Cork International Choral Festival to mark its 70 year milestone

Cork’s International Choral Festival will reach its 70 year milestone this May bank holiday weekend with a five-day line-up of music and celebration.

Established in 1954, with a mission to nurture and develop choral music in Ireland, the festival has evolved into one of Europe’s most prestigious choral events, drawing thousands of singers and spectators to the southern region every year.

This year, more than 5,000 bedrooms will be filled in hotels and accommodations across Cork city, as 90 performances are planned to take place throughout the five day event.

The festival, running from April 30 to May 4, will include grand gala concerts, pop-up performances, fringe events, and more.

Whether you’re a seasoned chorister or a first-time festival goer, the 2025 edition promises to have something for every music lover, with a rich mix of international and Irish choirs, premiere performances, and free public concerts.

Open

The festival will open at Cork City Hall on Wednesday, April 30, with Elgar’s The Dream of Gerontius, performed by the Cork Fleischmann Symphony Orchestra, East Cork Choral Society, and The Guinness Choir (Dublin).

Danish ensemble Syng Selected will also bring a contemporary a cappella showcase to City Hall on May 1, featuring 31 of Denmark’s top young vocalists, who are aged between 18 and 30 years old.

A moving highlight of the weekend will be the premiere of the winning composition from the Seán Ó Riada Composition Competition, performed by Chamber Choir Ireland in the atmospheric St Fin Barre’s Cathedral.

Festival favourites returning this year, include Afternoons in the Atrium at the Clayton Hotel, on May 3 and 4; and the ever-popular Cobh Fringe Festival, bringing choirs to locations like St Colman’s Cathedral, Christ Church, and the Bandstand on the Promenade.

Proud

“Reaching our 70th festival is a proud milestone,” said the festival’s artistic director, Peter Stobart.

“It speaks to Cork’s deep love of choral music and the power of singing to bring people together from all over the world.

“This year’s programme honours our roots while also looking to the future, with bold performances, unique collaborations, and extraordinary voices.”

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

For more information, visit: https://www.corkchoral.ie.