October 17 – 19, 2025 | Philharmonie Berlin, Kammermusiksaal
Celebrating Tradition, Diversity and Excellence of the International Choral Community
The Songs of Europe Festival is CHORALSPACE’s newest festival format and presents the colorful international choral scene with its fascinating national and regional traditions. A love song for tradition and diversity!
The premiere of the festival will take place in collaboration with the Berlin vocal ensemble Aquabella as part of the festivities for the ensemble’s 30th anniversary.
Solo showcases and joint repertoire
in one of the best concert halls in the world
Would you like to perform with us?
The festival is designed for choirs and ensembles as well as individual participants.
Whether you are a local community choir, an a cappella choir, a school or university choir, a gospel choir, a singing club or a barbershop choir … if you sing you are welcome!
Registrations are now open.
Read more and join us today!
What do we sing?
The participating choirs and ensembles bring their own repertoire and present it in various concerts and at the closing concert in the Philharmonie. The artistic directors of the festival will add 4-5 pieces that are rehearsed together by all participants in the Songs of Europe Festival and sung at the closing concert.
These are: Con el vito (Spain), Kristallen den fina (Sweden), Sto mi e milo (North Mazedonia), and another still to be announced piece.
The music will be sent out in advance.
Who will lead the project?
The project is led musically by Bettina Stäbert and the Vocal Ensemble Aquabella. Their concept for the festival is based on the innovative learning and singing methodology that is part of their renowed Aquabella Academie.
Where will rehearsals and concerts take place?
Rehearsals are scheduled in the Matthäuskirche (Kulturforum).
The concerts on Friday and Saturday are scheduled in the Matthäuskirche as well.
The final rehearsal and the Gala Concert will take place in the beautiful Kammermusiksaal of the Philharmonie Berlin.
What costs are involved?
The participation fee for the festival is EUR 98.00 per participant.
Non-performing accompanying persons are offered a reduced participation fee of EUR 55.00 per person that includes access to all workshops, rehearsals and a concert ticket in the best category for all concerts of the festival including the concert at the Philharmonie Berlin.
Accompanying persons, friends and fans that wish to attend only the concerts can purchase concert tickets in our ticket website.
Songs of Europe
Celebrating Tradition, Diversity and Excellence of the International Choral Community
Perform with us!
The schedule of the project
October 17, 2025
Welcoming Concert
18:00 Matthäuskirche (Kulturforum)
A wonderful opportunity for participating ensembles to introduce themselves and get to know the other participants. This is an informal concert for the participants of the festival only.
Get-Together
19:00 Matthäuskirche (Kulturforum)
Workshop & Festival Choir Rehearsal
19:30 – 22:00 Matthäuskirche (Kulturforum)
All participants work with Bettina Stäbert and Vokalensemble Aquabella on the joint pieces to be performed at the final concert in the Philharmonie.
October 18, 2025
Lunch Concert
13:00 Matthäuskirche (Kulturforum)
Concert by participating choirs and ensembles. This concert is open to the public.
Workshop & Festival Choir Rehearsal
15:00 – 17:30 Matthäuskirche (Kulturforum)
All participants work with Bettina Stäbert and Vokalensemble Aquabella on the joint pieces to be performed at the final concert in the Philharmonie.
“Night of the Choirs” Concert
20:00 Matthäuskirche (Kulturforum)
A wonderful opportunity for participating ensembles to perform a 15-minute program of their choice in the beautiful Matthäuskirche. This concert is open to the public.
October 19, 2025
Final Rehearsal
10:00 -13:00 Kammermusiksaal of the Philharmonie Berlin
Preparatory rehearsal for the concert including the solo showcases of the participating choirs and the joint repertoire of the Festival Choir.
Gala Concert “Songs of Europe”
15:30 – 17:30 Kammermusiksaal of the Philharmonie Berlin
The highlight of a fantastic weekend with solo showcases of the participating choirs, Vokalensemble Aquabella and joint repertoire of the Festival Choir n the world-famous Philharmonie Berlin.
Get-Together
18:30 Venue (tbd)
An informal Get-Together of the participants at restaurants around the Philharmonie Berlin. Details and reservation link will be provided.
Workshop Leader & Headliner
Bettina Stäbert (Workshop Leader and Conductor)
Bettina Stäbert – trained in acting and singing, cultural manager, certified rhythm teacher and educational scientist (BA)
Choir director of 2 Berlin choirs,
As managing director of the ensemble and as a booker, she organizes concerts and workshops both nationally and internationally.
Bettina sings with a soft, dark mezzo-soprano voice, plays frame drums and is a born entertainer.
Vokalensemble Aquabella (Headliner)
The all-female vocal ensemble Aquabella is one of the most respected a cappella ensembles in Germany and has been inspiring audiences for 30 years with a unique combination of exceptional programming and captivating stage presence. Their musical diversity spans numerous singing styles and unusual languages, creating fresh and innovative concert experiences.
Aquabella has established itself on both national and international stages. In February 2024, the ensemble even undertook a four-week tour of New Zealand, impressively underlining their global reach and intercultural exchange. Aquabella’s ability to combine different styles and cultures in their performances makes their concerts unforgettable experiences for audiences.
Take the stage with us
Register today
Please don’t hesitate to contact us for any question or comments.