Sharjah to host UAE Choir of the Year Finals in May
Dubai: Backstage buterflies, side stage excitement, and unforgetable memories are only a few of the emotions for those lucky singers taking part in Choirfest Middle East 2023 (Choirfestme). This year the region’s premier choral festival has joined forces with the UAE Ministry of Education to extend its youth competition across all seven emirates, bringing the joy of singing to thousands of students across the country.
Thanks to Choirfestme 2023’s expanded scope, the upcoming Emirate Youth Choir of the Year competition will see junior, middle, and senior choirs compete in heats across all seven emirates. The winners of each competition will represent their emirate at the National UAE Choir of the Year finals, which will be held in Sharjah in May. For the adult choirs, their competition will centre around a Gala Concert for Choir of the Year in the spectacular Dubai Opera.
Seasoned atendees and participants of Choirfestme can expect some thrilling changes this year. The Uae-based festival will celebrate its 10th anniversary by welcoming public schools from across the host nation for the first time. Not only that, but the winners of the UAE Youth Choir of the Year will also receive an all-expenses-paid trip to Gangneung, South Korea sponsored by the Ministry of Education, to compete in the World Choir Games 2023.
Founded in 2013 by The Fridge Founder and Director Shelley Frost, and renowned composer, Joanna Marsh, Choirfestme is an oasis for choir communities in the Middle East and beyond, giving adult and youth choirs the plaform to showcase their talents. Building on this tradition, the 10th anniversary edition will introduce the participation of international adult choirs for the first time, positioning the event and the wider UAE as a hub for the global choral community.
Shelley Frost commented: “Choirfestme reflects the warmth, generosity and values of tolerance that define the UAE. This is more than a choral festival; it is a unique event that uses the power of music to celebrate the cultural diversity of its host nation and the wider Middle East. Our mission is to provide passionate musicians and aspiring vocalists of all ages with a plaform to showcase their talents, promoting positive cultural exchange between all sectors of society. We are immensely grateful to our partners at the UAE Ministry of Education and the cultural local authorities for facilitating the country-wide expansion of our youth competition, allowing us to reach a larger and more diverse audience than ever before.”