Moscow A Cappella festival and contest brings together over 1,600 performers from different countries

The results of the Moscow A Cappella festival and contest were announced in the Russian capital. The official ceremony was held in Zaryadye Park. The Grand Prix winner was Zolani Youth Choir from the Republic of South Africa (RSA).

“Such international cultural festivals bring together talents and audiences from all over the world. I congratulate the medalists and first prize winners with all my heart. “I would like to express my gratitude to all the participants for the vivid impression they made on Moscow residents and visitors during their performances,” emphasized Natalya Sergunina, Deputy Moscow Mayor.

The first festival of a cappella singing took place in Moscow in 2017. It always aroused great interest among both performers and audiences. This year was not an exception. More than 1,600 performers, soloists and groups from Russia and 12 other countries, including Belarus, China, South Africa, Indonesia, Cuba and Angola, demonstrated their skills.

Our country was represented by participants from more than 30 cities, including Moscow, St. Petersburg, Petrozavodsk, Kazan, Tyumen, Yekaterinburg, Novosibirsk, Sevastopol, Tula, Nizhny Novgorod and Vladikavkaz. During the contest, more than 1,500 performances took place at almost 40 venues in Moscow.

“The unique feature of the project is that artists perform not in concert halls, but in public spaces: amphitheaters, balconies and streets. The most popular locations this year were Manezhnaya Square, Teatralnaya Square, Kamergersky Pereulok and Revolution Square,” added Natalya Sergunina.

Moscow A Cappella brought together former contestants and new participants. For example, the 2019 medalists Just 6 from South Africa and VM6 from Namibia returned to give performances. Recognized as a UNESCO World Intangible Cultural Heritage, the Chinese folk ensemble Liping Grand Song of Dong Ethnic Group performed at the festival and contest for the first time.

Special program and contest results

The contest was part of the citywide Territory of the Future. Moscow 2030 forum and festival focusing on the current development of the Russian capital and plans for the future in a variety of areas - from manufacturing and transport to healthcare, creative industries and sports.

Artists from different countries were treated to tours of Gostiny Dvor and Muzeon Arts Park venues. The participants of the a cappella festival gave performances for the special military operation soldiers undergoing treatment at the Mandryka Central Military Clinical Hospital.

The performers were judged not only by a professional jury but also by audiences from all over the world using voting on the contest website. Based on the results, winners were selected. The Filipino choir Los Cantantes De Manila took first place in the Large Vocal Groups category (from 9 to 35 people). U Like won first prize in the Medium Vocal Groups category (from 5 to 8 people), while PlusFive from St. Petersburg was the best in the Small Vocal Groups category (from 2 to 4 people). Sonya Singleton from Moscow won the Small Groups category (from 1 to 3 people).