Fifth World Choir Games opens in Graz
10/7/2008 17:14
The 5th World Choir Games (WCG) opened yesterday in Graz of Austria, with
441 choir groups from 93 countries and regions, a total of about 20,000 people,
participating in these 11-day-long international competitions.
More than 40
Chinese choir groups, including groups from Hongkong, Macau and Taiwan,
participated in the 5th WCG. Besides the host country Austria which owns the
most choir groups, China is the second largest choir group country with about
2,000 Chinese singers.
A total of about 600 competitions in 28 chorus
categories including children chorus, teenager chorus, female chorus, male
chorus, indoor chorus, pop music chorus, folk songs etc. would be held during
the 11 days.
Meanwhile, a series of cultural activities, such as concerts and
chorus lectures, would also be offered during the same period.
"We are the
world" is the consistent aim of WCG. The performances of various dancing groups,
chorus groups and bands from all over the world during this period would deepen
the friendship between different countries, improve the artistic level and make
the WCG a cultural event.
WCG's original name was "International Choir
Olympics," established by the Germany-located INTURKULTUR Foundation e.V. in
2000, hoping that the old Olympic idea could be used in choral competitions and
exchanging activities.
It has since then been held every two years. The first
four WCGs were held in Linz, Austria; Pusan,Korea; Bremen, Germany and Xiamen of
China. The 6th WCG will be held in Shaoxing of China in
2010.
Xinhua
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