LatviaS “Kamēr…” choir has once again claimed the top spot in European choral competition, winning the prestigious European Choir Grand Prix in Toulouse, Spain, on October 26th. This victory marks an unprecedented fourth win for the ensemble-more than any other choir in the competition’s 36-year history-and further cements Latvia’s longstanding reputation as a choral powerhouse [[1]]. The win secures a €3,000 prize and, notably, an invitation to perform at the World Choral Festival in Hong Kong in 2026 [[1]].
Latvian Choir “Kamēr…” Takes Top Prize at Spanish Competition
The Latvian youth choir “Kamēr…”, led by conductor Jurģis Cābulis, has won the prestigious European Choir Grand Prix in Toulouse, Spain. This marks the fourth time the choir has earned the top honor in the competition’s history, solidifying Latvia’s reputation for excellence in choral music. The win underscores the country’s long-standing tradition of vocal artistry on the world stage.
Historic Victory in Toulouse
The European Choir Grand Prix final, held October 26 in Toulouse, Spain, brought together the winning choirs from five of Europe’s most respected choral competitions – representing Italy, Slovenia, Latvia, Hungary, and Bulgaria. “Kamēr…” emerged as the clear victor, surpassing other high-caliber ensembles, including choirs from the Philippines and Indonesia who participated as special guests. The victory not only secured the “Grand Prix” trophy for “Kamēr…” but also earned them an invitation to the prestigious World Choral Festival in Hong Kong in 2026.
“Kamēr…” – A Legacy of Achievement
Founded in 1990 under the direction of Māris Sirmais, the Latvian youth choir “Kamēr…” has become a celebrated force in the international choral scene. This year’s triumph in Toulouse adds to their impressive list of accolades, including previous “Grand Prix” wins in Gorizia, Italy (2004), Arezzo, Italy (2013), and again in Arezzo, Italy (2019). “Kamēr…” is the only choir in history to have claimed the award four times. The ensemble has also earned top honors at the International Chamber Choir Competition Marktoberdorf in Germany (1999) and secured three champion titles at the World Choir Olympics. Jurģis Cābulis has served as the choir’s artistic director and principal conductor since 2022, bringing his own internationally recognized expertise to the group.
European Choir Grand Prix – The Championship of Choral Music
The European Choir Grand Prix, established in 1988, is an annual competition that unites the winners from six of Europe’s most prestigious choral contests. Initiated by competitions in Arezzo (Italy), Debrecen (Hungary), Gorizia (Italy), and Tours (France), the event later welcomed competitions from Varna (Bulgaria) and Toulouse (Spain). As of 2024, the Jūrmala competition in Latvia has also become a qualifying event. While named “European,” the competition welcomes choirs from around the globe who qualify through one of the participating events. Widely considered the “championship of champions” in choral music, the competition showcases not only technical skill but also depth of interpretation and artistic performance. In the final round, “Kamēr…” delivered a program that demonstrated both musical excellence and stylistic diversity, decisively winning over the judges.
Latvia – A Choral Powerhouse
The latest victory for “Kamēr…” at the European Grand Prix reaffirms Latvia’s strength and tradition in choral music. The choir secured their fourth “Grand Prix” trophy in Toulouse, Spain, in 2025. This win not only elevates the choir’s international standing but also inspires a new generation of young singers in Latvia, demonstrating the enduring vitality of the country’s choral traditions. Along with a €3,000 prize, the choir received an invitation to the World Choral Festival in Hong Kong in 2026.
