THE GOLDEN LYRE

The Golden Lyre – the regional competition of children's choirs of Šumperk and its vicinity has been held since 1968. Its creation was encouraged by the Šumperk Children's Choir which has hosted it to this day.

The Golden Lyre passed through many forms, from a competitive tournament to a show of children's choirs held in festival ambience. Its location moved from the House of Culture in Postřelmov to the House of Culture in Šumperk. The most recent history of the Golden Lyre has been written since 2006 on the premises of Our Lady of the Annunciation Church in Šumperk which adds a solemn vibe. As many as twenty children's choirs from kindergarten, elementary and secondary schools perform within one day at four or five festival concerts. The choirs sing together at the end of each concert. Before that happens, they listen to one another.

All festival concerts are closely watched by a three-member jury consisting of choirmasters and experts on choral singing. The Golden Lyre is not a competition. We find, however, useful to provide performing choirs and choirmasters with feedback which should give a stimulus and inspiration for further choral activity. Therefore, we encourage the choirmasters to talk with the jury members about their choirs.

The event is organized by the Center for Leisure Time Doris Šumperk and the Circle of Friends of the Šumperk Children's Choir, heavily supported by a large group of kids from the main choir. Local Secondary Medical School generously provides premises which serve as a base facility and cloakroom. Thanks to a goodwill gesture from the town of Šumperk, the Geschader House is the place of counsel with the jury.

Annually the town of Šumperk provides a substantial financial support to the Golden Lyre.