ABOUT THE COMPETITION
Your Voice. Your Story.
LAI SKAN! is an international children's and youth vocal music festival–competition that brings together young performers from Latvia and abroad.
Different voices, musical traditions, and personalities meet here. We believe everyone has their own unique sound and a story to tell. That is why, alongside vocal excellence, we value creativity, individuality, and the courage to be yourself.
2027 THEME — YOUR OWN VOICE
June 5, 2027 | Liepāja | Ages 6–18
Liepāja Latvian Society House
CATEGORIES
A Stage for Every Voice
A — A CAPPELLA
Vocal ensembles of four or more singers. Two pieces performed without instrumental accompaniment, with a total duration of up to 8 minutes.
A1 — Ages 9–12 | At least 2 independent vocal parts
A2 — Ages 13–18 | At least 3 independent vocal parts
The first piece must be composed by a composer from the country represented and performed in that country's language. The second piece is freely chosen.
B — SOLOISTS
One voice. One song. One story.
B1 — Ages 6–8
B2 — Ages 9–12
B3 — Ages 13–18
One song of your choice, up to 4 minutes.
C — DUOS, TRIOS & ENSEMBLES
Different voices. One shared sound.
C1 — Ages 6–8
C2 — Ages 9–12
C3 — Ages 13–18
One song of your choice, up to 4 minutes. Requirements for multipart singing vary according to age group and ensemble size.
COMPETITION REGULATIONS
Everything You Need to Know
Choose your repertoire, prepare your performance, and explore the competition requirements.
Repertoire — Category A requires two a cappella pieces. Categories B and C require one song of your choice.
Backing Tracks — Participants in Categories B and C who perform with a backing track must upload an MP3 file with their application. A backup copy on a USB drive is required on the competition day.
Judging — A professional jury evaluates vocal performance, musicality, interpretation, and individuality.
Awards — First, second, and third places, jury members' special awards, and other special prizes. Category A also features the Andris Eniņš Special Award for the best interpretation of a song in Latvian.
Please read the full competition regulations before applying. They contain all category-specific requirements and conditions of participation.
APPLY
Your Next Musical Adventure Starts Here
Registration is open from November 27, 2026, to May 5, 2027.
Please read the COMPETITION REGULATIONS before submitting your application.
JURY
More Than Scores. An Experience.
The LAI SKAN! jury evaluates not only how you sing, but also what you want to express through your performance.
Vocal quality, musical interpretation, and individual artistic identity all matter.
The jury members will be announced in spring 2027.
FAQ
Have More Questions?
Can I participate without previous competition experience?
Yes! The most important thing is to prepare a performance that meets the requirements of your chosen category.
How are age groups determined?
For soloists, age is determined by the number of full years completed on June 5, 2027. For duos, trios, and ensembles, the participants' average age is calculated and rounded to the nearest whole number.
Can I sing in any language?
Yes, in Categories B and C. In Category A, one piece must represent the musical culture of the participant's country, as specified in the regulations.
Is multipart singing mandatory in Category C?
Not in C1. In C2 and C3, multipart singing is required according to the ensemble size, but it does not have to be maintained throughout the entire piece.
When must I submit my backing track?
Together with your application, no later than May 5, 2027.
Can I participate in multiple categories?
Yes! A separate application must be submitted for each performance.
When will the performance schedule be available?
the performance schedule will be published on our website and sent to participants approximately two weeks before the competition.
Can I get a refund of the participation fee?
If you withdraw by May 5, 2027, 75% of the participation fee will be refunded. Further conditions are detailed in the regulations.
Still Have Questions?
Registration for “LAI SKAN!” 2027 opens on November 27!
In the meantime, we invite you to explore the competition regulations, categories, and participation requirements.
Registration deadline: May 5, 2027.