The American International Choral Festival debuts Wednesday with dramatically fewer choirs than anticipated and an uncertain outlook. Originally billed as a major celebration of the world’s best choral ensembles, the festival was to draw 2,000-plus singers, judges and teachers to St. Louis. Now, only 400 participants are expected to visit the five-day event.
“I’m not sure how we got to what we have today,” said Jill McGuire of the Regional Arts Commission, a local sponsor. “The only reason that makes sense to me is the economy is so bad. We kept thinking we’ll get just beyond that. But the economy didn’t bounce back enough. The economy in Europe is in the same shape as ours. That’s what the lower number of participants reflects.”
Thirteen choirs from seven countries will compete in a variety of categories at the Ferrara Theatre at America’s Center and at Christ Church Cathedral on Wednesday through Sunday. Organizer Interkultur of Germany had expected the festival to draw up to 50 choirs from 20 countries.
Interkultur operates a full calendar of competitions worldwide and is considered a leading promoter of choral music. This summer, it drew about 20,000 participants to the sixth edition of the World Choir Games in China.
This event is Interkultur’s first foray into North America.
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