Cork’s longest running festival, the Cork International Choral Festival, is officially underway from today until May 4th. Over five unforgettable days, choirs from across Ireland and around the world have come together for a landmark programme of music, culture, and community spirit celebrating an incredible 70 years.
The landmark festival brings together an extraordinary 21 international choirs, alongside 72 competitive domestic choirs and 40 non-competitive domestic choirs, for five days of concerts, competitions, pop-up performance and fringe events. With participants from 27 countries, including adjudicators and workshop leaders, it’s a world-class event that transforms Cork into a global stage for choral music. More than 5,000 hotel rooms will be filled across Cork City during the week, a testament to the festival’s huge international draw and a powerful to boost the local economy for culture and the arts.
Founded in 1954 to promote choral music in Ireland, the festival has grown into one of Europe’s leading events of its kind. Today, it continues to spotlight the best in amateur and professional vocal talent, with over 90 performances taking place in venues both grand and intimate across Cork city and county.
Whether you’re a seasoned chorister or a first-time festival-goer, the 2025 edition promises something for every music lover, with a rich mix of international and Irish choirs, premiere performances, and free public concerts in unique venues.
A few today include The National Competitions for Schools, Choirs at St Lukes Church, a Workshop led by Kelly-Ann Healy, Andrew Lane and CADA Performing Arts, and a Choral Trail at Cork City Library.
The festival’s opening night gala concert takes place tonight at Cork City Hall with a performance of Elgar’s The Dream of Gerontius, featuring the Cork Fleischmann Symphony Orchestra, East Cork Choral Society, Madrigal ’75, and Dublin’s Guinness Choir.
Other highlights include the contemporary a cappella showcase from Danish ensemble Syng Selected on Thursday night at City Hall, featuring 31 of Denmark’s top young vocalists.
A moving event at the weekend will be the premiere of the winning composition from the Seán Ó Riada Composition Competition, performed by Chamber Choir Ireland in the atmospheric St. Fin Barre’s Cathedral, already sold out.
A centrepiece of the week is the prestigious Fleischmann International Trophy Competition, which once again attracts top amateur choirs from around the globe competing for one of Europe’s most coveted choral prizes.
The festival builds to a thrilling crescendo with Ireland’s Choir of the Year, showcasing the very best in Irish choral talent and concluding a week that firmly cements Cork’s reputation as a city of song.
Festival favourites for locals and visitors alike are back this year, including Afternoons in the Atrium at the Clayton Hotel (3rd & 4th May) and the ever-popular Cobh Fringe Festival, bringing choirs to stunning locations like St. Colman’s Cathedral, Christ Church, and the Bandstand on the Promenade.
Also returning is the lively ‘pop-up’ performance at the Marina Market on Saturday 3rd May, offering a family-friendly setting for choirs to perform amid the market’s bustling atmosphere.
Speaking at the opening, Artistic Director Peter Stobart. “As we raise our voices in harmony to mark the 70th Cork International Choral Festival, we celebrate not only the enduring power of choral music, but the spirit of unity it brings to our city and the world. May this milestone year inspire us all to listen more deeply, sing more boldly, and connect more meaningfully through music.”
Cork International Choral Festival is proudly supported by The Arts Council, Fáilte Ireland, Cork City Council, and Cork County Council, with media partners including The Irish Examiner, The Echo, and Cork’s 96FM.
For tickets and the full programme, visit www.corkchoral.ie