Kildare choir wins at Cork International Choral Festival
Over 5,000 people got in tune with the Cork International Choral Festival over the May bank holiday weekend
The sun shone and the city sang as over 5,000 people got in tune with the Cork International Choral Festival over the May bank holiday weekend.
Renowned as one of Europe's most prestigious choral events, audiences were treated to world-class performances from national and international choirs and had front-row seats to some highly contested competitions! Participants also enjoyed engaging workshops with leading conductors in stunning venues throughout the city.
The Special Award for the performance of a choral piece in Irish in the National Competitions for Schools. The winner for their performance of Ceann Dubh Dílis by Michael McGlynn, in the National Competition for Schools: Section 3: Post-Primary Equal Voice was awarded to Clongowes Wood College and conductor Cyril Murphy.
Highlights included the popular Afternoons in the Atrium at Clayton Hotel, the prestigious Fleischmann International Trophy competition which was won by Brigham Young University Singers (USA), the Cork School of Music Symphony Orchestra, and The Fleischmann Choir atthe Opening Gala performance. Audiences were enchanted by Chamber Choir Ireland’s moving premier of Anselm McDonnell's ‘Gallagher’, - a homage to the music of Rory Gallagher - the winning composition of the 2024 Seán Ó Riada composition competition.
The exciting finale of Ireland's Choir of the Year competition saw DYC Singers, DUBLIN crowned winners, while Cór Scoil an Spioraid Naoimh Cailíní Cork won the Primary Schools Competition and Regina Mundi College Chamber Choir Cork sang their way to victory in the Post Primary Equal Voices Competition, while St. Patrick's Cathedral Grammar School Choir, DUBLIN excelled in the Post Primary Mixed Voices.
The Choral Trail, which took place in 23 venues, proved popular with locals and visitors alike. The addition of the Marina Market proved especially popular with choirs serenading young and old all afternoon on Saturday. The Cobh Fringe Festival was a real hit with many enjoying the free entertainment in the scenic coastal town.
The Closing Gala in Cork City Hall brought the curtains down on a very successful festival with uplifting performances by a host of international choirs.
The Cork International Choral Festival came to a climactic penultimate close with its Awards Ceremony at 5.30 pm on Sunday 5th May 2024 in Cork City Hall. Following a hugely successful Festival, the Jury results were finally announced for all sections of the Festival’s varied and prestigious categories. International and national choirs from near and far waited nervously for the announcements.
The Cork International Choral Festival is supported by the Arts Council, Fáilte Ireland, Cork City Council and Cork County Council, with the Irish Examiner, Evening Echo and Cork’s 96FM as media partners.
Plans are already well underway for next year’s Cork International Choral Festival which will take place from April 30 - Sunday May 4, 2025. Festival Tickets will be available in early 2025 on www.corkchoral.ie