29th Béla Bartók International Choir Competition
Dear Visitors!
In recent years, Debrecen has not only preserved its important musical traditions, but – in parallel with the city’s development – has also expanded them with new, successful programmes. For decades, the Béla Bartók International Choir Competition, founded in 1961, has been one of the most important permanent choir festivals not only in Debrecen and the country, but also in Europe and the world. It is a great pleasure and pride for us that after a six-year hiatus, the best choirs from all corners of the world can meet here again and thus we can stand for the rebirth and renewal of a musical tradition that is more than 60 years old.
We owe a debt of gratitude to all those who made this possible: the City of Debrecen and its Mayor Dr. László Papp, the members of the Artistic Committee and the Jury, and the countless helping hands from within and outside the city who made it possible for the Béla Bartók International Choir Competition to once again be the prism through which the most impressive colour and beauty of international choral life is displayed.
SOMOGYI-TÓTH Dániel
Chief Music Director of the City of Debrecen
ZSOLDOS Dávid
President of Jeunesses Musicales Hungary
Filharmónia Debrecen
Dear Competitors, dear Guests!
It has been more than six decades since our predecessors conceived the Béla Bartók International Choir Competition. They wanted to create an event that would be both a worthy celebration and forum for contemporary composers and their works, and a wonderful panorama of high-quality choral workshops worldwide. The dream was followed by action and in 1961, one of the world’s most prestigious professional competitions was launched in Debrecen, which has been welcoming singers and music lovers from all over the world ever since: with beautiful venues, a friendly atmosphere and a colourful programme.
With the same faith and energy as the founders, the organisers of the 2024 edition have thrown themselves into the work, so that this year again we – “dreamers”, choirs and supporters of the present – can celebrate the beauty and magic of choral music together.
On behalf of the organisers, I wish all the participants a great time and a great performance!
KOCSIS-HOLPER Zoltán
choirmaster, Chair of the Artistic Committee
Béla Bartók International Choral Competition
Founded in 1961, the Béla Bartók International Choral Competition (BBCC) is one of the most prestigious music competitions in the world, dedicated to the presentation of high quality contemporary a cappella choral works of the 20th and 21st centuries.
The event is open to the Grand Prize-winning ensembles of the seven European choral competitions, who compete for the European Grand Prix. The winning choirs will be invited to the European Grand Prix for Choral Singing, which will be held in Arezzo, Debrecen, Jurmala, Maribor, Tolosa and Varna, at different venues each year. The Béla Bartók International Choir Competition is complemented by folklore evenings, church performances and community singing.
Debrecen, the capital of modern choral music, is waiting for you!