Malaysian Choral Eisteddfod - International Choir Festival 2026

Malaysian Choral Eisteddfod - International Choral Festival (MCE ICF) is an annual event, considered as one of Malaysia’s largest and most prestigious choral festivals. It serves as a platform for singers, choirs, conductors, and teachers to work with a distinguished team of international choral clinicians through our series of symposiums, competitions, and festival concerts.

MCE ICF 2026 is more than just a festival, it is an experience centered around human connections and shared experiences.

Festival Highlights:

1.             Choir Competition
Spanning multiple categories, the competition provides a platform for singers of all ages and backgrounds to present diverse repertoires, from classical to contemporary, folk to jazz. Choirs will be evaluated by an esteemed international panel of adjudicators, ensuring a high standard of artistry and meaningful feedback for every ensemble.
 
More than just a contest, the competition fosters cultural exchange, collaboration, and inspiration, uniting choirs in a celebration of voices. Whether performing or supporting as part of the audience, this is an unmissable highlight of the festival where the spirit of harmony truly comes alive.
 
2.             Festival Workshop Series
This series offers a unique opportunity for singers, conductors, educators, and music enthusiasts to learn directly from world-renowned choral experts.

Held at Pentas 2, The Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre (klpac), this series brings together seven world-renowned experts to share practical tools, creative strategies, and rich cultural traditions. Over the course of the festival, participants will dive into a diverse array of specialized topics designed to elevate their artistry.

3.             Festival Choral Fiesta
A grand celebration of voices, bringing together choirs and guest performers in a vibrant evening of choral artistry. Featuring the Festival Adult’s Choir, Festival Children’s Choir, and the dynamic Festival Pop Ensemble, the concert will showcase the talents of singers from diverse backgrounds, guided by guest conductors Jonas Rasmussen (Denmark), Roni Sugiarto (Indonesia), and Dinar Primasti (Indonesia).
 
Adding to the highlight of the evening, the internationally acclaimed Young Voices of the Philippines, conducted by Dr. Maria Theresa Vizconde Roldan, will be the special guest performer, offering audiences a world-class choral experience.
 
4.             Festival Gala Concert
Experience the pinnacle of choral artistry at the Festival Gala Concert 2026, featuring the internationally celebrated Young Voices of the Philippines, conducted by Dr. Maria Theresa Vizconde Roldan. Renowned for their exquisite artistry and award-winning performances, the ensemble will bring a world-class musical experience to Kuala Lumpur.
Joining them on stage are the PPG Choir – K.L. Chapter, Shenyang Radio and Television Children’s Choir, and Hong Kong Inter-School Choir (Senior Secondary Division), creating a rich and diverse program of choral music that highlights both international excellence and local talent.
 
5.    Grand Prix Competition
Selected from the top category winners, these outstanding ensembles will showcase their artistry before an esteemed international jury, competing for the festival’s highest honor.
 
The Grand Prix Winner will earn the distinguished opportunity to represent the Malaysian Choral Eisteddfod - International Choir Festival at the 6th Asia Choral Grand Prix, to be held in Manila, Philippines in 2027. This prestigious platform not only celebrates excellence in choral performance but also connects choirs to a wider international stage of artistic exchange and recognition.