Choral fest returns after two years
The Cork International Choral Festival has made a triumphant return after a two year absence.
The full programme of events for the 67th outing of Cork’s longest running festival was launched in Cork City Hall yesterday amid a chorus of music and song.
Organisers are on the final countdown as they prepare to welcome back thousands of singers from global and national choirs, along with tens of thousands of visitors this May bank holiday.
At yesterday’s launch event, Festival Director Peter Stobart outlined an artistic and diverse programme designed to thrill choral fans throughout the city and county for five days from 27 April-1 May.
27 April
The Cork International Choral Festival opens with an exclusive gala concert celebrating G F Handel’s masterpiece, ‘The Messiah', performed by soloists and the Sestina choir from Northern Ireland. The gala takes place at 8pm in Cork City Hall.
28 April
A new programme inspired by T S Eliot's ‘The Waste Land’, widely regarded as one of the most important poems of the 20th century, will be brought to life by British solo voice ensemble I Fagiolini, directed by Robert Hollingworth. ‘Re-Wilding the Wasteland’ will feature readings of poetry and classical music including renaissance music, choral works from Eliot's time, and six new commissions. The performance takes place at 8pm at the Cathedral of St Mary and St Anne in Shandon.
29 April
Chamber Choir Ireland, under the baton of conductor Paul Hillier, will give the premier performance of the winning composition of the 2022 Seán Ó Riada composition competition ‘Behind This Light’ by Dublin composer and guitarist Daragh Black Hynes. This performance kicks off at 7.30pm at Saint Fin Barre's Cathedral in the city.
Later on, a professional a cappella group from Latvia called Latvian Voices will perform its unique vocal-only show in which the sounds from the ethnic music of many nations are combined. The show starts at 10pm at Triskel Arts Centre.
30 April
The Fleischmann International Gala Concert will offer audiences the opportunity to hear some of the world’s top amateur choirs competing for the Fleischmann International Trophy at Cork City Hall. Judged by a panel of eminent musicians and choral experts, the competition will be presented in a concert format and will feature music from Renaissance to contemporary and compositions from each choir’s home country. The concert takes place at Cork City Hall at 8pm.
1 May
On the final day, a host of international will present choral music representative of their musical and ethnic backgrounds in a celebratory final closing gala concert. The final concert takes place at Cork City Hall at 8pm.
While the gala concerts are a highlight of the festival, singers from all over Ireland, Europe and beyond will also participate in national and international trophy competitions, fringe concerts, workshops, and free public performances in more than 90 venues throughout Cork city and county, some of which are in new and unexpected locations. The festival is expected to generate millions for the local region.
For booking and a full programme of events, visit corkchoral.ie.