October 2021, Message from the President

Dear friends,

In the summer of 2019, the IFCM and the International Culture Centre in Monte Real (Lisbon) collaborated to bring the World Choral Expo to Portugal for the first time since it was established in 2015. The theme of “Voices Meeting for a Better World”, together with the 2019 IFCM World Choral Expo, inspired global friendships and world peace. Through their common love for choral music, more than 600 outstanding choral singers and conductors representing over 50 countries came to Portugal to participate in this magnificent event.

During the 2019 IFCM World Choral Expo, a great number of spectacular concerts were organised at the best venues in the capital, Lisbon, and the picturesque city of Cascais. In addition to these concerts, various projects such as the Singing Network, Colourful Voices and a choral exhibition were also held. Another exciting memory from the 2019 IFCM World Choral Expo is that we celebrated the 30^th anniversary of the World Youth Choir at the IFCM’s main offices.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, both our organisation of and participation in choral events and activities have been limited. I am sure that all our friends who love choral music are, like me, missing the experience of singing together, as well as the wonderful atmosphere of choral events. However, I am thrilled to announce today that the World Choral Expo will return to Portugal in 2022, from the 3^rd to the 7^th of September.

Currently, preparations for the 2022 IFCM World Choral Expo are being implemented in two forms – first, the IFCM WCE 2022 committee has planned an exciting international programme with ensembles from five continents, and second, a regional committee has been created to focus on the local community. We plan to invite 12 choirs and vocal ensembles, together with two professional ensembles. So far, eight of them have confirmed that they will take part in this marvellous event.

At the 2022 IFCM World Choral Expo, people will attend high-level performances, the Colourful Voices programme, the EXchange! programmes, workshops and seminars, conducting masterclasses and gala concerts. The annual IFCM General Assembly is also scheduled to take place during this time.

As 2022 is the 40^th anniversary of the IFCM, we are also planning a sublime celebration, which includes a special exhibition dedicated to the IFCM in the Palacete dos Condes de Monte Real palace and the launch of a 40^th-anniversary publication. I believe that, through the 2022 IFCM World Choral Expo, everybody all over the world will come together seamlessly to enjoy choral music and make lifelong friendships in Portugal.

Best wishes,

Emily Kuo

Edited by Luke Martin, UK