Special Events

The World Choir Games are filled with a variety of visually stunning special events. The ten days of the Games are structured in two parts, with two separate sets of competitors each week. As a result, most events are held both the first week and the second week.

Concertgoers can take in a Choral Fireworks Concert each week starring the World Choir Games orchestra and choirs led by guest conductors from around the globe. The audience receives a copy of the musical score and is invited to sing along during the second half of the concert for an unforgettable musical experience.

Five Celebration Concerts feature elite choirs from select musical genres in special performances for ticketholders.

The Saengerfest Parade of Nations includes choirs from 90 countries parading with their fellow countrymen through the streets of downtown Cincinnati. This magnificent spectacle, held both the first and second week, features thousands of vocalists in native dress and ceremonial garb and is sure to turn heads.

The formal Opening Ceremonies each week includes the world premiere of the official 2012 World Choir Games anthem, the raising of flags, ringing of the Peace Bell, special guest performers and an audience sing-along.

Like the Olympics, the World Choir Games' Medal Ceremony presents medals to the winning choirs. But that's where the resemblance ends. The World Choir Games' medal ceremonies, held at the end of each week, are festive events with a free-spirited exuberance, impromptu celebrations and an exciting energy that must be seen to be believed.

Each week, the gold medal-winning choirs offer a final Concert of Champions performance.

Each week of the Games culminates with a formal Closing Ceremony passing the flag to the 2014 host city. The Grand Finale officially concludes the Games with an awe-inspiring sing-along with 10,000 voices.

Friendship Concerts

More than 100 Friendship Concerts will take place during the Games at locations throughout Cincinnati USA. There is no cost to attend these performances and no tickets are necessary, although some are held at venues that charge an admission fee. Bring the family and experience international choir performances at a variety of destinations across the region including:

Fountain Square
The Cincinnati Zoo
The National Underground Railroad Freedom Center
Newport on the Levee
Coney Island
The Beach Waterpark

Competitions

The Games are structured to include separate competitions which reflect the broad spectrum of the choirs' levels of accomplishment and give every choir the opportunity to express its abilities in the right competitive setting. Competitions in each of the 29 musical genres are open to ticket holders. Cincinnati USA competition venues include:

Music Hall
Memorial Hall
Aronoff Center
St. Xavier Church
Christ Church Cathedral
The School for the Creative and Performing Arts