Each year some of the finest amateur choirs are selected to compete for the prestigious Fleischmann International Trophy. The selected choirs also have an opportunity to perform in a range of additional festival activities throughout the week including fringe concerts, church and informal performances. The Fleischmann International Trophy Competition consistently features top class adult choirs from many countries. A programme of a capella (purely vocal) music consisting of either three or four contrasting works whose total duration (actual singing) is between ten and twelve minutes, is required. The contrasting programme must represent an historically-balanced and coherent range of styles and must include: A piece composed before 1750 An original work by a living composer A work by a composer of the choir's native country.

The competition is open to application from any choir of international standing (except specifically children's choirs) with a minimum of twenty / maximum of seventy voices.

Application Procedure

Each choir is required to forward by October 31st 2010 latest:

1. A completed entry form (Please join our mailing list to receive the form by email)
   
2. A recent CD recording of the choir
3. The choir’s proposed competition programme (see Repertoire Requirements detailed above). If accepted, this repertoire and its order of performance may not subsequently be altered
4. One original score of each work (non returnable)
5. A short history of the choir and conductor detailing activities and achievements (English Text, 250 words)
6. A recent photograph (suitable for publicity purposes) of the choir
7. Receipt of payment of entre fee of €250

Accommodation and Meals

Participating choirs are responsible for all matters related to the organisation, booking, and payment of all accommodation and meals during their stay in Cork. A comprehensive list of specially negotiated accommodation options in varied price ranges (including Hotels, Guest Houses and Hostels) will be provided to all choirs selected for the Fleischmann International Trophy Competition. The festival is not responsible for any booking issues that may arise.

Subsidy - Choirs from outside Ireland and Northern Ireland

The festival undertakes to pay a per diem subsidy (to a maximum of 4 full participatory days) in the amount of €20 per choir member (including conductor), up to a maximum of 40 people, towards the cost of accommodation and meals for choirs selected for the Fleischmann International Trophy Competition.

The application deadline for the 2011 Fleischmann International Trophy Competition is October 31st 2010. Application Forms can be found here.