The world-renowned Cork International Choral Festival is set to take centre stage next week, with over 5,000 participants from across the Globe due to bring their musical talents to the city. Billed as one of Europe’s most prestigious choral events, the festival, now in its 69th year, runs from 1st – 5th May, The spectacular 5-day event, which runs over the May Bank Holiday weekend, will feature hundreds of national and international choirs and a lineup of exciting performances and workshops. With over 90 venues hosting gala performances, competitions, fringe concerts, and free public performances, there will be music everywhere you turn in Cork city and county.
Highlights of the 2024 programme include the popular Afternoons in the Atrium at Clayton Hotel, the Cobh Fringe Festival featuring choirs at scenic locations, and a new venue at the Marina Market. The festival will also feature the prestigious Fleischmann International Trophy competition, the Cork School of Music Symphony Orchestra, and performances by renowned choirs like the State Choir LATVIJA and Chamber Choir Ireland. The festival also features the exciting finale of Ireland’s Choir of the Year competition, showcasing the best Irish choirs alongside international talent. Whether you’re a music lover or just looking to experience something new, the Cork International Choral Festival invites you to get involved and participate in the various workshops, events and performances on offer.
Tickets are still available for a select number of performances including:
Opening Gala Concert featuring the Cork School of Music (CSM) Symphony Orchestra and Fleischmann Choir who will present Stanford at 100 – Stabat Mater, the composer’s iconic piece. Wednesday 1st, 8pm, Cork City Hall.
The hotly contested annual Fleischmann International Trophy competition, which offers audiences the opportunity to hear some of the world’s top amateur choir’s competing for one of Europe’s most prestigious choral prizes. Saturday 4th at 3pm & 8pm, Cork City Hall.
One of Europe’s most well-known choirs, The State Choir LATVIJA’s concert is one not to be missed. The renowned choir is internationally acclaimed both for its academic excellence as well as its innovative projects. The choir has participated in recordings produced by Naxos, Warner Brothers, Harmonia Mundi, Wergo and Ondine. 7.30pm, Thursday 2nd, Cork City Hall.
Chamber Choir Ireland will give the premier performance of the winning composition of the 2024 Seán Ó Riada composition competition. 7.30pm, Friday 3rd, St. Finbarre’s Cathedral
Ireland’s Choir of the Year Final, 9.30am, Sunday 5th, Cork City Hall
Closing Gala – a joyful and colourful celebration with international choirs that will mark the end of a superb festival. 8pm, Sunday 5th, Cork City Hall
Free events include:
Afternoons in the Atrium, Clayton Hotel – Saturday 4th at 12.30pm and Sunday 5th May 1pm.
Choral Trail – a unique and exciting opportunity for choral music lovers to experience the magic of choral performances in unexpected and delightful locations – see below for times and locations. Listings also available on www.corkchoral.ie/
The Cobh Fringe Festival which will see choirs singing in locations such as St. Colman’s Cathedral, Christ Church, The Heritage Centre, Bandstand on the Promenade and Several local Schools. This year for the first time will see a nighttime concert hosted in Cobh from 7.30pm in St. Colman’s Cathedral, with choirs from Iceland, Latvia and Estonia performing.
A new venue for 2024 will see choirs singing at the Marina Market on Saturday 4th May from 12.40-4pm.
With an eclectic array of international competitions and musical styles set to be performed over the five days, Cork is certainly the place to be for the sweet sounds of music in the run-up to and during the May bank holiday weekend.
The Cork International Choral Festival is supported by the Arts Council, Fáilte Ireland, Cork City Council and Cork County Council, with the Irish Examiner, The Echo and Cork’s 96FM as media partners,
Festival Tickets will be live on www.corkchoral.ie
