Wernigerode, Germany

We cordially invite you to the 6^th International Johannes Brahms Choir Competition & Festival in Wer-nigerode. Ten years ago, in the summer of 1999, when we launched our 1st International Choir Competi-tion in Wernigerode, we were already convinced that it would become a popular event in the MUSICA MUNDI series of choir competitions. Nevertheless, we were still surprised by its enormous success and the deep impression that both the event and the town of Wernigerode made on so many choirs from around the world.

From 8 – 12 July 2009, the unique flair of Wernigerode, this enchanting, picturesque town in the Harz region, is sure yet again to delight choirs from all over the globe and make the festival an unforgettable experience.

This year's announcement fulfils the wish expressed by many choirs for a broader range of competition categories and more opportunities for participation than have been available up to now. The man after whom the festival is named, Johannes Brahms, and the German Romantics of the 19th century, will again be a focal point but we have scaled back "Category A with Compulsory Piece" to a single round. And, in contrast to previous announcements, the category "Sacred Choir Music" will be included in the competi-tion as an additional option to those categories already available.

This event offers interested choirs excellent opportunities to learn together and refine their specialist skills. Coaching concerts and rehearsals will meet the desires of many choirs for comprehensive professional and artistic advice and help them to overcome their "competition" inhibitions.

Previous festivals have all been marked by a high level of interest in the competitions on the part of Wer-nigerode's citizens and guests. Therefore, it seems only natural to introduce an audience prize, for which any or every spectator can vote, to supplement the category and special prizes adjudicated by an interna-tional jury. This gives people the chance to select their own particular favourite choir.

Finally, we invite choirs and ensembles of all kinds who would prefer not to take part in competition but would like to give concerts in Wernigerode and other regional communities. The festival will provide ample opportunities for groups to perform their repertoires to an interested audience, whether they specialise in choral, orchestral or folk music.

The scenic town of Wernigerode in the Harz region is both proud and pleased to host this prestigious in-ternational choir competition once again. As the economic, cultural and tourism centre of the Harz region, it is the ideal setting for such an attractive event.

We cordially invite you to be a part of it!

We look forward to meeting you at the 6th International Johannes Brahms Choir Competition & Festival in Wernigerode.