Voices of Spirit 2026

The international choir festival Voices of Spirit 2026 transforms Graz into a "Singing City" from May 13 to 17. The target audience includes around 20 national and international choirs, soloists, young people, professionals, and the general public. At its heart is the promotion of contemporary choral art and composition through collaboration with composer Eriks Ešenvalds as Artist in Residence: His innovative works and world premieres will be presented in concerts and masterclasses for choral conducting and composition. The program includes: top-tier workshops, open continuing education formats, collaborations with guest choirs, participatory events such as flashmobs, and the Long Night of Choirs (free admission, social accessibility). The festival offers sustainable networking, youth development, and inspires with a diverse program ranging from classical to pop/jazz. Regional and international cooperation, broad media presence, and tourism revenue strengthen the anchoring of contemporary music in public consciousness and create lasting impulses for the artistic landscape in Graz and beyond.