Choralfest 2021 is going virtual!

On 13 March 2020, Choir Alberta was forced to cancel Choralfest 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. While the ongoing public health orders will not allow Choralfest 2021 to occur as normal, we have developed a new framework for a virtual offering of this festival. 

WHAT TO EXPECT
Choralfest 2021 will be structured in the same “pod” model as previous years. Three choirs will participate in each pod via livestream from their own rehearsal venues, with each pod containing the following components:

1. PERFORMANCE – Choirs will either perform a set of up to 10 minutes of music, or present a recording or virtual choir project that they have prepared.
2. LISTENING – Each choir will be asked to listen as virtual audience members during the other performances in the pod.
3. WORKSHOP – Choirs will receive a private 30-minute workshop from one of the festival evaluators via livestream.

After the festival, the Choir Alberta office will compile feedback from all three evaluators for each participating choir, as well as providing a certificate of participation and a full repertoire list from the festival.

TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS
Choirs will need to provide a venue with a stable internet connection to participate in Choralfest 2021.

The following equipment is required for livestreaming, watching the performances/recordings of other choirs in your pod, and participating in your virtual clinic:

• Laptop/computer
• Projector + screen
• Powered speakers
• High-quality condenser microphone

Choir Alberta has a full suite of equipment and is able to provide it for Choralfest participants. In some rural areas, a minimum number of participating choirs may be required to avoid rental/shipping fees. A Choir Alberta representative will be available to set up, operate, and take down Choir Alberta's equipment; alternatively, the equipment can be provided via a contactless drop-off with a set of clear instructions. 

Note that Choir Alberta is not able to offer technical support on software/equipment that is not owned by Choir Alberta.

SCHEDULING + REGISTRATION
Choralfest 2021 will take place 16-20 March 2021, with the potential addition of a second week (23-27 March 2021) pending demand. Generally, 3 pods will be scheduled per day (morning, afternoon, and evening) with 3 choirs participating in each pod. Scheduling preference will be given to choirs which deferred their registration fees from Choralfest 2020, although some accommodations may be required depending on equipment requirements & logistics.

Registration fees for Choralfest 2021 will remain the same as last year:

• $425 for choirs of 1-40 singers
• $475 for choirs of 41+ singers

REFUND POLICY
There are many unforeseen challenges that can arise during this pandemic - for example, the sudden illness of a conductor or accompanist, cancellation of classes, venue closures, and more. In recognition of this situation, Choir Alberta will allow registered choirs to receive a full refund of their Choralfest 2021 fee in the event that they are unable to participate due to extenuating circumstances resulting from COVID-19.

If you have deferred registration fees from Choralfest 2020, but do not anticipate being able to register in this year's festival as outlined above, you may request a refund by contacting the Choir Alberta office at info@choiralberta.ca​

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Pre-registration NOW OPEN

Choir Alberta acknowledges the difficulty of planning ahead during these challenging times - as a result, we have coordinated a two-stage registration process, beginning with this pre-registration form.

This pre-registration form is non-binding, and intended to gauge interest in registering for this year's festival. If there is sufficient interest, we will move forward and invite choirs to fully register and pay their registration fee (if not already deferred from 2020). We will also be offering a flexible refund policy for this festival, in the event that your choir needs to withdraw (see the Refund Policy section below).

​Please review the festival details carefully, and complete the pre-registration form if you are interested!

Choralfest 2021 Pre-registration

If you have any questions about Choralfest 2021, you can contact the Choir Alberta office at info@choiralberta.ca.