The Singkreis Porcia, or “singing circle of Porcia,” was founded in 1956. While none of the choir members, who are all residents of the communities of Upper Carinthia, are professional musicians, they have all received some form of musical training. The ensemble is now one of the most well recognized choral ensembles in the country, having toured throughout the world, participated in prestigious festivals, and been featured on national and international radio and television stations. In 1964, the Singkreis Porcia began their international choir competition to promote international choral studies and performance through financial awards.
The 2011 Singkreis Porcia Choir Competition features choirs from throughout the world, including ensembles from Denmark, Germany, Indonesia, Latvia, Lithuania, Slovenia, the Czech Republic, the United States of America, and Austria. This year’s competition, which will take place at Schloss Porcia (Porcia Castle) is sponsored by the Austrian Federal Ministry of Education, the Arts, and Culture, the Regional Government of Carinthia, Austrian Radio, the Cultural Department of the Municipality of Spittal an der Drau, and Singkreis Porcia. Schloss Porcia stands in the town of Spittal an der Drau in the Austrian state of Carinthia and is hailed as one of the most significant Renaissance buildings in Austria. Construction of the castle began in 1533, commissioned by Archduke Ferdinand I of Habsburg, although he never had the opportunity to live here as the structure was not completed until 1598. In 1918 the Porcia family sold the castle, and in 1951 it officially became the property of the municipality of Spittal. The castle’s famous inner arcaded court houses several Lombard-Italian sculptures and annually hosts the Komödienspiele Porcia (comedy theater) festival. The castle also contains a museum of local history and serves as a popular venue for concerts and choral recitals.
Click here for more information on the 2011 Singkreis Porcia Choir Competition.
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