Excelsia International Christian Choral Celebration 2026

A global gathering that celebrates the beauty and diversity of Christian choral music, uniting voices from across the world in faith, creativity, and musical excellence. From South Africa to Europe, Asia, the Americas, and Australia, this event has become a meeting place for choirs who sing from conviction, tradition, and living faith.

Building on the success of last year’s Celebration, Excelsia University College invites choirs from every corner of the world to be part of the 2026 edition.

Culminating in a powerful day of curated performances, panel discussion, and worship in Sydney and online, the Celebration showcases not only Christian musical expression, but deep spiritual authenticity.

Cape Town Camerata (South Africa) were the proud winners of the 2025 William Byrd Prize for a moving performance that holistically captured spiritual integrity and musical depth.

We welcome submission from any choir of any size from around the world with a repertoire that includes Christian music, i.e., music with a specifically Biblical or Christian text (in any language).  Our theme this year is ‘Light’.

We invite you to join in solidarity, hope, and praise.*

With a deep history teaching creative and performing arts with a multi‑denominational Christian mission, Excelsia celebrates the musical and liturgical traditions of the Catholic, Orthodox and Protestant church. With over 40 years of experience in creative and performing arts education, Excelsia’s tradition sits at the heart of the event, bringing together choirs, worship leaders and communities across cultures.  

The Celebration reflects Excelsia’s commitment to fostering collaboration, listening intently across traditions, and strengthening the global Christian choral community through excellence and shared worship. 

William Byrd Prize – AUD$5000