The Pomeranian Dukes' Castle in Szczecin that is the biggest cultural centre in Western Pomerania, through its cultural offer appeared to be a magnet for Polish and foreign artists as well as for the public in Szczecin. Ensembles from almost all European countries that appeared together with the best Szczecin choirs, performed on Castle stages. It was only one step to be done now to organise international choral event of level and scope relevant to the position and importance of Szczecin singing movement. Prognostication of such wide choral presentation in the Pomeranian Dukes' Castle in Szczecin was International Choir Festival Szczecin - Berlin organised in October 1996. Artistic and organisational success of this event allowed for bringing into life an International Choir Festival of wide and open formula, that was held for the first time in 1998. It was organised under high patronage of Polish and German ministers of foreign affairs. 48 choirs from Denmark, Germany, Norway, Russia, Sweden, Ukraine, Italy and Poland took part in it.