GGF 2026: Participants

We are overjoyed to welcome these eleven incredible Youth and Children’s choirs from around the globe to our 13th triennial Golden Gate Festival! These incredible choirs, along with the Performing Department of PEBCC, will participate in an unforgettable week of concerts, competition, special events and cultural exchange in the beautiful San Francisco Bay Area this July. Here are brief introductions to all eleven of our fantastic participating choirs!

GUEST CHOIR: Young Voices of the Philippines

Origin: The Philippines
Conductor: Dr. Maria Theresa Vizconde-Roldan
Category: Children’s Choir (non-competing)

PEBCC is overjoyed that Young Voices of the Philippines will be our featured Guest Choir at the 2026 Golden Gate Festival! Formally launched in 2020 as one of the scholar choirs of the Treble Choir Association of the Philippines, YVP thrives under the direction of Dr. Maria Theresa Vizconde-Roldan and Prof. Jude B. Roldan. Committed to showcasing Filipino talent and to help promote Philippine music across the globe, YVP singers learn to coexist with others and become empowered and creative performers through the many amazing opportunities the choir offers.

Cantabella Children’s Chorus

Origin: Pleasanton, CA, USA
Conductor: Bailey Sako
Category: Children’s Choir

Cantabella Children’s Chorus, founded by Director Emeritus Bee Chow in 1992, has grown to serve over 200 children in the tri-valley area: Dublin, Livermore, and Pleasanton. Now, under the direction of Bailey Sako, Cantabella fosters choral artistry through performance of quality music from all genres, enhancing musical literacy using Kodaly method as its pedagogical method of choice, and developing healthy vocal technique for the singers through ensemble performance and group lessons. Most of all, Cantabella singers learn to cherish the joy of singing together. Cantabella has received international recognition for its performances, winning multiple awards at festivals and competitions they have attended around the world.

E. Mikeladze Central Music School

Origin: Georgia
Conductor: Badri Jimsheleishvili
Category: Youth Choir

E. Mikeladze Central Music School, located in Tbilisi, Georgia, will be returning to the Golden Gate Festival for the fourth time. Since its foundation in 2010, E. Mikeladze has been sharing Georgia’s rich history of choral folk music with the world, showcasing the country’s soul and spirit to their audiences. Their time-honored method of musical education includes learning without sheet music, following Georgia’s oral traditions.

Ellerhein Girls’ Choir

Origin: Estonia
Conductor: Ingrid Kõrvits
Category: Youth Choir

The Ellerhein Girls’ Choir was founded in 1951 by Heino Kaljuste in Tallinn, Estonia. Now, under the baton of Ingrid Kõrvits, Ellerhein is composed of girls ages 14-18 who carry on the strong Estonian musical traditions and values. Its repertoire ranges from classical to contemporary choral music, and it has collaborated with many well known conductors and ensembles. The choir has performed worldwide and received numerous awards. In 2004, the choir won a Grammy Award with Estonian National Symphony Orchestra, Estonian National Male choir and conductor Paavo Järvi for a recording of Sibelius’ cantatas. Ellerhein Girls’ Choir is part of the Tallinn Hobby Centre Kullo and is currently at their 74th season.

Girls Choir Canzona

Origin: Poland
Conductor: Adrianna Wtorkowska-Kubińska
Category: Children’s Choir

The Girls Choir Canzona was founded in 1981 in Murowana Goślina, Poland, by Professor Elżbieta Wtorkowska. Canzona has won numerous prizes and awards at choral competitions and festivals around the world and has even had the opportunity to perform for Pope John Paul II on several occasions. Now, under the direction of Adrianna Wtorkowska-Kubińska, the choir includes around 60 girls ages 12 to 18. Canzona’s repertoire focuses on both sacred and profane polyphonic pieces.

Kajetán

Origin: Czech Republic
Conductors: Anna-Marie Lahodová, Zuzana Kuncová
Category: Children’s Choir

Kajetán, the children’s opera choir of the Josef Kajetán Tyl Theatre in Pilsen, was founded in 2014 and is attended by children aged 11 to 19. Conducted by Anna-Marie Lahodová and Zuzana Kuncová, the choir combines a friendly, family atmosphere with professional artistic work. The singers develop not only vocal technique but also musical sensitivity, teamwork, and stage experience. Kajetán regularly performs in opera productions as well as at concerts and cultural events. The choir has achieved significant national and international success at a plethora of choral festivals and competitions, most recently winning the 2025 Grand Prix in the children’s choir category at the European Choir Games.

Singakademie Graz

Origin: Austria
Conductor: Maria Fürntratt
Category: Children’s Choir

Singakademie Graz was founded in 1995 by Maria Fürntratt. Hailing from Graz, Austria, Singakademie’s motto is “Experience Singing!” This is borne out by their practice: the only requirement for joining is a love of singing. The accomplished Singakademie Graz have serenaded everyone from the Pope and the Belgian Queen, to Norwegian trolls, Oscar award winners, and Chinese ministers and presidents!

Green Guys

Origin: Austria
Conductor: Maria Fürntratt
Category: Youth Choir

A spin-off of the Singakademie Graz, the young boys’ group “Green Guys” will entertain with gorgeous harmonies in bass clef! The colour green represents the national color of their home-province, Styria–the green heart of Austria. 

Veus – Cor Infantil Amics de la Unió

Origin: Catalonia
Conductor: Josep Vila Jover
Category: Youth Choir

Veus – Cor Infantil Amics de la Unió was founded in 1996 within the School of Music created within the Amics de la Unió Choral Society of Granollers. Directed by Josep Vila Jover since its formation, this choir of beautiful voices stands out for the quality, eclecticism and uniqueness of its productions. Since 2017, Veus has been the resident choir at the Teatre Auditori de Granollers. Veus has been invited to perform in prestigious venues around the globe and has been awarded in numerous international festivals and competitions.

Vox Aurea

Origin: Finland
Conductor: Sanna Salminen
Category: Youth Choir

Vox Aurea youth choir, established in 1968, is the representative choir of the basic education in the city of Jyväskylä. Under the direction of Sanna Salminen, the choir consists of 50 singers aged 11 to 19. Vox Aurea is acknowledged as one of the top choirs in Finland. In addition to concert performances and tours, the choir has taken part and been awarded prizes in various national and international choir competitions. It has also published several recordings representing the diversity of choir music. Alongside with choir education, Vox Aurea relies on local, national and international cooperation in its activity, as well as opening new channels for Finnish choral music. Commissioning choir works of contemporary composers is an established part of the choir’s activity. Likewise, collaboration with youth choirs from different countries forms an essential part of the activity of Vox Aurea. Experimental attitudes towards a holistic expression, as well as a warm team spirit, are core parts of the choir’s identity.

Young Musicians Chorus, Collegium Musicum

Origin: Berkeley, CA, USA
Conductor: Betsy Marvit
Category: Children’s Choir

Young Musicians Chorus, Collegium Musicum, founded in 2020 under the direction of Betsy Marvit, is centered in Berkeley, CA. Returning to GGF after taking an award in the Contemporary division of our 2023 competition, Collegium Musicum singers are between ages 10-17. Young Musicians Chorus (YMC) has developed a reputation for strong musicianship, challenging repertoire, musical character, subtlety of interpretation, and self-accompaniment. YMC maintains focus through an intense, passionate, collegial approach. Young Musicians Chorus is a community choir with a shared goal of musical beauty, fun, and challenge, in an atmosphere of acceptance, with special attention paid musically to the social issues their students care about.

Ancora

Origin: Oakland, CA, USA
Conductor: Robert Geary
Category: Youth Choir (non-competing)

Ancora is a stunning chamber group under the direction of Founding Artistic Director Robert Geary, made up of high school- age treble voices who pass a rigorous vocal audition. Ancora explores some of the most advanced treble repertoire in up to eight parts. Through commissioning and collaborating with today’s composers and other arts organizations, Ancora takes a leading role in the presentation of new choral music. Being a part of Ancora is the realization of many years of hard work and dedicated choral excellence in the Piedmont East Bay Children’s Choir.

Concert Choir

Origin: Oakland, CA, USA
Conductor: Andrew Brown
Category: Children’s Choir (non-competing)

Concert Choir (CC) is the entry level group within our Performing Department. CC is a remarkably accomplished group of singers aged 9-12 years old. CC sings 3-6 part music under the expert tutelage of their conductor Andrew Brown. Within their two to three year curriculum cycle, they begin a more inspired and serious exploration of music, refining their knowledge of music theory, vocal pedagogy, and sight singing skills. CC tours nationally annually and appears on demand as a guest choir. In 2026, they will be traveling to San Diego for their annual tour!

Ecco

Origin: Oakland, CA, USA
Conductor: Eric Tuan
Category: Youth Choir (non-competing)

Ecco is the SATB group within PEBCC who performs diverse and engaging repertoire: from medieval, to contemporary, to jazz. Using the culminated talents of maturing PEBCC choral artists, Ecco prepares singers for the transition to college repertoire through professional level performance of a variety of A Cappella musical styles. This high-caliber choral group consists of approximately 20-40 mixed voices: young singers with changed voices, plus singers of all genders in tenth grade or above.

Ensemble

Origin: Oakland, CA, USA
Conductor: Eric Tuan
Category: Children’s Choir (non-competing)

Ensemble is the flagship performing group of PEBCC, representing the Choir in awe-inspiring international competitions and spectacular festivals. Under the expert direction of Artistic Director Eric Tuan, Ensemble is recognized by the world as a leader in youth choral music. Through regular participation in international exchange activities, Ensemble singers develop an awareness of the larger world and a greater understanding and appreciation of other cultures. The group consists of treble-voiced singers of all genders who demonstrate superior musical proficiency, are 12-15, and are admitted by audition. Ensemble has won many awards, including most recently, the 1st prize in the Senior Children’s Choir category, and the “Young Choir of the World” award at the 2024 Llangollen International Eisteddfodd in Wales. This summer, Ensemble will be traveling to French Canada for their annual 2026 tour!