The best family-friendly events to check out at Cork International Choral Festival ’23
Brought to you by Cork International Choral Festival.
There’s a host of musical magic planned for all ages.
One of Cork’s oldest festivals, Cork International Choral Festival enters its 68th year in 2023, making a welcome return to the streets and stages of the city and county for five days of singing from April 26th to April 30th.
“It’s going to be an incredible week,” said Festival Director Peter Stobart.
“Some people have been attending the festival their whole lives and we look forward to surprising them this year’s event with new and unique performances and venues.
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“We’re also delighted to engage with young choirs across the county of Cork, and the performance with 300 school children at the Opening Gala will certainly be a highlight.”
Here’s a selection of events to check out with the kiddos this year:
Be wowed by Ireland’s best youth choirs
Wednesday, April 26th, 2023
Performances by Irish Youth Choir and Cork Children’s Choir will see 300 primary school children take to the stage for the Opening Gala Concert on Wednesday, April 26th.
Acclaimed conductor Bernie Sherlock will conduct the first half leading the best young singers from across Ireland. Artistic Director Peter Stobart will conduct a choir of young local voices in the second half.
Take the Choral Trail in Spike Island, Cobh
2pm, Saturday, April 29th, 2023
A lovely way to stretch those legs and take in the sea air, the Festival’s Choral Trail is a unique and exciting opportunity for choral music lovers to experience the magic of choral performances in unexpected and delightful locations.
Join the trail for a chance to encounter visiting choirs from different parts of the world, showcasing their diverse talents and styles in pop-up performances that will take place in various venues across Cork City and County, including Italian choir Coro Monte Peniceon Spike Island.
The performance on Spike Island will be free to those who have bought a ticket for tours that day.
Join The Big Sing with Orla Flanagan
12.15pm, Saturday, April 29th, 2023
The annual Big Sing returns on Saturday, April 29th to Cork City Hall, inviting singers of all ages and levels of experience to be part of the largest choir of the festival, ensuring that everybody is given the opportunity to exercise their vocal chords.
Follow the Fringe Choral Festival to Cobh
Saturday, April 29th, and Sunday, April 30th, 1pm to 4pm, Cobh
The much-loved Fringe Choral Festival is back this year, taking place in scenic and historic Cobh. Exciting venues will include the majestic St. Colman’s Cathedral, the Sirius Art Centre, Spike Island, and a Choral Trail which includes Cobh Band Stand, Cobh Heritage Centre, and the Commodore Hotel with a different choir performing every half hour on April 29thand 30th from 1pm to 4pm.
It’s the perfect excuse for an ice cream on the seafront too.
