a truly educational and social experience in different vocal traditions on the highest artistic level.

The World Youth Choir is a project organized by the International Center for Choral Music (ICCM) and patronized by the International Center for Choral Music, the Jeunesses Musicales International (JMI) and Europa Cantat (EC).

Since its creation in 1989, the World Youth Choir has established one of the most interesting musical and intercultural experiences offered to young musicians.

Each summer the World Youth Choir, comprised of half new and half re-invited singers, meets a different country for two weeks of intense rehearsals organized by a local committee. At the conclusion of these rehearsals, the 80 singers choir tours within the host country and neighbouring countries, presenting concerts in major cultural centres and prestigious concert halls.

Repertoire of the summer session focuses mainly on twentieth century and contemporary a cappella music with a subtle mix of lesser known pieces combined with masterworks. Lighter music, easier in its approach but without any compromises in quality is also regularly performed.
From time to time, a major oratorio piece might be included in the session's programme.
To conduct these programmes the WYC engages the most renowned choral conductors.

From 2008 on, during the european winter period (december - january) the singers will meet again to perform the same repertoire with the same conductors. They will have a short rehearsal period (2 or 3 days). This rehearsal camp is traditionally accommodated in the Province of Namur (Belgium) before a concert tour within Belgium and abroad depending on the needs.

A tremendous message to the world

Beyond the artistic project, which in itself is a major achievement, the World Youth Choir represents a unique experience in personal relationships for its members.

Regardless of political or cultural differences, more or less 80 young people, with a common attraction to music and a love for singing, share one month of life together, thereby allowing work play, conversation and debate.
This community life creates a genuine spirit of friendship, conferring to the group this cohesion and this unique brightness which amazes those who attend WYC concerts.
Without any speeches or banners, the World Youth Choir provides its message of music, and by its presence, its message of international peace, brotherhood, and the vitality of life itself. That's the reason why the WYC has been appointed Artist for Peace by UNESCO

The ”World Youth Choir” is part of the project CREATE (Choral Repertoire, Education And Training in Europe) a project of the City of Mainz (D), ICCM (B), FENIARCO (I); IN.E.C.C. Lorraine (F), Estonian Choral Association (EE) and the City of Lund (S) for the sustainable promotion of the development of choral singing in Europe with the festival EUROPA CANTAT XVI as catalyst"