)
In its first edition in Egypt, the CANTOS Foundation for Arts & Development proudly presents the CANTOS International Choral Forum — an international festival and educational program envisioned as a bridge between the choral movements of the Global North and Global South, fostering artistic exchange, intercultural dialogue, and shared musical experiences.
The 1st Edition CANTOS International Choral Forum will take place from in Cosmopolitan-Mediterranean city of
ALEXANDRIA – Egypt
From
5 - 8 November 2026
We would be honored to welcome you to the CANTOS International Choral Forum and to share this unique musical and cultural experience together. We remain available for any further information you may require.
We warmly invite you to discover Alexandria — the historic cosmopolitan city of the Mediterranean — renowned for its charm, hospitality, rich cultural heritage, and breathtaking coastal beauty. Join us in celebrating the magic and diversity of choral music through an unforgettable international artistic experience.
Forum Categories
International Choral Performances
(Non-competitive concert Festive Performances)
International Choral Workshops
(workshops, masterclasses, lectures, seminars and demonstrations.)
Important Dates
08 June 2026 | Applications Opened
25 August 2026 | Application Deadline
01 September 2026 | Announcing the Selected Choirs
benefits for Participants:
Performance opportunities in an international festival setting.
Cultural exchange through shared musical experiences and international engagement.
Networking and collaboration opportunities with choirs from around the world.
Increased visibility and international choral exposure.
Exposure to new repertoire, musical traditions, and performance practices.
Artistic and professional development for singers, conductors, and ensembles.
Masterclasses led by distinguished conductors, educators, and choral professionals.
Interactive workshops focused on vocal technique, ensemble performance, and choral artistry.
Certificates of participation for all ensembles.
Complimentary professional photography.
Financial Support & Participation Discounts for Eligible Choirs Learn More
International Choral Performances
A vibrant, non-competitive international choral gathering that welcomes choirs of every size, style, and tradition, providing a platform for artistic excellence, cultural exchange, and global collaboration.
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Open to choirs, vocal ensembles, and singing groups worldwide.
Welcoming all choral styles, genres, and musical traditions.
No minimum or maximum ensemble size—choirs of all sizes are invited to participate.
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Repertoire Requirements
Each choir may present a program consisting of 4–6 works of its own choosing.
Repertoire may be selected from any musical genre, style, or cultural tradition.
Choirs are encouraged, though not required, to include at least one work that reflects their national, regional, or cultural heritage.
Performances may be presented a cappella or with instrumental accompaniment, as appropriate to the repertoire.
Programs should showcase the artistic identity and strengths of the ensemble.
Performance Duration
Each choir will be allocated 15–20 minutes of performance time.
Individual works should generally not exceed 6 minutes in duration.
The total performance program, including transitions between pieces, must not exceed 25 minutes.
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Applicants must submit:
A completed application form
A choir profile or biography (maximum 250 words)
A biography of the conductor
Recent high-resolution photographs of the choir and conductor
Three recent video recordings demonstrating the choir's performance quality
A proposed repertoire for the forum
A complete roster of participating members
Application for Choirs:
Applications must be submitted by the choir conductor, director, manager, or other authorized representative of the ensemble. Before submitting an application, applicants are encouraged to:
Read the Terms & Conditions
Submit: Completed Non-Competitive Festival Performance Application Form
Any questions or problems? Email: cantoschoralfestival@gmail.com
Cantos International Choral Workshops
Educational performances and collaborative learning experiences that create opportunities for dialogue, cultural exchange, and artistic partnership, bridging the diverse choral traditions of the Global North and Global South.
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The CANTOS International Choral Forum offers a variety of educational and professional development opportunities, including:
Masterclasses
Workshops
Lectures
Lecture-recitals
Seminars
Panel discussions
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Participation opportunities include:
Participation as a lecturer/trainer (submit a proposal):
Conductors, educators, researchers, performers, and arts practitioners are invited to contribute to the forum by proposing masterclasses, workshops, lectures, lecture-recitals, seminars, panel discussions, and other educational sessions that foster artistic exchange and intercultural dialogue.Participate as an Attendee:
Choir members, conductors, students, educators, and individual participants may register to attend educational sessions as observers or active participants, engaging with colleagues from diverse choral traditions and backgrounds.
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Applicants wishing to present an educational session must submit the following:
Session title
Session description and abstract
Presenter biography (maximum 250 words)
Session objectives, learning outcomes, and presentation format
Technical and logistical requirements (if applicable)
Educational Session Focus
Educational sessions should contribute to the forum's mission of fostering knowledge exchange, artistic collaboration, cultural understanding, and meaningful dialogue between the choral traditions of the Global North and Global South. Proposals may include masterclasses, workshops, lectures, lecture-recitals, panel discussions, research presentations, or other innovative educational formats.
Apply as a Trainer/Presenter:
(For conductors, educators, researchers, performers, and practitioners proposing educational sessions)
Applicants must
Read the Terms & Conditions
Applicant must submit:
Any additional materials requested by the Organizing Committee
Any questions or problems? Email: cantoschoralfestival@gmail.com
Financial Support & Participation Discounts
To promote accessibility, diversity, and global participation, the CANTOS International Choral Forum offers participation discounts and fee waivers for eligible ensembles and individuals. Financial assistance is intended to reduce barriers to participation and support representation from a wide range of cultural, geographic, and economic backgrounds.
The following participation discounts are available:
School and youth choirs: 50% discount on participation fees
Senior and community choirs: 50% discount on participation fees
Choirs that include singers with disabilities: Eligible for up to a 100% participation fee waiver
In addition, fee waivers may be considered for choirs and participants from underrepresented regions or those facing significant economic or geographic barriers to participation. Requests for financial assistance will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis by the organizing committee.
The CANTOS International Choral Forum is committed to fostering equitable access, cultural diversity, and inclusive participation, ensuring that ensembles from all regions of the world have the opportunity to engage in meaningful artistic exchange and collaboration.
Terms & Conditions
Participation conditions:
The CANTOS International Choral Forum is a non-competitive event dedicated to artistic exchange, cultural dialogue, and mutual respect among participating ensembles. All participating choirs will receive an official Certificate of Participation.
Applications must be completed and submitted by the choir conductor, director, manager, or another authorized representative of the ensemble.
Once an application has been submitted, any request to withdraw participation must be submitted in writing via email and is subject to the approval of the Festival Artistic Director.
Recording, Photography, & Media Rights:
The Festival Organization reserves the right to photograph, audio record, and video record any rehearsals, performances, workshops, presentations, or other activities taking place during the forum.
By participating in the festival, choirs, conductors, and individual participants grant the Festival Organization the non-exclusive right to use, reproduce, publish, distribute, broadcast, and archive such recordings, photographs, and audiovisual materials for promotional, educational, archival, and non-commercial purposes.
The Festival Organization may use these materials in print publications, websites, social media platforms, promotional campaigns, reports, and other official communications without further notification or compensation.
Participating choirs and their members waive any claim to financial compensation, royalties, or other remuneration arising from the recording, reproduction, publication, or use of festival-related photographs, audio recordings, or video recordings.
Copyright ownership of the musical works performed remains with the respective rights holders. The permissions granted under these terms apply solely to the recording and use of festival activities and performances by the Festival Organization.
Participation fees:
Participation fees apply to all choir members, conductors, accompanists, instrumentalists, and accompanying delegates.
The following participation rates apply:
Choirs from Egypt: 1,500 EGP per participant
International choirs: 30 USD/EUR per participant
The participation fee includes:
Admission to all festival activities.
Access to workshops, masterclasses, and educational sessions.
Official festival participation materials.
Certificates of participation for all ensembles.
Complimentary professional photography.
Participation fees do not include:
International or domestic travel expenses.
Visa and insurance costs.
Accommodation.
Meals.
Local transportation.
Important Notice:Any updates regarding accommodation or internal transportation costs will be announced immediately on the website and social media.
Discounts & Financial Assistance:
To encourage broad international participation and equitable access, the CANTOS International Choral Forum offers a range of discounts and financial support opportunities.
The following discounts are available:
School and youth choirs: 50% discount on participation fees.
Senior and community choirs: 50% discount on participation fees.
Inclusive choirs and choirs serving singers with disabilities: Up to 100% participation fee waiver.
In addition, fee waivers may be available for choirs and participants from underrepresented regions, subject to review by the organizing committee.
The organizing committee remains committed to promoting equitable access, cultural diversity, and inclusive participation within the international choral community. Additional financial assistance may be considered on a case-by-case basis for ensembles facing significant economic, geographic, or accessibility barriers to participation.
Early-Bird Registration Discounts:
Accepted choirs that complete payment of their participation fees during the early registration period are eligible for the following discounts:
1–5 September 2026: 30% discount.
6–10 September 2026: 25% discount.
11–15 September 2026: 15% discount.
Payment Schedule:
Following the announcement of selected participants by the Organizing Committee, accepted choirs will be required to pay the applicable participation fees no later than 30 September 2026.
Payment Methods:
Participation fees may be paid through one of the following methods:
Bank transfer to the official festival account (bank details will be provided upon acceptance)
Other approved payment methods as communicated by the Festival Organization
Important Notice:
Any updates regarding accommodation or internal transportation costs will be announced immediately on the website and social media.
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