Prestigious musical event expected to attract 2000 to 4000 delegates
Following a successful bid by Qatar National Choral Association, supported by Qatar National Tourism Council (QNTC), Qatar has won the rights to host the World Symposium of Choral Music in 2023.
Held once every three years, the event is considered the most prestigious non-competitive choral event and will attract 2,000 to 4,000 international delegates to the country, reinforcing its position as a hub for cultural events.
The bidding process lasted for 12 months, with extensive examination by the International Federation for Choral Music (IFCM) of all details of the city, the venues, levels of support and the commitment of the local choral, musical and cultural life to hosting the event.
HE Akbar Al Baker, Secretary-General of QNTC and Group CEO of Qatar Airways, said they are delighted to have the World Choral Symposium join the growing list of events coming to Qatar in the next few years.
Attracting large scale events in the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) space, is a priority area for us as we continue to drive the tourism industry’s growth. It was a pleasure to support the talented Qatar National Choir Association and their passionate leadership throughout this bid, and we look forward to working with representatives of Qatar’s various sectors to attract more events across a broad range of sectors, including culture, sports, education, health, and science.’
In a statement, the IFCM said that the international choral community (through IFCM) congratulates Qatar on their winning bid and wishes them every success and support in their preparations for this unique event in 2023.
We are looking forward to an exciting exploration of the musical treasures of the Middle East and Central Asia. The Symposium in Qatar provides IFCM and the hosts with the opportunity to create a new network and enhance exchange and cooperation within and beyond this area.’
Giovanni Pasini, member of Qatar 2023 WSCM Organising Committee, is very grateful to QNTC, Qatar Foundation, the Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra, Qatar Music Academy and Qatar Airways, for the support.
Through the IFCM’s decision, Qatar will shine a spotlight on a geographic and cultural region that has been hidden on the global choral map, offering a unique opportunity to introduce the diverse musical treasures of the Middle East to a huge international audience.’
Every three years since 1987, the World Symposium on Choral Music has brought the finest choirs, conductors, presenters, composers, and choristers from around the globe together to share in a celebration of fine choral singing. It has been hosted in cities such as Barcelona, Puerto Madryn, Seoul, Copenhagen. Kyoto, Minneapolis, Rotterdam, Sydney, Vancouver, Stockholm, Helsinki, Tallinn, Vienna and Auckland.