Arrivals begin May 27, departures on June 7
Columbia, South Carolina

The Professor Marin Chonev Choral Festival brings together choirs and conductors from the United States and abroad for an immersive program of performance, study, and cultural exchange in Columbia, South Carolina. Named in honor of pioneering Bulgarian conductor Marin Chonev, and father of our co-founding director, Kalin Tchonev, the Festival combines major choral-orchestral performances and clinician-led ensemble training with a dedicated conducting workshop offering advanced study and podium experience with the resident Festival Chorus. Through high-level performance and focused instruction with distinguished faculty, participants will refine their craft and build lasting artistic partnerships across institutions and cultures.

• 4-, 7-, and 10-day residencies for choirs and individual singers
• A 10-day Conducting Workshop for experienced and developing conductors
• Opportunities for distinguished guest conductors to bring their ensembles and contribute to the Festival's artistic programming
• Auditing opportunities for educators, musicians, companions, and community members

• Perform major choral-orchestral repertoire with the Festival Orchestra under the direction of leading conductors
• Present ensemble repertoire in showcase concerts at premier local venues
• Develop ensemble artistry through rehearsals, sectionals, and masterclasses with distinguished faculty
• Rehearse and perform alongside choirs from across the United States and abroad
• Deepen understanding of featured repertoire and international choral traditions through lectures, workshops, and collaborative performances led by festival faculty and participating choirs
• Discover the rich cultural heritage of South Carolina's capital city through guided excursions, community events, and visits to significant South Carolina landmarks.

Maurice Duruflé: Requiem
Conducted by Dr. Jim Taylor

Participants in the 7- and 10-day choral residencies will prepare Duruflé's Requiem for two public performances with the Festival Orchestra under the baton of Dr. Jim Taylor, Professor of Music and Director of Fine Arts at LeTourneau University.

The Festival welcomes university, community, church, youth and independent choirs as well as qualified individual singers.

Choirs registering at least 16 singers may present their own repertoire in a showcase concert and receive ensemble and sectional coaching from Festival faculty. Smaller groups and individual singers may join the Festival Chorus and participate in the repertoire and activities included in their selected residency.

Guest choir directors will prepare and lead their ensembles in showcase performances, collaborate with Festival conductors on combined repertoire, and participate in selected educational sessions. Directors may also apply separately to the Conducting Workshop as Fellows or Associates.

The Festival also welcomes inquiries from distinguished guest conductors interested in bringing an ensemble and contributing to the Festival's artistic programming, including proposals for additional choral-orchestral works or collaborative performance projects. Proposals will be considered according to artistic fit, ensemble participation, and Festival scheduling.

Festival participants will take part in masterclasses, presentations, repertoire study, and participatory sessions designed to deepen musical understanding, strengthen practical skills, and introduce the traditions represented throughout the Festival.

Topics may include:

• Healthy and sustainable choral singing
• Study and interpretation of featured masterworks
• Professional development for singers, conductors, and ensemble directors
• International choral repertoire, language, and performance practice
• Bulgarian choral music and traditions
• South Carolina's African American choral heritage

Cultural excursions and guided visits to significant regional landmarks will further connect participants with the Festival's local and international contexts.

Programming will also include Festival Fellowship Receptions, offering participating choirs, conductors, faculty, and community members opportunities to gather, build connections, and share in informal music-making and cultural exchange.

Specific sessions, faculty, and excursions will be announced as the Festival schedule is finalized.

All choral participants must submit a Festival application. No audition is required.

Choirs seeking a showcase performance will provide information about the ensemble, anticipated number of singers, and proposed repertoire as part of the application process.

Conducting participants must submit an application and the required audition materials. Applicants may indicate a preference for placement as an Associate or Fellow, with final placement determined by the conducting faculty based on submitted materials, stated preference, and previous experience.

Additional details, including deadlines and notification dates, will be announced as they are finalized.

All program fees are per participant and include the instruction, rehearsals, performances, and scheduled educational activities associated with the selected program.

Participants may register for the program-only option and arrange their own accommodations or select a Festival accommodation package. Accommodation packages are available to both groups and individual participants and include lodging, daily breakfast, and transportation to scheduled Festival activities and performances.

• CIU package: Accommodations in Columbia International University residence halls, based on double occupancy with shared bath facilities
• Hotel packages: Double-occupancy accommodations at a Festival-designated hotel

Single-occupancy accommodations may be available for an additional charge, subject to availability.

Festival transportation will be provided to scheduled rehearsals, performances, excursions, and other programmed activities. Participants arranging their own accommodations may also use Festival transportation by meeting buses at designated departure points at CIU or Festival hotels. Participants are responsible for their own transportation to and from designated departure points.

Daily breakfast is included with all Festival accommodation packages. Additional meals may be purchased through an optional CIU meal plan or individually at the CIU cafeteria.

Private voice lessons with VIMA faculty are available to eligible voice majors upon request.

Unless otherwise stated, Festival fees do not include:

• Round-trip airfare to South Carolina
• Airport transfers
• Single-occupancy lodging
• Meals beyond those specified
• Personal expenses
• Travel insurance