About the festival

CantaRode is a young international choral festival. Chamber choirs of high quality from around the world participate in the festival. Previous editions of the festival have taken place in 2014, 2015, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2022 and 2023. The next edition of CantaRode will take place from May 29 – June 1, 2025.

CantaRode is ambitious and aims to grow into a prestigious and high-quality event. The festival will take place in the Dutch town of Kerkrade, near the German and Belgian borders. The festival aims to attract a large audience from various countries. The choral festival is organized in a professional environment. The jury consists of internationally renowned conductors.

Due to the special formula of the festival, the high level of international ensembles, the innovative programming and the beautiful locations, this festival is very attractive to domestic and foreign choirs.

Participants
The choral festival is open to chamber choirs in the categories: choirs of equal voices (women and men) and mixed choirs. Participation is possible on the basis of selection by the artistic committee. The selection criteria are defined in the regulations. The festival consists of a competition and a number of cultural-musical activities which are not judged.

In addition to the competitive program, several concerts are organized in the region. The choirs participating in the festival then perform together with local choirs or musical groups. Furthermore, creative and inspiring (musical) activities are organized in and around Kerkrade with local choirs and/or music companies.

International recognition
The festival CantaRode is international well-known. CantaRode is a member of the International Choral Festival Network