2026 Contest
1. SELECTION
Registration for the 2026 Edition Contest is now CLOSED.
The competition is open to Gospel Choirs and Singers (not individual soloists).
Download and fill in all required documentation.
Submit your application via email to: info@festivalgospelmontegrotto.com
Please include an acappella or instrumental video performance in your application request.
Download the subscription form below, suitable for GOSPEL CHOIRS and SINGERS only:
The Organizing Committee will evaluate the technical (intonation, sound quality) and artistic (interpretation, authenticity, and adherence to Gospel tradition) aspects of the submitted videos.
Selected applicants will be invited to participate in the Contest.
Choirs and Singers who are not selected for the competition may still take part in the Festival’s workshops and collateral activities.
2026 Contest
2. APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
Selected Gospel choirs and singers must provide:
– LIST OF CHOIR MEMBERS
– N. 2 HI-RES PHOTOS (minimum)
– SHORT VIDEO (explaining why joining the Festival. This video will be shared on the Festival’s social media channels.)
2026 Contest
3. RULES
- Performance duration: Maximum 30 minutes, including stage entry and exit.
(Penalty: 3 points deducted for every 2 minutes exceeded.) - Repertoire information: Titles, duration, sheet music, composer, lyricist, and copyright details must be submitted using the downloadable form on the Festival website.
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Mandatory song: Each choir must include one or two songs of contemporary or pop music of their own choice to be arranged and performed in gospel style.
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Performance format:
– A cappella or with accompaniment.
– If using accompaniment, choirs must bring their own musicians.
– The Festival provides instruments (bass, guitar, drums, keyboard) free of charge. Additional keyboards may be available upon request during rehearsals. -
Evaluation: Choirs and singers will be judged by an internationally recognized panel of choral experts based on multiple criteria. Criteria: Discipline and relationship to conductor, appearance, blend and pitch, repertoire, connection between choir or singer and audience, use of dynamics.
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Jury decisions are final and cannot be contested.
2026 Contest
4. FESTIVAL PARTICIPATION FEE
We recognize the challenges the world has faced in recent years and the impact on the choral community. However, we remain committed to the message of hope that Gospel music represents.
Participation fee: €35 per person
Payment details:
Alpe Adria Cultura APS
IBAN: IT95B0863163910000001023350
Bank: Banca 360 FVG – Filiale di Lignano Sabbiadoro
Reason: Registration fee for “The EFGM Contest”
2026 Contest
5. AWARDS AND RECOGNITION
All participants will receive a Certificate of Participation.
The choir with the highest score becomes the competition Winner and will be awarded with a cash prize of € 2000.
A special award “Città di Montegrotto Terme” of € 500 will be chosen by a popular jury.
2026 Contest
6. COLLATERAL ACTIVITIES
Choirs and singers selected for the Contest will also have access to an exclusive 2-day workshop led by prestigious international Gospel artists.
Those not selected for the competition are still welcome to participate in the Festival’s activities and immerse themselves in this extraordinary musical experience.

2026 Edition!
The 360 WORKSHOP
The only European competition dedicated to Gospel choirs, set in the heart of Italy’s most charming summer destination — just a short distance from Venice.
The Montegrotto Terme European Gospel Festival Contest 2026 celebrates the artistry, passion and spiritual power of Gospel music.
European choirs with a strong stage presence, authentic Gospel identity and powerful vocal energy will be selected to perform live before an international audience.
If your choir can bring real Gospel impact to the stage, this is your chance to shine and compete for the title of Best European Gospel Choir 2026.
“The Contest is a pretext for giving choirs and singers the opportunity to perform their pieces in a friendly educationally-oriented environment.”
– Stefania Mauro, Artistic Director
Main Partner


