The success of Watou can also be explained by the diversity and the quality of the participating scholas, as already mentioned above, and in the varied and interesting program offered to the public. In 2012 twenty-eight scholas, twenty-five of which from abroad, will participate: boys and girls choirs, male and female scholas, all belonging to the top performers in their own countries for this kind of music. Seventeen of these choirs come to Watou for the first time. From a musicological point of view Gregorian chant shows up a strong upward line.
The greater part of these choirs consist of professional of semiprofessional singers, or were founded at higher music institutions. Eight scholas are fully professional ensembles. This raises the overall musical level. In 2012 four youth choirs will participate: ”Pueri Cantores” from Korea, ”Cantate et Iubilate” from Boedapest , the boys choir ”Escoliana del Valle de los Caidos” from Spain and the boys choir ”Püha Miikaeli poistekoor” from Estonia.
At home and abroad one notices a rediscovery of the meditative force and the musical sublimity of Gregorian chant.
The level of the amateur choirs, semi professional and professional scholas is improving constantly. In numerous music institutions and conservatoires a lot of hard work is devoted to the study and the analysis of ancient manuscripts. The results inspire the musical practice of the numerous new scholas which are being founded.
It is a major merit of the organizers of the Festival at Watou to have noticed both phenomena and to create an international meeting and performance forum, where the results of the research are presented to the public by the best performers worldwide.
During the three decennia the festival has existed so far, the organizers have built up a platform for this kind of event, thanks to their never ending efforts and zeal. The Festival van Watou has gained a unique place and position unrivalled in the world.
This project fills up an artistic gap in the world of festivals. It compliments other initiatives (such as educational projects) by bringing together and offering a forum for top ensembles from abroad creating opportunities for co-operation, exchange and growing expertise.