Qatar has won the rights to host the World Symposium of Choral Music in 2023. Held once every three years, the International Federation of Choral Music’s (IFCM) flagship event is considered the most prestigious non-competitive choral event and will attract 2000-4000 international delegates to the country, reinforcing its position as a hub for cultural events.

Akbar Al Baker, secretary-general of Qatar National Tourism Council (QNTC) and group chief executive of Qatar Airways said: “We are delighted to add the World Choral Symposium to the growing list of events coming to Qatar. We continue to work towards attracting large-scale events in the MICE space, as we continue to diversify and grow our tourism industry.”

In a statement, the IFCM said: “We are looking forward to an exciting exploration of the musical treasures of the Middle East and Central Asia. The symposium in Qatar provides IFCM and the hosts with the opportunity to create a new network and enhance exchange and cooperation within and beyond this area.”

Every three years since 1987 the World Symposium on Choral Music (WSCM) has been hosted in cities around the globe including Barcelona, Puerto Madryn, Seoul, Copenhagen. Kyoto, Minneapolis, Rotterdam, Sydney, Vancouver, Stockholm, Helsinki, Tallinn, Vienna and Auckland.