5,000 Voices Strong: Cork International Choral Festival a resounding success
It was a resounding success.
More than 5,000 people attended this year’s Cork International Choral Festival with choirs from 14 countries participating in the five-day festival, much of it bathed in sunshine, over the May bank holiday weekend.
Renowned as one of Europe’s most prestigious choral events, audiences were treated to world-class performances from national and international choirs and had front-row seats to some highly contested competitions.
Highlights included the popular Afternoons in the Atrium at Clayton Hotel, the prestigious Fleischmann International Trophy competition, which was won by Brigham Young University Singers (USA), the Cork School of Music Symphony Orchestra, and The Fleischmann Choir at the Opening Gala performance.
The State Choir LATVIJA led by artistic director and Principal Conductor Māris Sirmais performing in Cork City Hall. Photo: Chani Anderson
The Choral Trail, spanning 23 different spots around the city, was a smash hit with both locals and tourists.
On Saturday, the Marina Market came alive with choirs serenading everyone from toddlers to grandparents – pure magic. And over in Cobh, the Fringe Festival was bringing the party vibes with free entertainment for all in a celebration of music and community.
Audiences were enchanted by Chamber Choir Ireland’s moving premier of Anselm McDonnell’s ‘Gallagher’, a homage to the music of Rory Gallagher, the winning composition of the 2024 Seán Ó Riada composition competition.
Meanwhile, the exciting finale of Ireland’s Choir of the Year competition saw DYC Singers, DUBLIN crowned winners, while Cór Scoil an Spioraid Naoimh Cailíní Cork won the Primary Schools Competition and Regina Mundi College Chamber Choir Cork sang their way to victory in the Post Primary Equal Voices Competition, while St. Patrick’s Cathedral Grammar School Choir, DUBLIN excelled in the Post Primary Mixed Voices.
Students from Cór Scoil an Spioraid Naoimh Cailíní (Cork) taking part in the National Primary Schools Choir competition.
The Closing Gala in Cork City Hall brought the curtains down on a successful festival with uplifting performances by a host of international choirs.
Plans are already well underway for next year’s Cork International Choral Festival, which will take place from April 30th to Sunday, May 4th 2025. Festival Tickets will be available in early 2025.
