16 choirs from 11 countries - the third London International A Cappella Choral Competition

The third London International A Cappella Choral Competition at St John's Smith Square runs from 26 June to 1 July 2017, with a total of 16 competing choirs from 11 countries (Chile, Colombia, Denmark, Hungary, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Philippines, India, Indonesia, and the UK). There are six choirs from the UK with 10 from other countries.

It is the only choral competition in the UK with a purely a cappella focus, and this year the competition celebrates the music of Arvo Pärt. The participating choirs compete in the initial rounds (26-29 June) for a place in the finale on 1 July 2017, but also choirs have the opportunity to perform at a lunchtime concert in a central London venue, and to participate in a specialist workshop with Ghislaine Morgan. Morgan is one of the judges alongside Peter Phillips (chairman), Graham Ross, Tõnu Kaljuste, and Carolyn Sampson.

In addition to the main competition, there will be a screening of Dorian Supin’s third documentary film on Arvo Pärt even if I lose everything, and an exhibition of photographs of Arvo Pärt by Kaupo Kikkas, which are being exhibited in the UK for the first time. On Friday 30 June, Peter Phillips and the Tallis Scholars will give a recital performing Heinrich Isaac's Missa de Apostolis and Virgo prudentissima (written for a big international peace conference in 1507) alongside music by Arvo Pärt and Allegri (guess what?).

Full information from the competition website.