MALTA INTERNATIONAL CHOIR

FESTIVAL

‘Celebration of Lives’

5th – 8th March 2020

Organized by the
The Malta Tourism Authority
 Table of Contents
Welcome to the Malta International Choir Festival 2020 - ‘Celebration of Lives’ .........................3
Malta International Choir Festival Committee Members.........................................................................3
Festival Programme ................................................................................................................................................4
The Competitive Programme of The Malta International Choir 2020................................................5
Gospel Music Category ...........................................................................................................................................8
Scenic Pop/Show Music Category......................................................................................................................8
General Terms of Participation for Choirs .....................................................................................................9
Organizer’s Contact Information ..................................................................................................................... 11
 Welcome to the Malta International
Choir Festival 2020 - ‘Celebration of
Lives’
The Malta International Choir Festival brings together some of the best choirs from the
all over the globe.

The Ministry for Tourism and the Malta Tourism Authority will be organizing the 24th
edition of the Malta International Choir Festival. The festival runs over 4 days and will be
held between the 5th to the 8th of March 2020.

In this years’ edition there will be two competitions, one for gospel choirs and the other
for show choirs.

We look forward to hosting another edition of the Malta International Choir Festival
where we will be celebrating life!

Malta International Choir Festival

Committee Members
Chairman Elton Zarb

Consultant Pamela Bezzina

Artistic Director Lionel Gerada

Festival Administrator Alexia Lia

Festival Coordinators Toyah Zammit

Logistics Roderick Zammit and Stefan Vella

 Festival Programme
TUESDAY March 3rd
09.00hrs till 20.00hrs: Choir Registrations and Technical Rehearsals at the Theatre
WEDNESDAY March 4th
09.00hrs till 20.00hrs: Choir Registrations and Technical Rehearsals at the Theatre
THURSDAY March 5th
9.00hrs till 13.00hrs: Rehearsals for the Gospel Choirs at the Theatre
16.00hrs: Harmonies in the City concert (by a diverse group of children from across the
Maltese Islands will be commencing the choir festival in Rabat
17.30hrs: Parade in the streets of Rabat by Gospel and Show Choirs
Opening Ceremony by a local Choir Unity and Diversity into Harmony at the Citadel
Welcome Reception for all choristers at the Citadel
FRIDAY March 6th
9.00hrs till 13.00hrs: Rehearsal for the Gospel Choirs at the Theatre
13.00hrs till 17.00hrs: Rehearsal for the Show Choirs at the Theatre
20.00hrs: Gospel Choirs Singing Competition at the Astra Theatre, exclusive performance
by one of Malta’s own Gospel Choir
SATURDAY March 7th
9.00hrs till 13.00hrs: Rehearsal for the Show Choirs at the Theatre
15.00hrs: Show Choirs Singing Competition at the Theatre, with a special performance by
a local Show Choir
20.00hrs: Closing Ceremony Celebration of Lives together with the special guests at Ta’
Pinu
SUNDAY March 8th
9.00hrs: Tour around Gozo provided by MTA.
9.00hrs: Singing in the morning mass
18.00hrs: Choristers Awards Celebrations

The Organiser of the Festival reserves the right to make as many necessary changes as
required to ensure the smooth running of the Festival both before and during the actual
events. Participating choirs will, however, receive detailed communications with the
exact timings, closer to the Festival.
 The Competitive Programme of The
Malta International Choir 2020
Preambles

 "Festival" refers to the Malta International Choir Festival held between the
5th to the 8th March 2020.

 "Competition" refers to the Choral Competition held as part of the Malta

International Choir Festival 2020.

 "Artistic Committee" refers to the Artistic Committee of the Malta

International Choir Festival 2020.

 "Jury" refers to the panel of distinguished professionals appointed by the

Artistic Committee to adjudicate the Competition.

 “Organizer” refers to the Organizer of the festival, in charge of the overall

logistical matters.

Terms and Conditions

1. There are no age restrictions.
2. Choirs may opt to take part in the two (2) categories. Each selected
category needs to be approved at application level by the Artistic
Committee based on the application package.
3. Choristers and Choir directors can participate with only one (1) primary
choir.
4. Each choir shall not be less than ten (10) members and not more than forty
(40) members excluding band members.
5. The competition programme for each selected category should conform to
the criteria requested and shall be approved by the Artistic Committee at
application stage. Choirs competing in different categories are not allowed
to sing the same work in the two (2) different categories.
6. Accompaniment can be half play back or a live band and the other half
without any pre-recorded vocals. The organizers retain the right to vet the
sound recording to ensure quality standard are met, thus having the right
to reject any sound recording that does not meet the desired quality.
7. Live band accompaniment shall not exceed five (5) members. The
 organizers will provide the supply of; basic drum kit and electric digital
piano (weighted keys). Other instruments can be rented upon request
from the organizers’ suppliers at the choirs’ expense or supplied by the
choir itself. Percussion instruments (except for pitched ones) can be used
for the acapella piece mentioned in the criteria below, with the prior
permission of the Artistic Committee.
8. Time restrictions for every category need to be strictly adhered to and
there will be penalties for over-running. Times indicated in the individual
categories refer to actual performing time and therefore do not include
entrance, exit and applause.
9. Texts of the selected works can be in any language but fifty percent (50%)
of the works should be in the English language. Songs in other languages
need to be accompanied by a translation into English and, if applicable,
guidelines for pronunciation of the title of the selected pieces.
10. The running order of choir performances in the competition is scheduled
by the Artistic Committee in such a way as to accommodate any logistical
requirements of competing choirs' commitments within the Festival.
11. Due to an already heavy festival schedule, choirs are encouraged not to
organize individual concerts during the days of the Festival. However,
choirs wishing to perform other concerts beside the competition are
cordially invited to inform the Artistic Committee at the application stage.
12. The Jury shall consist of five (5) distinguished professionals in the field of
choral music.
13. The decisions of the Jury are final, and no discussion or correspondence
will be entered during or after the conclusion of the Festival. Choir
Directors may however consult jury members about their performance
and ask for comments and feedback.
14. The competition is divided in two (2) categories as outlined hereunder and
based on one (1) round.
15. The Artistic Committee decides on the admission of the program to the
competition.
16. None of the programs may include topics such as war, glorification of
violence and against other nations and nationalities.
17. ACCOMPANIMENT means that at least one tuned instrument is used. In
categories requiring a cappella selections, only not tuned instruments may
be used (percussion instruments).
18. The Artistic Committee reserves the right to reject compositions.
19. USE OF AMPLIFICATION: amplification of voices and instruments will be
used for all setups. Basic technical equipment and backline will be provided
 by the organizer. Each choir must submit technical requirements of their
performance with their registration form together with a list of
instruments being used. If these instructions are not submitted, the
organizers will not accept responsibility to produce such instructions.
20. In both categories, only general choir amplification and a limited number
of solo mics will be provided.
21. After approval of proposed program by the Artistic Committee, it will be
returned for final review and confirmation by the respective choir. The
choir must respond within 14 days of delivery with any changes to the
program. If there is no response within 14 days, the program will be
considered final; therefore, neither titles nor performance order may be
changed. Changes made without informing the organizer will result in a
disqualification.
22. Choirs are responsible for possible music licensing performing rights of
their program.
23. Prizes
All participating choirs will receive a certification of participating
The category winner shall receive a Trophy and a monetary prize to choirs placing
1st, 2nd and 3rd in each category.
 1st Place - €2,500 + trophy
 2nd Place - €1,500 + trophy
 3rd Place - €1,000 + trophy
In case of a tie in marks, a sing off between the choirs concerned will take place.
One (1) song will be performed by the choirs in question and song chosen must be
one with half playback accompaniment.
 Gospel Music Category
Programm Must include - The choir’s choice of Gospel compositions. In this category, all
styles of Gospel may be performed and in case sheet music is not available, a short
description of the program and the lyrics must be provided for the jury (in English).

Number of pieces – unlimited. Nevertheless, programme should include;

 One (1) acapella piece
 One (1) test piece provided by the committee to focus on arrangement, creativity
and original delivery ( which will be added once test piece is sent)

Duration of the program - The maximum actual performing time must not exceed 15
minutes.

Instrumental accompaniment - All compositions may be accompanied by either half

playback track or a live band. Solo parts should not exceed two (2) soloists singing
simultaneously. Band members can only sing as soloist and not as choir members.

Language of piece - Fifty percent (50%) of the chosen piece shall be in the English
language.

Scenic Pop/Show Music Category

Pop, Rock and Light Entertainment will be performed. The style and content must not fit
into the jazz, gospel, spiritual or folklore categories.

Program must include - Popular choral compositions of the choir’s choice. The jury will
evaluate the music as well as the scenic performance and/or choreography. The content
of movements and singing should be cohesive. In case sheet music is not available, a short
description of the program and the lyrics must be provided for the jury (in English).

Number of pieces – unlimited. Nevertheless, programme should include;

 One (1) acapella piece
 One (1) test piece provided by the committee to focus on arrangement, creativity
and original delivery ( which will be added once test piece is sent)

Duration of the program - The maximum actual performing time must not exceed 15
minutes.
Instrumental accompaniment - All compositions may be accompanied by either half
playback track or a live band. Solo parts should not exceed two (2) soloists singing
simultaneously. Band members can only sing as soloist and not as choir members.

Language of piece - Fifty percent (50%) of the chosen piece shall be in the English
language.

General Terms of Participation for

Choirs
Package Price
€ 50.00 inclusive of VAT per person to be paid by participating individual choristers and
individual accompanying guests that include:
 Airport transfers to and from hotel on arrival and departure, one coach or mini
van for each choir arriving on same flight;
 Transport from Hotel to competition/concert venues and return;
 Welcome reception which shall include drinks and finger foods;
 English-speaking Liaison Officer to accompany each choir during Festival
programme;
 Choir Festival pocket guide - programme for each chorister;
 Evaluation by an International Jury of choir’s performance.
Invoice will be sent to choir upon being chosen.

Special optional services which may be availed of by choristers

against an extra fee:
1. A varied list of accommodation options according to choir’s preference, needs and
budget (a list of a vast choice of accommodation options shall be sent on request.
Booking of accommodation for choir is to be done by the choir directly or by its
representative / tour operator);
2. Excursions to various places of interest in Malta and Gozo may be booked by choirs
directly with local handling agent or else via the choir’s tour operator. In case choir
wishes to come in contact with local (Maltese) handling agents who offer such
tours, choir representative may write to the Organiser of the Festival so that a list
of handling agents will be sent.
3. In the eventuality that any chorister may require an emergency taxi service, the
choir or by its representative / tour operator can arrange the booking directly. The
individual requesting such service will pay the Taxi Company directly.
Registration
Choirs wishing to take part in the Malta International Choir Festival 2020 need to register
by not later than 15th December 2019 at 12.00pm
There is no choir registration fee, however the chosen participants will be requested to
pay of one hundred and fifty Euro (€150) per participating choir in the Festival.
No payment should be sent by Choir to Organizer prior to receipt of invoice.
All applications should be sent by e-mail to events@visitmalta.com that should include
the following:
1. a duly completed application form (typed, signed, scanned and saved as a PDF).
2. An unedited video recent recording of the choir (either as a YouTube link or else
as a small-size video (mp4 or MOU via WeTransfer)
3. a high resolution photo of the choir (300dpi) saved as JPEG;
4. a short biography of the choir (not more than 120 words) in English saved as PDF
and as Word Document;
 Organizer’s Contact Information
Address
The Malta International Choir Festival
Events Department
c/o The Malta Tourism Authority Level 3,
Block 2, Smart City,
Kalkara scm1001
MALTA

E-mail
events@visitmalta.com

Telephone
(00356) 2291 5549