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The “Seghizzi” International Choral Singing Competition
 A project of brotherhood and cultural exchange

The Gorizia Choral Association “C. A. Seghizzi” was founded in November 1920 under the direction of Maestro Augusto Cesare Seghizzi, with the aim of promoting choral singing as both an artistic and community practice within the local area. Over time, the choir progressively expanded its activities, becoming for many years one of the leading reference points for choral music in Italy.

In 1962, the first edition of the “Seghizzi” Choral Singing Competition was organized. Already in the following year, 1963, the event took on an international dimension, welcoming choirs from different countries and establishing itself for its artistic quality and diversity of participation.

All of this took place in Gorizia, a city that, during the years of the Iron Curtain, was divided by a wall from Yugoslavia. Even within that international climate of tension and mistrust, the Seghizzi Competition remained a meeting point between these two parts of Europe.

The International
 Competitions

Each year, the Association promotes a cycle of three international competitions that form the core of its artistic activities:

International Choral Singing Competition

open to choirs of all types, with no age limits, welcoming ensembles from all over the world.

International Choral Singing Competition

open to choirs of all types, with no age limits, welcoming ensembles from all over the world.

International Chamber Singing Competition

dedicated to solo voice with piano accompaniment.

Choral Singing Competition
 A Global Stage

Over more than 60 editions held to date, the Competition has welcomed choirs and singers from over seventy countries around the world.

The Competition has always aimed to be not only a contest but also a place of encounter between cultures, languages, and styles, where singing truly becomes a universal means of communication. The spirit of the event is rooted in brotherhood and exchange, values reflected in the relationships established among choirs, conductors, and singers from across the globe, many of whom have developed friendships and collaborations that continued well beyond the competition itself.

Recognition and
 Institutional Quality

Over time, the Association has received significant recognition for its cultural role. Among these is the Medal of the President of the Italian Republic, awarded to the Association’s international activities as a testament to their cultural value and artistic impact.

These accolades highlight not only the artistic quality of the events organized but also the importance of the Seghizzi as a driver of cultural promotion and dialogue between diverse musical traditions.

The Choir's Festival
Together beyond competition

Alongside the competitive phases, each edition of the Competition includes informal moments designed to encourage mutual acquaintance and exchange. A recurring highlight of every edition is the Choirs’ Festival, to which all participating choirs are invited, together with the jury and institutional representatives. On this occasion, singers, conductors, and musicians of all ages and backgrounds gather for a shared dinner that each year culminates in singing and dancing, reinforcing the communal dimension of the choral experience.