I hear San Luis Obispo singing …

The first-ever California International Choral Festival and Competition kicks off tonight with a welcoming ceremony full of international flair.

The San Luis Obispo Vocal Arts Ensemble will greet visiting choirs from Spain, Uganda, Finland and other countries with a concert of works in their native languages.

The concert starts at 7:30 p.m. tonight at the Performing Arts Center, 1 Grand Ave. in San Luis Obispo. Tickets are $15.

Local music-lovers can check out the choirs for free on Saturday morning as each of the seven groups performs its own interpretation of two required pieces for judges.

Later that day, the folk song competition brings color, energy and fun to the PAC. The visiting choirs will perform their countries’ folk songs while clad in
traditional garb. That’s at 7:30 p.m. Saturday.

Sunday brings the choir’s choice competition at 1 p.m. — each choir performs a 12-minute program of their best work — and the grand finale awards ceremony at 7:30 p.m.

That final concert will feature an encore performance by the top three choirs, and a mass concert of “This is My Song” from Sibelius’ “Finlandia,” “Cantate Domino” by Sweelinck and “O Magnum Mysterium” by Lauridsen.

Again, ticket prices are $15 for each concert. For more information, call 756-2787 or visit the festival Web site.

Can’t make the main festival?

Fringe activities include an outdoor “choir stroll” through San Luis Obispo before Saturday’s evening concert, featuring the voices of the Fresno Youth Choir.
Visiting choirs will also sing during morning services at several local churches on Sunday.

-- Sarah L.