From August 28 to 30, more than 20 representatives from 11 Pueri Cantores nations gathered in Málaga, Spain, for the annual international assembly. At times, additional officials joined via online conference, which provided a good opportunity – especially for the non-European federations – to stay connected.
The executive board of the FIPC, newly elected last year, reported on new developments and milestones already achieved over the past year. President Elisabeth von Waldstein (Sweden) emphasized that she places particular importance on exchange among colleagues and solidarity with one another. Matthias Balzer has served as “General Manager” of the FIPC since 2025 and presented, among other things, the “Choir Partnerships” project.
Anna-Kathrin Dietrich, Manager of the German Federation, presented the activities in Germany surrounding the “75th Anniversary of the German Choral Association Pueri Cantores” and the current educational initiatives (podcast, e-learning).
On the second day of the meeting, representatives of the Spanish Federation provided a detailed report on the plans to date for the International Congress in July 2027, which will take place in Málaga. Specific information for the choirs is expected to be published soon. The registration period is scheduled to run from November 1, 2026, to January 31, 2027.
On Saturday, a young choir singer participated in an international “General Assembly” for the first time. Luna, a 20-year-old from Spain who sings in the Pueri Cantores choir from Guadix, had met online several times over the past few months with other young people from other Pueri nations to discuss how young singers could get involved in the FIPC. Luna then presented some of her own suggestions and ideas during the session. Her presentation was met with loud applause. The assembly agreed that the issue of youth participation must definitely be pursued further at the international level.
The meeting sessions on Friday and Saturday were complemented by a joint recreational program; on the first evening, for example, attendees had the opportunity to attend a flamenco performance. Three flamenco artists from Andalusia showcased their talents; all three are in high demand and also work as instructors. On the second evening, two Spanish choirs gave a joint concert. In a well-attended church in the city center (Santo Angel de la Guarda), the choir “Pueri Cantores de la Catedral de Guadix”, conducted by José Martinez Gonzalez, president of Pueri Cantores Spain, and the “Schola Pueri Cantores de la Catedral de Granada”, conducted by Héctor Eliel Márquez, performed.
The next in-person General Assembly will take place August 27 to 29, 2027. The location has yet to be determined. In addition, the committee meets once a year, usually in January, via online conference.
Cathedral of Malaga
Assembly meeting
Flamenco in the evening
Luna and President
FIPC choir masters and FIPC executives after the concert
concert on Saturday evening
José Martinez Gonzalez and both choirs
Impressions from Malaga
