World Choral Day

World Choral Day is celebrated annually on the second Sunday of December. This global observance invites thousands of choirs to coordinate their efforts, using the power of collective singing to promote values of peace and solidarity rather than just artistic perfection.

History of World Choral Day

The initiative was founded in 1990 by Alberto Grau, a renowned Venezuelan conductor and composer. During the 2nd World Symposium on Choral Music held in Helsinki, Finland, Grau proposed the idea to the General Assembly of the International Federation for Choral Music (IFCM). His vision was to create a specific day where the international choral community could unite to address the world’s crises through their art. ¹

Grau’s proposal was approved, and the first events took place shortly thereafter. Since then, the day has grown into a massive international phenomenon, with millions of singers from more than 50 countries participating each year. The event emphasizes that music is not merely a search for formal beauty but a tool to break down the artificial barriers of politics, ideology, and religious differences that often separate humanity.

Why is World Choral Day important?

This day serves as a powerful reminder of the unifying capacity of the human voice. In a choir, individual voices must blend and listen to one another to create harmony, a perfect metaphor for how societies should function. It highlights that regardless of language or background, people can work together to create something beautiful, fostering a sense of global citizenship and mutual respect.

Furthermore, the observance draws attention to the social impact of the arts. It encourages musicians to step beyond the concert hall and use their talents for humanitarian causes. By dedicating performances to peace and understanding, choirs demonstrate that culture is a vital part of the solution to global conflict, offering a language of hope that everyone can understand.

• It bridges cultural and linguistic divides through song.
• The day promotes peace and social understanding.
• It highlights the mental health benefits of group singing.
• It connects local singers to a worldwide movement.
• The event encourages choirs to engage in community service.

How to Celebrate World Choral Day

The most traditional way to celebrate is by attending or participating in a choral concert. Choirs around the world organize special performances where they read the official World Choral Day proclamation, which calls for music to “put roses where battlefields lay.” Finding a local event allows you to experience the physical and emotional resonance of live choral music while supporting the arts in your community.

If you are not a singer, you can still observe the day by exploring the diversity of choral music online. Listen to recordings from different cultures, such as South African gospel, Bulgarian folk choirs, or traditional Estonian singing festivals. Sharing these discoveries with others helps spread the message of the day, amplifying the call for unity and peace through the universal medium of song.

• Attend a local choir concert or open rehearsal.
• Read the official World Choral Day proclamation.
• Join a community singing group or workshop.
• Listen to a playlist of international choral music.
• Share a video of a favorite choir performance.

World Choral Day Dates

1. https://www.ifcm.net/projects/world-choral-day[↩]