The Alma Choir, United States

Hailing from Michigan, Alma Choir is the senior choir in the Alma College choral program. Its members, all undergraduates between the ages of 20 and 23, are preparing for careers in the sciences, business, education, the ministry and music.

The choir has been the primary focus of Conductor Dr Will Nichols’ professional life since 1983. National and international touring is an important part of the choir’s mission.

The choir has made seven international tours since 1998 and their appearance at the 2012 Cork International Choral Festival is their first visit to Ireland.

Female Chamber Choir Divina, Russia

Female Chamber Choir Divina was founded in 2003 at St Petersburg’s renowned musical school named after the famous Russian composer N.Rimsky-Korsakov. Choir members study vocal and instrumental classes, and many are full time students and staff of the university.

Having competed successfully at international festivals in Greece, Estonia, Czech Republic and Austria, the Female Chamber Choir Divina plays an important part in choral and musical life in St. Petersburg, regularly performing school and public concerts.

The choir works from a repertoire of classical, sacred and folk music, and is led by Director and Conductor Galina Igumnova.

Yoav Choir, Israel

Yoav Choir was established in 1982 under the auspices of the Yoav Regional Council. Under the direction of accomplished choral conductor Shimon Levtov since 2005, the choir performs a wide repertoire which includes a variety of both classical and modern works, with a special focus on works by eminent Israeli composers.

The choir has performed and competed extensively throughout Israel, as well as successfully participating in a number of international festivals including Europa Cantat in the Czech Republic and The Singing World in Russia. Yoav Choir frequently performs at concerts and festival in their home country of Israel, and in 1999 travelled to Norway to undertake a very successful concert tour.

During their trip in Ireland the choir will be conducted by Zoli Frank.