WorldFestivalAssociation

INVITATION

With pleasure, we invite Children’s, Youth, and Adult Choral Groups to participate in the XI International Choir Festival and Competition “St. Stefan”, which will be held from 20–24 August 2025 in Budva, Montenegro.

Organizers: World Festival Association, T.O Budva, and Tree Cane.

 Participation Information

Every choir, singing formation, and orchestra has the right to participate.

Categories:
Children’s Choirs (2/3 of participants must be 16 or younger)
Youth Choirs (2/3 of participants must be 27 or younger)
Adult Choirs (1/3 of participants must be older than 27)

Application requirements: Submit an application form, a photograph of the choir and conductor, and a recent audio recording. Materials can be sent via email, uploaded online, or sent by post.

The festival features two participation options: Competitive or Non-Competitive.

Competitive participation is judged by an international jury. A minimum of five choral groups is required for the competition.

Categories: Uniform, Mixed, Children’s Choirs. The winner receives the statue “St. Stefan” as the grand prize.

 Sections of the Festival

Section One – Performances (15–20 minute open-air programs at various public locations)

Section Two – Pop Music (choral arrangements of pop songs, lasting 8–12 minutes)

Section Three – Folk Music (choral arrangements of folk songs or motifs, lasting 8–12 minutes)

All choirs must perform in at least two sections.

By applying, choirs agree to respect and regulate the legal rights of authors of performed works and grant the festival rights to use any recorded material.

 Participation Conditions

Limited number of participants (groups up to 50 members, including singers, managers, and musicians)

Groups must arrange their own transportation for arrival and departure

Required: Short CV, photos of the choir, and a country flag

Each choir must prepare two performances for two sections (8–14 minutes each)

Accommodation Information

Accommodation cost per person:

137 EUR – 3 nights / 4 days (half-board: 2 meals per day)

176 EUR – 4 nights / 5 days (half-board)

219 EUR – 5 nights / 6 days (half-board)

Additional double room: 10 EUR per person per night

Additional single room: 20 EUR per person per night

Participants may extend their stay in Budva: 40 EUR per person per day

Accommodation options:
Hotel Empire
Villas Hotel Park
Hotel Mena
Hotel Lobo

Accommodation on request:
Slovenska Plaza
Hotel In
Hotel Park

Tourist tax and insurance: 1.50 EUR per person per day (paid additionally)

Parking for buses is paid additionally

 Festival Organizers Provide

One free participant for every 30 paying participants (30+1)

Souvenir and gift for each group

Certificates of attendance

Refreshments during performances

Festival promotion (press releases, social media promotion, posters, flyers)

Competitors receive certificates; the winner receives the statue “Sveti Stefan”

 Insurance

Personal responsibility and health insurance are required.

Medical services must be covered by the group. First Aid and hospital access will be available.

 Program Information

Day 1 (20 August):
12:00–14:00 – Arrival in Budva and hotel accommodation
18:30–20:00 – Dinner in the hotel
21:00 – Welcome reception with leaders and conductors

Day 2 (21 August):
08:00–10:00 – Breakfast
10:30–14:00 – Budva sightseeing and boat trip to Sveti Stefan peninsula (16 EUR)
19:30–20:00 – Dinner in the hotel
21:00 – Official opening of the festival with a welcome speech, singing together, and open-air acapella performance in the old city

Day 3 (22 August):
08:00–10:00 – Breakfast
11:00–14:00 – Competition (Hotel Splendid, judged by international jury)
20:00–21:00 – Dinner in the hotel
21:00 – Festival evening at Tree Cane square

Day 4 (23 August):
09:00–10:00 – Breakfast
09:00–18:00 – Optional excursions or free activities (visit Kotor, Herceg Novi, Dubrovnik, Aqua Park, or Boka Kotorska Bay)
19:00–21:00 – Dinner in the hotel
21:00–00:00 – Closing ceremony, certificates of attendance, awards, and exchange of presents

Day 5 (24 August):
09:00–10:00 – Breakfast
12:00 – Departure

Optional extended stay: Visits, excursions, and additional free time activities

 Transportation

Airport transfers from Tivat or Podgorica airports are available.
Transportation costs to be agreed based on group size.

 Excursions Information

Visiting Ostrog Orthodox Monastery – sacred pilgrimage site built into a cliffside

Visiting Tara River Canyon – second deepest canyon in the world with stunning viewpoints

Shkodra Lake with lunch – traditional meal and beautiful lake views

Shkodra Lake (without lunch) and boat ride – explore by boat

Visiting Kotor with boat ride – cruise the Bay of Kotor and tour the medieval town

Visiting Kotor (without boat ride) – walk through the historic Old Town

Kotor Cable Car Adventure – panoramic views from the new cable car