Mundi Cantant

International Choir Competition

CHALLENGE 2024

The International Choir and Vocal Ensemble Festival - Festival of Songs Olomouc joins the celebration of important musical anniversaries of the Year of Czech Music 2024. In all competition categories a challenge is announced to include Czech songs and composition by Czech composers in the dramaturgy of the competition performances. In addition, there will also be a competition for the best performance of a Czech composition

Recommended compositions by Czech composers zde

Competition rules

International Choir Competition Mundi Cantant

  1. The International Choir Competition MUNDI CANTANT is open only to amateur choirs.
  2. Participation in competition categories: In 2024, each choir can participate in the maximum of 2 categories.
  3. Age limit: Organisers will require a list of singers with their full names and dates of birth submitted in advance from choirs competing in categories limited by age.
  4. Technical support and instrumental accompaniment: It is assumed singing without microphones and without sound system. An acoustic or electric piano will be available in the competition venue. Other accompanying instruments must be provided by the ensemble
  5. Competition repertoire: At least one piece must be performed a cappella. If a choir competes in 2 categories of the MUNDI CANTANT competition, a different programme must be performed in each category (each piece may be performed by the choir only once). This rule does not apply to the Absolute Winner Competition.
    • In 2024, as part of the Year of Czech Music celebration, there is a challenge to include Czech songs and compositions by Czech composers in the dramaturgy of the competition performances.
  6. Sheet music and list of competition repertoire: The list of competition repertoire containing full names of authors, full titles of compositions / cycles and duration of each piece must be provided no later than the deadline for applications (3 March 2024). Competition repertoire sheet music must be sent in electronic form (preferably in PDF format) via e-mail no later than the deadline date. Compositions must be performed in the order indicated on the sent list of competition repertoire. Any changes to the repertoire will need to be communicated to the organisers as soon as possible. Transpositions, unauthorised alterations or other interventions in the competition pieces should be indicated in the submitted sheet music and reported in advance to the organiser.
  7. Acoustic rehearsal in the competition venue: The maximum time of the acoustic rehearsal is 10 minutes including the arrival and the exit from the stage. If the time limit is exceeded, the rehearsal will be interrupted by the organiser. The rehearsal time is assigned by the organiser, it is binding and must be respected. If the given date or time is not respected, no alternative rehearsal time will be arranged and the participant's right to an acoustic rehearsal in the sense of these rules expires.
  8. Competition venue: After arriving at the competition venue, the choir will immediately announce itself to a member of the organising team. The choir will be assigned a rehearsal room for singing and a dressing room. The maximum time for the use of the rehearsal room is 10 minutes. The minimum time for the use of the dressing room is 20 minutes, the maximum time is limited according to the current occupancy of the competition venue. All participants are required to respect the competition schedule and follow the organiser's instructions. Dressing rooms are not to be used for singing, but only for changing and storing belongings during the competition performance.
  9. Competition jury: The competition is judged by an international jury headed by a chairman of the jury. The decision of the jury is final and irrevocable.
  10. Evaluation system: Each juror has a maximum of 30 points at their disposal that are awarded on the basis of the evaluation criteria: intonation and rhythm, expression and style of interpretation, singing technique, dramaturgy of the competition programme and artistic impression. The final score is determined by the average of the points awarded by individual jurors. Based on the final score, choirs and ensembles are placed in the relevant award level (bronze, silver and gold). Award levels are not limited by the number of placed choirs and ensembles.

    11. Honourable mention (1.00 – 2.99 points)

    Bronze medal (3.00 – 10.99 points)

    Silver medal (11.00 – 20.99 points)

    Gold medal (21.00 – 30.00 points)

  11. Special awards of the jury: The jury may award a special award for exceptional performances, e.g. for an outstanding performance of a certain composition, vocal culture, dramaturgy and other qualities of the competition performance noted by the jury.
  12. Documentation of the evaluation: After the announcement of the results, each artistic director, ensemble member or representative has the opportunity to participate in an analysis seminar with the competition jury to receive feedback. The evaluation sheets of each juror will be sent to the choir/ensemble in electronic form after the festival.
  1. The Absolute Winner Competition is the second round of the International Choir Competition MUNDI CANTANT, for which the participating choirs are nominated on the basis of their results in the MUNDI CANTANT Competition, regardless of the category or age.
  2. The usual number of finalists is 5. However, the jury may decide to change this number.
  3. Qualification: Choirs with the highest number of points within the golden award level across all categories qualify for the second round of the Competition (in case a choir competed in 2 categories and was awarded golden medal in both of them, the choir may only advance to the second round in the category with a higher score).
  4. In the case that a qualified choir refuses to participate in the Absolute Winner Competition, the place of finalist will go to the choir with the second highest score. Choirs will notify the organiser of their intention to participate or not to participate in the Absolute Winner Competition (if qualified) after submitting the application form, at the latest when checking-in at the festival office. This decision cannot be changed afterwards.
  5. Nominations will be announced at the results announcement of the MUNDI CANTANT Competition. The Absolute Winner Competition will take place as an evening concert on Saturday 1 June 2024.
  6. Competition repertoire: There is no limit to the repertoire in the Absolute Winner Competition. Copies and electronic versions of scores are not required. Potential competition repertoire must be submitted by choirs interested in competing, at the latest when checking-in at the festival office.
  7. Time limit: The time limit is 10 minutes. The time limit excludes time taken by entering/leaving the stage, the time between pieces or the time taken by applause.
  8. Competition jury: The Absolute Winner is chosen by an extended jury, i.e. the international jury of the MUNDI CANTANT Competition extended to include professional public and choirmasters of other participating choirs (with the exception of choirmaster performing in the Absolute Winner Competition). The jury is headed by a chairman of the jury. The decision of the extended jury is final and irrevocable.
  9. Evaluation rules: Each of the jurors has 1 vote at their disposition, which they will assign to their preferred choir. They will put their vote into an envelope with their name on it. Envelopes will be opened and votes will be counted in the presence of the chairman of the extended jury, who in case of equality of votes will use their second vote and thus decide on the Absolute Winner. The finalist with the highest number of votes wins.
  10. Title and awards: The choir with the highest number of votes will be awarded the title of the “Absolute Winner of MUNDI CANTANT”. There may be financial and non-financial prizes for the Absolute Winner and for the other finalists. Any information about these prizes will be published on the festival organiser's website and will become an addition to these competition rules.

Absolute Winner Competition

Competition categories

A - open repertoire

A1 - Children's choirs up to 12 years

A2 - Children's choirs up to 16 years

A3 - Youth choirs up to 21 years

A4 - Youth choirs up to 26 years

A5 - Adult choirs – mixed voices (S, A, T, B)

A6 - Adult choirs – equal voices (S, S, A, A), (T, T, B, B)

A7 - Chamber choirs

A8 - Senior choirs (non-competitive category)

B - Sacred music

The sacred music category is open to choirs of all age categories and chamber choirs. The competition repertoire may only include sacred music, at least one of which must have been composed before 1750.

C - Folklore

The folklore category is open to all age categories and chamber choirs. The competition repertoire may consist only of folklore songs and their arrangements. At least one performed composition must come from the choir's home country.

D - Popular music

The popular music category is open to choirs of all age categories and chamber choirs. The competition repertoire may only include compositions from popular music (spiritual, gospel, jazz, musical, film music, etc.).

E - Contemporary music

The contemporary music category is open to choirs of all age categories and chamber choirs. The competition repertoire may only include compositions composed after 1945, at least one of which must be dated after 2000.

Children's choirs

  • In the category of children's choirs, the age limit is set to 12 (A1) and 16 (A2) years of age. The age limit must not be exceeded on the day of the competition. The organiser allows an exception to the age limit for 15% of the singers. Exceeding the limit must be reported to the organiser in advance.
  • Minimum number of singers is 14.
  • The time limit for children's choirs is 10 minutes. The time limit excludes time taken by entering/leaving the stage, the time between pieces or the time taken by applause. The total performance time should not exceed 15 minutes. If the time limit is exceeded, the competition performance may be terminated by the jury.

Youth choirs

  • In the category of children's choirs, the age limit is set to 21 (A3) and 26 (A4) years of age. The age limit must not be exceeded on the day of the competition. The organiser allows an exception to the age limit for 15% of the singers. Exceeding the limit must be reported to the organiser in advance
  • Minimum number of singers is 14.
  • The time limit for youth choirs is 15 minutes. The time limit excludes time taken by entering/leaving the stage, the time between pieces or the time taken by applause. The total performance time should not exceed 20 minutes. If the time limit is exceeded, the competition performance may be terminated by the jury.

Adult choirs

  • In the adult choirs category, it is assumed that the youngest singer has reached 18 years of age. There is no other age limit.
  • Minimum number of singers is 14.
  • The time limit for adult choirs is 15 minutes. The time limit excludes time taken by entering/leaving the stage, the time between pieces or the time taken by applause. The total performance time should not exceed 20 minutes. If the time limit is exceeded, the competition performance may be terminated by the jury.

Chamber choirs

  • There is no age limit in the chamber choir category
  • The number of singers must be between 9 and 24.
  • The time limit for chamber choirs is 15 minutes. The time limit excludes time taken by entering/leaving the stage, the time between pieces or the time taken by applause. The total performance time should not exceed 20 minutes. If the time limit is exceeded, the competition performance may be terminated by the jury

Senior choirs

  • It's a non-competitive performance with the possibility of being awarded special jury prizes.
  • It is assumed that the average age of the singers is 60 years.
  • Minimum number of singers is 14.
  • The time limit for senior choirs is 15 minutes. The time limit excludes time taken by entering/leaving the stage, the time between pieces or the time taken by applause. The total performance time should not exceed 20 minutes. If the time limit is exceeded, the competition performance may be terminated by the jury.

Vocalis Bellus

International Vocal Ensemble Competition

CHALLENGE 2024

The International Choir and Vocal Ensemble Festival - Festival of Songs Olomouc joins the celebration of important musical anniversaries of the Year of Czech Music 2024. In all competition categories a challenge is announced to include Czech songs and composition by Czech composers in the dramaturgy of the competition performances. In addition, there will also be a competition for the best performance of a Czech composition

Recommended compositions by Czech composers zde

Competition rules

International Vocal Ensemble Competition Vocalis Bellus

  1. The International Vocal Ensemble Competition VOCALIS BELLUS is open only to amateur vocal ensembles.
  2. It is assumed that vocal ensembles are not conducted by their artistic director or choirmaster during their competition performance, as it is the case with choirs.
  3. Technical support and instrumental accompaniment: : It is assumed singing without microphones and without sound system. An acoustic or electric piano will be available in the competition venue. Other accompanying instruments must be provided by the ensemble.
  4. Competition repertoire: At least one piece must be performed a cappella.
    • In 2024, as part of the Year of Czech Music, there is a challenge to include Czech songs and composition by Czech composers in the dramaturgy of the competition performances.
  5. Sheet music and list of competition repertoire: The list of competition repertoire containing full names of authors, full titles of compositions / cycles and duration of each piece must be provided no later than the deadline for applications (3 March 2024). Competition repertoire sheet music must be sent in electronic form (preferably in PDF format) via e-mail no later than the deadline date. Compositions must be performed in the order indicated on the sent list of competition repertoire. Any changes to the repertoire will need to be communicated to the organisers as soon as possible. Transpositions, unauthorised alterations or other interventions in the competition pieces should be indicated in the submitted sheet music and reported in advance to the organiser.
  6. Performances will be carried out without microphones or other amplification devices.
  7. Acoustic rehearsal in the competition venue: The maximum time of the acoustic rehearsal is 10 minutes including the arrival and the exit from the stage. If the time limit is exceeded, the rehearsal will be interrupted by the organiser. The rehearsal time is assigned by the organiser, it is binding and must be respected. If the given date or time is not respected, no alternative rehearsal time will be arranged and the participant's right to an acoustic rehearsal in the sense of these rules expires.
  8. Competition venue: After arriving at the competition venue, the vocal ensemble will immediately announce itself to a member of the organising team. The ensemble will be assigned a rehearsal room for singing and a dressing room. The maximum time for the use of the rehearsal room is 10 minutes. The minimum time for the use of the dressing room is 20 minutes, the maximum time is limited according to the current occupancy of the competition venue. All participants are required to respect the competition schedule and follow the organiser's instructions. Dressing rooms are not to be used for singing, but only for changing and storing belongings during the competition performance.
  9. Competition jury: The competition is judged by an international jury headed by a chairman of the jury. The decision of the jury is final and irrevocable.
  10. Evaluation system: Each juror has a maximum of 30 points at their disposal that are awarded on the basis of the evaluation criteria: intonation and rhythm, expression and style of interpretation, singing technique, dramaturgy of the competition programme and artistic impression. The final score is determined by the average of the points awarded by individual jurors. Based on the final score, choirs and ensembles are placed in the relevant award level (bronze, silver and gold). Award levels are not limited by the number of placed choirs and ensembles.

    11. Honourable mention (1.00 – 2.99 points)

    Bronze medal (3.00 – 10.99 points)

    Silver medal (11.00 – 20.99 points)

    Gold medal (21.00 – 30.00 points)

  11. Special awards of the jury: The jury may award a special award for exceptional performances, e.g. for an outstanding performance of a certain composition, vocal culture, dramaturgy and other qualities of the competition performance noted by the jury
  12. Documentation of the evaluation: After the announcement of the results, each artistic director, ensemble member or representative has the opportunity to participate in an analysis seminar with the competition jury to receive feedback. The evaluation sheets of each juror will be sent to the choir/ensemble in electronic form after the festival.
  13. There may be financial and non-financial prizes for the winners of the VOCALIS BELLUS Competition. Any information about these prizes will be published on the festival organiser's website and will become an addition to these competition rules.
  14. The best vocal ensemble, i.e. the winner of the VOCALIS BELLUS Competition, will have the opportunity to perform at the evening concert as part of the MUNDI CANTANT Absolute Winner Competition. In the case that the winning vocal ensemble (for any reason) chooses not to perform at the concert, this opportunity will be given to the next ensemble with the second highest score.

Competition categories

F - Category of vocal ensembles – open repertoire

Vocal ensembles

  • There is no age limit in the open repertoire category
  • The number of singers is set from 2 to 8 people
  • The time limit for vocal ensembles is 10 minutes. The time limit excludes time taken by entering/leaving the stage, the time between pieces or the time taken by applause. The total performance time should not exceed 15 minutes. If the time limit is exceeded, the competition performance may be terminated by the jury

Conditions of participation

Registration fee

The registration fee for the festival is set according to the table below and includes:

  • Participation in the International Choir Competition MUNDI CANTANT
  • Participation in the announcement of the competition results
  • Participation in social meetings with the jury
  • Participation in accompanying concerts and performances in Olomouc
  • Presentation package for choir members
  • Use of the rehearsal room
  • Online presentation of the choir
  • Competition diploma and medals
  • Evaluation sheets and result sheet (in electronic format)

2024 PRICE/ 1 category PRICE / 2 categories PRICE / senior choirs (A8)
3 DAYS
THU 30/5 – SAT 1/6		 450 CZK / person 600 CZK / person 180 CZK / person
2 DAYS
WED 29/5 – THU 30/5		 not available not available 150 CZK / person *
2 DAYS
THU 30/5 – FRI 31/5		 350CZK / person 450CZK / person 150 CZK / person *
2 DAYS
FRI 31/5 – SAT 1/6		 350CZK / person 450CZK / person not available
1 DAY
FRI 1/6
OR
SAT 2. 6.		 250CZK / person* 350CZK / person* not available
1 DAY
THU 31/5		 not available not available 80 CZK / person

* included in the price extra: entry to the festival's choir concert or opening concert, lecture/ entry to the exhibition centre and greenhouses of Flora Olomouc


Steps necessary for successful registration to the festival

Send your application (completed e-application form on the website / PDF or scanned copy of the application form) no later than:

3 MARCH 2024

Additional documents to be sent:

  • High quality colour photo (at least 1000 pixels, 300 DPI)
  • List of competition repertoire containing full names of authors, full titles of compositions / cycles, duration of each piece and indicated order of performance
  • Competition repertoire sheet music sent electronically via e-mail (preferably in PDF format)
  • MP3 or URL link of/to a recording of at least one piece performed by the ensemble (no more than 3 years old)
  • Confirmation of payment of the registration fee against the advance invoice

Payment of the registration fee

Bank details:

OLArt21, z.s.

Bank name: Fio banka, a.s.

Account No: 2702110297/2010

IBAN CZ74 2010 0000 0027 0211 0297

SWIFT/BIC FIOBCZPPXXX

  • The registration fee must be paid by cashless payment after sending the application form against the advance invoice. Bank charges are paid by the sender.
  • In the case of cancellation or non-participation of the choir announced after the deadline date for application, the registration fee cannot be refunded.
  • The final amount of the registration fee will be determined upon arrival of the choir according to the number of participants. Overpayment up to 2000 CZK will be forfeited to the festival, any higher amount will be returned to the choir's account within 14 days after the event. In the case of an underpayment, the choir will pay the difference in cash at the check-in.

Final provisions

  • The organiser reserves all the rights related to the taking of video and audio recordings of festival activities, including their further processing and use. By submitting the application form, the participants of the festival express their consent to the recording.
  • By submitting the application form, festival participants confirm that they have been informed of the above conditions of competition and participation in the festival.
  • The festival programme is subject to change.
  • Any personal data provided will be used solely to ensure conformity with the competition rules and will not be disclosed to third parties. Once the festival is over and all administrative matters have been completed, this data will be deleted from the organisers database.

Conditions of participation

Registration fee

The registration fee for the festival is set according to the table below and includes:

  • Participation in the International Vocal Ensemble Competition VOCALIS BELLUS
  • Participation in the announcement of the competition results
  • Participation of representatives of the ensemble in social meetings with the jury
  • Participation in accompanying concerts and performances in Olomouc
  • Presentation package for ensemble members
  • Use of the rehearsal room
  • Online presentation of the ensemble
  • Competition diploma and medals
  • Evaluation sheets and result sheet (in electronic format)

2024 RECOMMENDED FESTIVAL ACTIVITIES PRICE / participation
1 DAY
FRI 31/5
(+ SAT 1/6)		 participation in the VOCALIS BELLUS Competition, at the announcement of the results, at the analysis seminar (the winner with the possibility to perform at the evening concert and the MUNDI CANTANT Absolute Winner Competition) 1800 Kč / ensemble

Steps necessary for successful registration to the festival

Send your application (completed e-application form on the website / PDF or scanned copy of the application form) no later than:

3 March 2024

Additional documents to be sent:

  • High quality colour photo (at least 1000 pixels, 300 DPI)
  • List of competition repertoire containing full names of authors, full titles of compositions / cycles, duration of each piece and indicated order of performance
  • Competition repertoire sheet music sent electronically via e-mail (preferably in PDF format)
  • MP3 or URL link of/to a recording of at least one piece performed by the ensemble (no more than 3 years old)
  • Confirmation of payment of the registration fee against the advance invoice

Payment of the registration fee

Bank details:

OLArt21, z.s.

Bank name: Fio banka, a.s.

Account No: 2702110297/2010

IBAN CZ74 2010 0000 0027 0211 0297

SWIFT/BIC FIOBCZPPXXX

  • The registration fee must be paid by cashless payment after sending the application form against the advance invoice. Bank charges are paid by the sender.
  • In the case of cancellation or non-participation of the choir announced after the deadline date for application, the registration fee cannot be refunded.
  • The final amount of the registration fee will be determined upon arrival of the choir according to the number of participants. Overpayment up to 2000 CZK will be forfeited to the festival, any higher amount will be returned to the choir's account within 14 days after the event. In the case of an underpayment, the choir will pay the difference in cash at the check-in.

Final provisions

  • The organiser reserves all the rights related to the taking of video and audio recordings of festival activities, including their further processing and use. By submitting the application form, the participants of the festival express their consent to the recording.
  • By submitting the application form, festival participants confirm that they have been informed of the above conditions of competition and participation in the festival.
  • The festival programme is subject to change.
  • Any personal data provided will be used solely to ensure conformity with the competition rules and will not be disclosed to third parties. Once the festival is over and all administrative matters have been completed, this data will be deleted from the organisers database.

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