European Choral Association
European choral organisation
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The European Choral Association - Europa Cantat is a European choral organisation formed in 2011 from the merger[2] of the Federation of European Choral Associations[3] (AGEC, founded 1955) and Europa Cantat - European Federation of Young Choirs (EC-EFYC, founded 1963). It is the biggest European choral organisation with members in 40 European countries and 10 countries outside of Europe. It is a network of choir organisations. The association claims to directly represent more than 2.5 million of individuals, and indirectly reach 37 million.[4]
1963 (EC-EFYC)
Europa Cantat – European Federation of Young Choirs
 | |
| Abbreviation | ECA |
|---|---|
| Formation | 1955 (AGEC) 1963 (EC-EFYC) |
| Merger of | Federation of European Choral Associations Europa Cantat – European Federation of Young Choirs |
| Location | |
President | Dermot O'Callaghan[1] |
| Website | europeanchoralassociation |
Aims
The European Choral Association aims at improving the quality of vocal music, supporting cultural diversity and promoting cultural exchange within Europe. It encourages the mobility of conductors, composers and singers, and the creation of innovative contemporary vocal music. It aims to make its activities accessible to young people from all European countries including those who are geographically, economically, socially or otherwise disadvantaged, with a special focus on young people under 27.
Activities
The association (co-)organizes the following events:[5]
- Europa Cantat Festival, every three years
- Europa Cantat Junior Festival, for children's, girls' and boys' choirs
- Leading Voices, event for professionals in the choir world
- European Youth Choir for singers 18 to 30, formerly known as EuroChoir
- World Youth Choir for selected young singers 18 to 27
- Membership weekend
Every year they also collaborate on a number of external events that are organised under their label, and they maintain a calendar with more choral events by other organisations.[6]
Besides those, they also run a number of (EU-sponsored) projects, workshops, financial support schemes and awards.[7]