The annual choral music festival ChoirFest Middle East is back on in Dubai, running from February 26 until March 17.
1,900 students from across 50 schools globally are competing for the Choir of the Year title, which will be announced on March 16 at a free-to-attend ceremony at the Dubai British School, from 4pm to 7pm.
But first, for lovers of choral music, Australian quartet The Idea of North will headline the festival with a live show on March 1. They will perform a ticketed gala at the Dubai British School (Jumeirah Park Dubai). The show will run from 7pm until 9pm, and will include a finalists announcement.
What is choral music?
Choral music is music sung by a vocal ensemble, also known as a choir. Every part of the musical piece, whether classical or contemporary, is sung by at least two people. This creates a layered, ethereal sound. Choirs are led by conductors, who use facial and arm gestures to guide.
Live in concert
ChoirFestME headliners The Idea of North are also celebrating their 25th anniversary together this year. Their distinct music transcends genres, from jazz, folk and gospel to classical, comedy and pop.
They have 12 albums to their name, and have won several Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) awards throughout their career. The quartet includes a soprano, alto, tenor and bass. They also put forth some vocal percussions.
Aside from performing, the band will hold workshops and masterclasses for students, which are open for registration online.
New additions
According to Shelley Frost, co-founder of ChoirFestME and director of The Fridge, this year’s event will focus on younger participants, as well. Juniors and secondary school students will be able to compete for Junior and Senior Choir of the Year Awards.
Another new addition will be the Dubai Vocal EnSENble, which describes itself as ‘the UAE’s first choir for ‘determined students’ with various needs’. They will perform on March 15 at The Fridge.
Ten UAE-based choirs will participate in the competition this year, but the festival will also welcome talent from Lebanon (Fayha Choir), Jordan (Amaan Choir) and Iran (Tehran Vocal Ensemble).
Early beginnings
ChoirFestME launched in 2013, co-founded by Frost and Joanna Marsh. They wished to showcase the rich choral communities that exist regionally and around the world. The festival is open to choirs of all ages, genders and backgrounds.
————————————
Don’t miss it!
Tickets to the March 1 gala featuring The Idea of North are Dh80 each.
