THUA THIEN - HUE (VNS)- The German-based organisation Interkultur is working with the central province of Thua Thien - Hue to prepare for an international choir competition to take place in the former royal city of Hue from December 12 to 15.

The first international choral competition in the country was held in the historic port town of Hoi An last year.

Mixed, male, female, children's and youth choirs are eligible to take part in various categories with different levels of difficulties.

Participating choirs can choose their own repertoire and perform in front of a jury without major restrictions, according to event organisers.

"Interkultur has again created a unique possibility for choirs from around the globe to discover the beauty of Viet Nam, combined with an international choral event," Interkultur said in a press release.

The grand opening ceremony and other major events will be hosted in an indoor Sports Centre in Hue.

Performances of traditional and contemporary Vietnamese arts will take place on a 250-sq.m stage, along with presentations by choirs from around the world.

During the choir festival, numerous friendship concerts will take place in the old town of Hue.

A logo for the Viet Nam International Choir Competition - Hue 2012, designed by Nguyen Thien Duc of the Hue University of Arts, has been approved by the Thua Thien - Hue Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism.

Interkultur has delegate members from more than 90 countries. Its flagship event is the World Choir Games, which takes place every two years in different partner cities around the world --VNS