The European Grand Prix for Choral Singing 2026 reached its highly anticipated climax last Saturday, April 18, in the Slovenian city of Maribor. Hosted in the renowned Union Hall, an emblematic venue for choral music, the event brought together five outstanding choirs—each of them winners of the international competitions of Arezzo, Jūrmala, Maribor, Tolosa and Varna—competing for one of the most prestigious titles in the choral world.

The Grand Prix, founded in 1989, is unique in that it gathers only the elite of the choral scene: ensembles that have already proven their excellence. This makes the final not only a competition, but also a celebration of the highest level of vocal artistry, stylistic diversity, and interpretative depth.

Throughout the evening, audiences experienced a rich and varied musical programme, with each choir presenting carefully crafted repertoires that showcased both technical precision and expressive power. The atmosphere in Maribor was one of excitement and admiration, as performers and listeners alike shared in a truly exceptional musical experience.

The jury ultimately awarded the 2026 Grand Prix to the Saint Nicholas Choir Litija from Slovenia, conducted by Helena Fojkar Zupančič, earning them the top distinction among an already extraordinary lineup of finalists