70th International Choral Festival Approaches – One Week to Go

Cork’s longest running festival, Cork International Choral Festival, is getting ready to celebrate an incredible 70 years this May Bank Holiday, from 30th April-4th May.  The festival will bring together choirs from across Ireland and around the world for five unforgettable days of music, celebration,

Established in 1954 with a mission to nurture and develop choral music in Ireland, Cork International Choral Festival has evolved into one of Europe’s most prestigious choral events, drawing thousands of singers and spectators to the heart of Cork each year.   This year, more than 5000 bedrooms will be filled in hotels and accommodations across Cork City over the week.

Expect world-class vocal talent and plenty of community spirit at more than 90 performances across Cork city and county. From grand gala concerts to pop-up performances and fringe events, this year’s programme is a vibrant celebration of song, connection, and culture.

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.

The festival opens in powerful style at Cork City Hall on Wednesday 30th April with Elgar’s The Dream of Gerontius, performed by the Cork Fleischmann Symphony Orchestra,  East Cork Choral Society,  Madrigal ‘75 and The Guinness Choir (Dublin).

The prestigious Fleischmann International Trophy Competition will once again be a centrepiece, attracting top amateur choirs from around the globe for one of Europe’s most coveted choral prizes.

On Thursday night, Danish ensemble Syng Selected brings a contemporary a cappella showcase to City Hall. Featuring 31 of Denmark’s top young vocalists (ages 18–30), the group has quickly risen to prominence as a leading force in the Nordic vocal scene.

A moving highlight of 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 which has already sold out.

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 return 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

And back for second year is the festival’s  ‘pop up’ performance at the bustling Marina Market, where choirs will perform in a lively, family-friendly setting on Saturday 3rd May.

“Reaching our 70th festival is a proud milestone,” says Artistic Director Peter Stobart. “It speaks to Cork’s deep love of choral music and the power of singing to bring people together from all over the world. This year’s programme honours our roots while also looking to the future, with bold performances, unique collaborations, and extraordinary voices.”

As the festival celebrates its 70th anniversary, it reflects on a rich history filled with memorable milestones:

• 1954: The inaugural Cork International Choral Festival is established.
• 1957: The world’s most famous opera singer gave his first Irish performance in 1957 at the Cork International Choral Festival.
• 1964: Introduction of the International Trophy Competition, which was later renamed the Fleischmann International Trophy Competition in honor of Aloys Fleischmann, a significant figure in the festival’s history.
• 1959: Expansion of the festival to include a vibrant Fringe Fest, bringing choral music beyond traditional concert halls.
• 1962: The Seminar for Contemporary Music began in 1962 with the commissioning of Seán Ó’Riada, Edmond Rubbra and Darius Milhaud and over the following years commissioned multiple distinguished composers including; Flor Peeters (1963), Herbert Howells and Elizabeth Maconchy (1965), William Walton (1974), John Tavener (1990) and Mícheál O’Súilleabháin (2000).
• 1966: The launch of the Schools Competition, fostering a love of choral music among young singers.
• 1972: Introduction of the Seán Ó Riada Competition, initially designed to encourage amateur adult Irish choirs to perform original works in the Irish language. By 1976, it had evolved into a composition competition.
• 2000: Introduction of the Light Jazz and Popular Music Competition, which this year our most popular competition.
• 2010: A reimagining of the Seán Ó Riada Composition Competition, incorporating anonymous submissions to ensure unbiased judging.
• 2021: Despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, the festival embraced virtual performances, keeping the music alive during a time of global uncertainty.
• 2021: The launch of the IBEC Workplace Choir of the Year, celebrating the role of music in corporate and community life.
• 2022: A triumphant return to live performances, reaffirming the festival’s place at the heart of Cork’s cultural scene.
• 2025: The festival’s landmark 70th anniversary, set to feature a special programme of concerts, events, and tributes honoring its legacy.

The 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.