Encouragement at the «European Youth Choir Festival Basel»
The 15th European Youth Choir Festival will take place in the Basel region from May 5–9, 2027. This year’s festival will feature not only more than 50 concerts by highly talented children’s and youth choirs from across Europe, but also a variety of events presented by Swiss choirs. Registration is now open for the «Sing Garden,» the «Schwizer Büni,» and the «Singplausch.».
The European Youth Choir Festival in Basel attracts an audience of about 40,000 people. For the approximately 2,700 children and young people participating, however, the opportunity to connect with others across all borders is at least as important as performing in front of a large audience. The festival has therefore established additional formats that allow Swiss choirs to participate. Starting October 1, 2026, the registration window for stage performances by Swiss choirs will be open at www.ejcf.ch:
Singing Fun (2nd–5th grade)
In a gender-segregated singing workshop (led by Kerstin Saxer-Jentsch for the girls and Andreas Wiedmer and Marcel Fässler for the boys), children’s choirs rehearse songs that they will perform for the festival audience at the end of the day in the foyer of Theater Basel. Girls and boys on their own—an exciting experiment and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!
«Sing Garden» Open Stage (ages 25 and under)
Children's and youth choirs of all kinds can sign up for a 30-minute performance on the open stage at the «Sing Garden» festival center. Dr. Gschwinder is the one to contact.
Schwizer Büni (up to age 25)
On Saturday afternoon, the «Singe uf dr Strooss» event will take place in downtown Basel. All of the international festival choirs will perform on four open-air stages, while the fifth stage is reserved for ambitious Swiss choirs from all language regions. Register now!
Felix Powroslo is coming to Switzerland!
The renowned choir coach and director from Berlin has been working with choirs for many years to help them develop stage presence and charisma. He will be leading workshops at the 16th Swiss Choral Conductors’ Conference and is therefore also available for other engagements on May 4, 5, and 7, 2027. He would be happy to visit your choir rehearsal and offer physical and vocal training that will immediately help singers perform with confidence and presence on stage. He also provides one-on-one coaching for choir directors. If you’re interested, please email us at info@ejcf.ch.
Festival Manager Wanted
There’s also a lot going on behind the scenes at the festival: Starting in the summer of 2029, the Youth Choir Festival will be led into the future by a three-person leadership team (Festival Management, Office Management, Concert Management). The EJCF is currently seeking a festival manager with a background in both the arts and communications. The position is posted at www.ejcf.ch. The application deadline is November 20, 2026.
