It normally attracts 50,000 visitors to Cork each spring.

But this year, Cork International Choral Festival will be inviting choirs from around the world to compete without needing to travel.

Usually concerts, events and competitions would take place in over 90 venues across Cork. This year, for the first time ever, from April 28th – May 2nd, four specially curated gala concerts will be staged online during the festival, which attendees can enjoy from the comfort of their own homes, wherever they are in the world.

The globally renowned Choral Festival was founded in 1954, making it Cork’s longest-running festival. Last year was only the second time in its history that the festival had to be cancelled. Noted for its highly competitive and non-competitive standards, it is one of Europe’s premier international choral festivals.

The Festival will open on Wednesday night with a specially commissioned poem by Corkonian Billy Ramsell. Thursday evening (April 29th), will see an online broadcast performance by Ireland’s best known and most diverse choral group, Anúna, directed by Michael McGlynn.

Cork International Choral Festival Artistic Director, Peter Stobart.

Chamber Choir Ireland, the festival’s choir in residence, will perform from Cork’s St. Fin Barre’s Cathedral on Friday, April 30th, while Saturday night will see one of Ireland’s most acclaimed vocal ensembles, Resurgam also in St. Finbarre’s Cathedral.

The Sunday closing gala concert will see a performance from a group that was scheduled to play as part of the cancelled 2020 Festival with German group ONAIR taking to the stage.

“Anyone, musical or not, can also join in with the festival’s free online workshops in partnership with Sing Ireland, including the ever-popular Big Sing, a group singing experience led online this year by Ardú contemporary ensemble director, Ciarán Kelly, who will prepare participants for one big uplifting online performance.” said a festival spokesperson.

Details of all concerts, workshops and competitions are available on the festival website at corkchoral.ie.