For over 60 years two highly regarded European choral festivals, Cork International Choral Festival (Ireland), and European Music Festival for Young People Neerpelt (Belgium) have presented festivals of the highest standing both welcoming choirs from all over the world. Their long-standing qualitative reputation results in an international recognition, excellent standards and qualities, special atmospheres and a large audience base. Each festival has its own distinct ambience and vision, its own way of presenting and judging performances and its own rules and regulations. However, both are joined in their common goal of choir singing as a positive musical and artistic activity open to all singers up to the age of 28. All visiting choirs are offered a variety of performing opportunities in a range of qualitative venues and attended by international audiences.
In 2018 both festivals occur over two successive weekends, CICF commencing Wednesday 18 April and concluding on Sunday 22 April and EMJ commencing Friday 27 April and concluding on the evening of Tuesday 01 May, which means choirs will be able to attend both. They’ll even be able to further enhance their participation and visit various European cities. All applicant choirs will have to comply with both festival’s Entry Requirements and the travel arrangements to each festival will be the direct responsibility of each choir to undertake. So if you are a Children or Youth Choir, crazy for choral and considering an extended visit to Europe in 2018, then the Youth Choir Festival Partnership – Europe 2018 between Cork International Choral Festival (Ireland) and European Music Festival for Young People Neerpelt (Belgium) is one to be considered.
