Choirs from around globe to flock to Cork for Choral Festival

The programme for the Cork International Choral Festival this May bank holiday weekend has been announced.

The festival will run from April 30 to May 4 for its 70th edition, welcoming choirs from across Ireland and around the globe to perform in more than 90 venues throughout Cork city and county.

Among the highlights is the return of the much-loved Afternoons in the Atrium series at the Clayton Hotel on May 3 and May 4, and the ever-popular Cobh Fringe Festival, which brings choirs to locations such as St Colman’s Cathedral; Christ Church; the bandstand on the Promenade, Cobh; and several local schools.

This year will see the festival’s debut at one of Cork’s liveliest venues, The Marina Market, where choirs will perform on Saturday, May 3, in a relaxed, family-friendly setting.

Artistic director Peter Stobart said that the programme paid tribute to both the past and the future.

“Reaching our 70th edition is a testament to the enduring love of choral music in Cork and its power to bring people together,” he said.

“This year’s programme honours our heritage while embracing innovation — with extraordinary voices, stunning venues, and exciting collaborations that promise to make 2025 a truly unforgettable celebration,” he added.

The programme begins at Cork City Hall with Elgar’s The Dream of Gerontius, performed by the Cork Fleischmann Symphony Orchestra, East Cork Choral Society, and The Guinness Choir.

Highlights of this year’s festival include the Cobh Fringe Festival, a performance by Denmark’s Syng Selected, who will take to the stage at Cork City Hall, while the premiere of the winning piece in the 2025 Seán Ó Riada Composition Competition will take place at Saint Fin Barre’s Cathedral.

The Fleischmann International Trophy and the Ireland’s Choir of the Year competitions will showcase the very best of international and Irish choral talent, respectively.

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/EchoLive, and Cork’s 96FM.

Tickets and full programme details are available at www.corkchoral.ie