Kerkrade, June 2, 2025 – The eighth edition of CantaRode, the international choir festival in Kerkrade, concluded yesterday with a festive closing. From May 29 to June 1, 2025, both audiences and participants enjoyed a four-day musical spectacle of exceptional quality. Ten choirs from eight different countries competed in an inspiring contest judged by an expert international jury.

The jury, composed of renowned choral experts, evaluated the participating ensembles on musicality, interpretation, and artistic expression over two competition rounds. Audiences were treated to a wide and varied program that showcased the richness of international choral music.

Winners & awards
The grand winner of this edition is the St. Nicholas Choir from Litija, Slovenia. The choir claimed the first prize and also received awards for the best compulsory piece and for best conductor, Helena Fojkar Zupančič.

Second place went to the Tiroler Landesjugendchor from Austria, which also won the Audience Award for their captivating performance. The third prize was awarded to the impressive Southern Chorale from Georgia Southern University (USA), completing the winners’ podium.

The award for Most Promising Young Conductor went to Jasmien Gys from Belgium, conductor of the Vocaal Damesensemble Caloroso. The Kammerchor Konservatorium Winterthur from Switzerland received a special prize for outstanding repertoire selection.

Final concert with Ringmasters a resounding success
One of the highlights of the festival was the atmospheric closing concert with the Ringmasters. The performance by this world-famous Swedish barbershop quartet brought the event to a celebratory close. The interaction between the singers and the audience was remarkable. “The sing-along in particular worked really well with this fantastic audience,” said the Ringmasters. The concert was met with enthusiastic applause, underlining the unifying power of vocal music.

Exceptionally high engagement
The eighth edition of CantaRode showcased not only an impressive artistic level but also strong engagement from both singers and audiences. “We look back on a fantastic festival,” said Peter Thomas, chairman of CantaRode. “With 400 singers in the competition, 100 enthusiastic workshop participants, and another 200 singers involved in regional concerts, the vocal energy was palpable everywhere. There were literally no false notes. The feedback from both participants and visitors has been overwhelmingly positive. A big compliment to everyone who made this possible – from volunteers to partners and, of course, the choirs themselves.”

Jury impressed by quality and atmosphere
The jury also expressed great enthusiasm about the festival. “What makes this festival so special is the warm, friendly atmosphere and the strong connection between choirs, organizers, and audience,” said jury chairman Luc Anthonis. “The quality of the participating choirs was high, with an impressive variety of styles and sound colors. The jury itself had a good mix of backgrounds and perspectives – yet we were on the same wavelength from the start and unanimous in our decisions. CantaRode is unique. I wish this festival an incredible future, but let me add: stay as you are. Don’t get bigger. The close, almost familial bond is exactly what makes this festival so valuable.”

More than just a competition
In addition to the competition, CantaRode also offered an extensive fringe program with musical activities throughout the city. For four days, Kerkrade was transformed into a vibrant stage filled with choral sounds and cultural encounters, actively involving residents and visitors in the festival.

Looking ahead to 2027
Held biennially, CantaRode has now firmly established itself on the international choral calendar. The next edition is scheduled to take place from May 6 to 9, 2027.