for the 2^nd Malta International Choir Competition and Festival 2007:

The choirs can be mixed (SATB), female (SSA) or male (TTBB).

• S1 Sacred vocal polyphony a cappella
• S2 Sacred music with accompaniment
• S3 Sacred music - open category

General rules of category S1:This category encompasses Christian sacred vocal polyphony and related musical traditions Number of pieces: 4Maximum pure singing time: 20 minutesInstrumental accompaniment not permitted

Programme of category S1:

1. one piece by a composer born before 1490
2. one piece by a composer born between 1490 and 1566
3. one piece by a composer born after 1808
4. one piece of a contemporary composer
   (alive in the time of application)

General rules of category S2:This category relates to Christian sacred music traditions from 17th century to the presentNumber of pieces: 4Maximum pure singing time: 20 minutesA maximum of two compositions can be performed with original accompaniment

Programme of category S2:
(number of pieces 4)

1. one piece by a composer born between 1567 and 1795
2. one piece by a composer born between 1796 and 1873
3. one piece by a composer born after 1874
4. one piece by a contemporary composer
   (alive in the time of application)

General rules of category S3:This category is designed for choirs whose repertoire does not meet the requirements for categories S1 and S2. Liturgical songs and other music used in religious services from any religion or church are welcome.Number of pieces: not definedMaximum pure singing time: 15 minutes Original instrumental accompaniment may be used in every piece

Programme of category S3:
pices of the choir’s own choice

• G4 Sacred music for children’s choir S(S)A(A)
  singers (treble voices) not older than 16 years
• G5 Sacred music for youth choirs of equal voices
  female singers up to 19 years of age (SSAA)
  male singers up to 25 years of age (TTBB)
• G6 Sacred music for mixed youth choirs
  singers up to 25 years of age (SATB)

General rules of category G:
Number of pieces: 4
Maximum pure singing time: 15 minutes

Programme of categories G4, G5 and G6:
Free choice Original instrumental accompaniment may be used in 2 pieces

a cappella - Difficulty level I

Only secular music is permitted

• A1 Mixed choir
• A2 Male choir
• A3 Female choir

General rules of category A:
Number of pieces: 4
Maximum pure singing time: 20 minutes 

Programme of categories A1, A2 and A3:

1. One piece by a composer born before 1870
2. One piece by a composer born after 1870
3. One piece by a composer from the home country of the choir
4. One piece by the choir's own choice

with accompaniment - Difficulty level II.

Only secular music is permitted

• B1 Mixed choir
• B2 Male choir
• B3 Female choir

General rules of category B:
Number of pieces: 4
Maximum pure singing time: 15 minutes
Original accompaniment is allowed in 2 piece

Programme of categories B1, B2 and B3:
4 free chosen pieces

General rules of category F:
Number of pieces: not defined 
Maximum pure singing time: 15 minutes

Programme of category F:
The programme should reflect the folk music or a specific vocal tradition of the participant's country. Choirs specialized in a particular foreign singing tradition may present a programme in this style. Instruments: folk instruments significant for the singing tradition are permitted as well as scenic elements and traditional costumes. However, the singing should be in the centre of the performance.