Ninety venues in Cork to host choral festival

90 VENUES in Cork city and county are to host concerts, gala performances, and competitions during the Cork International Choral Festival.

Now in its 69th year, this year’s event takes place from May 1 to 5 and will feature choirs from around the globe.

Highlights of the 2024 programme include the prestigious Fleischmann International Trophy competition.

Audiences will also enjoy the Cork School of Music (CSM) Symphony Orchestra and Fleischmann Choir, who will present ‘Stanford at 100 – Stabat Mater’, the composer’s iconic piece for the opening gala concert on the Wednesday night.

On Thursday night, one of Europe’s most well-known choirs, the State Choir LATVIJA, will perform in Cork City Hall.

The renowned choir is internationally acclaimed, both for its academic excellence as well as its innovative projects.

The choir has participated in recordings produced by Naxos, Warner Brothers, Harmonia Mundi, Wergo, and Ondine.

St Finbarre’s Cathedral will reverberate to the sounds of Chamber Choir Ireland ,who will give the premier performance of the winning composition of the 2024 Seán Ó Riada composition competition.

The prestigious feature event for Irish choirs — Ireland’s Choir of the Year — will take place during the festival, along with an eclectic array of international competitions.

The much-loved Fringe Choral Festival returns this year to Cobh.

Exciting venues will include the majestic St. Colman’s Cathedral, the Sirius Art Centre, Christchurch (Cobh), and a Choral Trail which includes Cobh Band Stand, Cobh Heritage Centre, and the Commodore Hotel, with a different choir performing every half hour throughout the afternoon on May 4 and 5.

The Cork International Choral Festival is supported by the Arts Council, Fáilte Ireland, Cork City Council and Cork County Council, with the Irish Examiner, The Echo, and Cork’s 96FM as media partners.

• See www.corkchoral.ie