All applications in this section to be received by 1 NOVEMBER 2009.  Please note: Choirs are permitted to apply for more than one competition provided that they comply with the different conditions relating to each individual competition (see note below); furthermore, choir members are permitted to apply for solo competitions.

Competition 1: MIXED CHOIRS of no fewer than 30 and no more than 80 voices, 16 years of age and over on the day of the competition.

Competition to take place FRIDAY 9 July

A contrasting programme of up to 11 minutes of music, including at least one original composition composed in or after 1960.

First Prize: International Trophy and £1,100; Second £550; Third £275

Competition 2: BARBERSHOP / CLOSE HARMONY CHORUSES of no fewer than 12 voices, 16 years of age and over on the day of the competition.

Competition to take place SATURDAY 10 July

A contrasting programme consisting of up to 11 minutes of music, including at least one piece in pure Barbershop style.  A full definition of pure Barbershop style can be obtained from the Eisteddfod Music Office.

First Prize: International Trophy and £1,100; Second £550; Third £275

Competition 3: MALE CHOIRS of no fewer than 20 voices, 16 years of age and over on the day of the competition.

Competition to take place SATURDAY 10 July

(a) A 20th/21st century original composition by a composer of the competing choir's own country, sung in any language.

(b) A composition of the competing choir's own choice, by any composer born before 1900, sung in any language, with or without accompaniment (the accompaniment may be a transcription of an orchestral score).

(c) A contrasting item of the competing choir's own choice.

The total duration of all three works, (a), (b), and (c), must not exceed 11 minutes.

First Prize: International Trophy and £1,100; Second £550; Third £275

Competition 4: FEMALE CHOIRS of no fewer than 20 voices, 16 years of age and over on the day of the competition.

Competition to take place SATURDAY 10 July

(a) A 20th/21st century original composition by a composer of the competing choir's own country, sung in any language.

(b) A composition of the competing choir's own choice, by any composer born before 1900, sung in any language, with or without accompaniment (the accompaniment may be a transcription of an orchestral score).

(c) A contrasting item of the competing choir's own choice.

The total duration of all three works, (a), (b), and (c), must not exceed 11 minutes.

First Prize: International Trophy and £1,100; Second £550; Third £275

Competition 5: CHAMBER CHOIRS of no fewer than 12 and no more than 29 voices, mixed or equal voice, 16 years of age and over on the day of the competition.

Competition to take place FRIDAY 9 July

A contrasting programme consisting of up to 11 minutes of music, including at least one original composition composed in or after 1990.  At least one item should be unaccompanied.

First Prize: International Trophy and £1,100; Second £550; Third £275

All choirs must submit a recent recording from the last 6 months with their application form.  This must be on CD, DVD or as an MP3 file and should be between 10 and 15 minutes duration. FOR APPLICATIONS IN COMPETITIONS 1 TO 5 AT LEAST ONE PIECE ON THE RECORDING MUST BE UNACCOMPANIED.  The recorded music need not include your competition items, but must be suitable for each competition application.  Please note that pieces may not be repeated in different competitions (excepting Choir of the World).

PLEASE NOTE that choirs may apply for, and compete in, more than one competition in this section, provided that the regulations for each competition are observed and that ensembles within the individual competitions are clearly defined by their repertoire, style and presentation.  However, there are particular rules governing selection into the Choir of the World Competition - no two choirs which are essentially the same may compete against one another in the Choir of the World.  The Eisteddfod's decision in interpreting this matter is final, and all choirs will be given full clarification of the application of this rule following their selection.