Cypriot choirs took part in the 15th World Peace Choral Festival, one of the world’s leading international choral festivals, held annually in Vienna, Austria.
According to a press release, during the festival, the ensembles performed at some of Vienna’s most prestigious venues, from the United Nations Vienna and the magnificent Festival Hall of Vienna City Hall to St. Peter’s Church, the House of Strauss, the Sofiensäle, the Schubertkirche, the MuTh Concert Hall, and finally the legendary Golden Hall of the Musikverein.
The festival concerts were also attended by a representative of the Consulate of the Republic of Cyprus in Austria, highlighting the importance of Cyprus’ cultural presence at this international event, it adds.
Opera Singer, Artistic Director, LYRA Choir Cyprus Founder, Ksenia Belolipetskaya, said that it is "a great honour for us to represent Cyprus at the United Nations. We are proud to see the flag of Cyprus alongside the flags of nations from around the world".
"We believe that music and art are a universal language that unites people regardless of their culture, nationality or language. May every voice become a symbol of friendship, mutual understanding and peace,” she said
In addition to their concert performances, festival participants attended masterclasses led by internationally renowned choral conductors and members of the Festival’s Artistic Committee, and other distinguished experts in choral music. The importance of cultural diplomacy was also highlighted.
According to the festival organisers, the World Peace Choral Festival welcomes more than 1,700 participants every year, bringing together nearly 40 choirs from more than 20 countries and regions worldwide. The programme traditionally features over 50 concerts, masterclasses, competition performances and community outreach events.
Since its founding in 2010, the World Peace Choral Festival has been held annually in Vienna with the support of the Austrian Government, the City of Vienna, the Vienna Boys Choir, and the United Nations Office at Vienna. The festival’s motto is: “Coming together to sing, singing for a better future.”
The 16th World Peace Choral Festival is scheduled to take place on 15–18 July 2027, and Cyprus is expected to be represented once again.
