Musica Eterna in Rome – International Choir Festival & Competition

An international choral festival in the heart of Rome

Musica Eterna in Rome – International Choir Festival & Competition is one of the most highly regarded international choral events hosted in the capital. Every year in July, it draws amateur choirs, vocal ensembles, and singers from every continent to Rome, united by the desire to perform in the Eternal City, which has been considered a major center for choral and sacred music for centuries. The 15th edition is scheduled to take place from July 15 to 19, 2026.

Competition, categories, and non-competitive spirit

The format combines the spirit of a festival with that of a choral competition. Choirs can register in numerous categories designed for different genres and ensemble types: mixed, male, and female choirs (with or without repertoire requirements), children's and youth choirs, sacred music, gospel and spirituals, and folklore. Those who prefer not to compete can choose non-competitive participation, while still taking part in concerts and performances. International juries evaluate participants using the InChoral system, with awards and diplomas presented for the various categories.

Concerts, coaching, and meetings

The program goes beyond the competition. Groups participate in the opening concert, evaluation performances with detailed feedback, individual coaching sessions with masters, and friendship concerts—moments designed for musical and personal exchange between ensembles from different countries. It is a unique opportunity to perform in some of the city's most evocative venues, including basilicas, historic churches, and concert halls.

Singing in the Eternal City

The charm of the event stems from its setting: Rome, the capital of the Lazio region, offers choirs stages of extraordinary beauty. In recent editions, performances have graced iconic sites of Roman religious and artistic heritage, and participation in liturgical events and city celebrations has made the experience even more profound. For singers from all over the world, performing among the naves and squares of the capital represents an emotional and artistic milestone.

Organization

The festival is organized by Meeting Music, a company specializing in international choral festivals and competitions, which manages choir hospitality, the performance schedule, and relations with Roman venues. Registration is handled through the organizer's website, with early bird deadlines and a final cutoff usually set for mid-February. The event takes place in the Municipality of Rome, in the Lazio region.