Imagine thousands of choir members from all across the globe, dressing in traditional attire and parading through the streets of downtown Cincinnati USA. The Parade of Nations is one of the many ways that one can experience the largest international choral competition in the world, the World Choir Games.

The Olympics of choral music will bring 20,000 participants and tens of thousands of visitors from more than 70 countries to Cincinnati USA from July 4-14, 2012 for what will be the largest and most significant international arts event in the city’s history.

The World Choir Games is the signature event of INTERKULTUR, a Germany-based organization that produces international choral events worldwide. Inspired by the Olympic ideal, the goal of the World Choir Games is to unite people from all nations through singing in peaceful competition.

The Open Competition is for all choirs, and The Champions Competition is for those who qualify. Champions Competition Choirs compete for gold, silver and bronze medals. The title of “Champion of the World Choir Games” is bestowed upon the top performers in each Champions Competition category. There will be 23 different musical categories in Cincinnati USA - 18 in The Open Competition - including barbershop, folklore, jazz, pop, gospel and spiritual. Judging is done by an impartial international jury.

There will also be entertainment-packed opening and closing ceremonies, awards ceremonies and hundreds of public performances, including “Friendship concerts,” free choral performances on city streets, public squares, attraction venues and parks.

A worldwide spotlight will be on Cincinnati USA for this exhilarating and memorable event.