Leitrim Eurovision winner encourages choirs to enter unique contest
Eurovision winner Charlie McGettigan and music therapist Professor Hilary Moss will lead the judging panel on an initiative designed to spotlight patient choirs and celebrate music’s therapeutic power.
Eurosinger and Drumshanbo man Charlie McGettigan, a renowned singer, songwriter and storyteller is encouraging choirs to take part in a unique competition.
He will serve as a judge for the Patient Choir Contest launched by Novartis Ireland to mark Eurovision Song Contest 2025.
Novartis, a Swiss pharmaceutical company, and an official partner of this year's Eurovision Song Contest in Basel, Switzerland, is organising the contest to celebrate the power of music and highlight the talent within patient communities across Ireland.
Interested choirs can submit a one to three minute video of their performance on Novartis Ireland’s LinkedIn page, along with a note explaining why people should vote for their choir. Choirs are being encouraged to share how being part of the group positively impacts their health and well-being.
Among the choirs taking part are the Forget Me Nots Choir, which collaborates with the Alzheimer Society of Ireland, the Irish Cancer Society’s Relay for Life Survivor Choir, and The Irish Heart Foundation’s Rhythm of Recovery Choir.
Public votes will be combined with input from Leitrim man Charlie McGettigan, who won the 1994 Eurovision Song Contest, and Hilary Moss, Professor of Music Therapy at the University of Limerick.
“Ireland has a long, proud association with the Eurovision. We have won seven times, and this year marks the 60th anniversary of Irish entries to the Song Contest,” Mr McGettigan said.
“Reaching this milestone demonstrates the enduring power of music to bring people together, so I am delighted to be involved in the patient choir contest.”
Caitriona Walsh, Managing Director and Country President, Novartis Ireland said, “Novartis is delighted to sponsor this year’s Eurovision Song Contest and in Ireland, we are particularly excited to host the patient choir contest.
“The competition celebrates people coming together, music’s therapeutic power and its ability to improve patients’ lives. We wish all participating choirs the very best of luck.”
Public voting will be open from April 14 to April 30, accounting for 33 percent of the total vote.
Novartis Ireland will announce the result at the start of May. The winning choir will be invited to perform at Novartis’ Dublin office, to celebrate their talent and the therapeutic benefits of music.
Patient choirs who would like to participate in this event can contact [email protected]