At 8pm on Friday January 23rd the festival presents the Festival Favourites Concert in conjunction with the Cork School of Music. Start the New Year on the right note as the Choral Festival proudly brings a special evening of all things choral to those of you who just can't wait for the festival!

The fundraising concert will feature the National Choir of the Festival 2008 Cantemus Chamber Choir, Midleton (Conductor Tomás Ó Tuama) and School Choir of the Festival 2008 Presentation Secondary School Ballyphehane (Conductor Anne Dunphy). Special guests will include Colin Nicholls (organ) Keith Pascoe (violin) Amanda Neri (mezzo-contralto). Martin Power's Ceoltóirí Chairbre will bring some of Cork's best traditional music to the night. 

This is the first year that such a concert is taking place as part of Cork Choral Festival programming, but outside of Festival dates. In a year in which financial shortfalls are to be anticipated, this concert will provide vital fundraising for the 2009 festival, while also providing an evening’s entertainment for Choral Festival veterans and newcomers alike.

It is hoped that this concert may be the first of many to see the Choral Festival programme expand beyond the five days leading up to the May bank holiday weekend, and present concerts at various points throughout the year.

This concert is sure to remind you of some of the wonderful voices of 2008, and help you work up an appetite for the treats to come at the Festival next May bank holiday weekend! We would encourage you to join us at this special event, and enjoy not only an excellent evening of music but also the opportunity to catch up with Choral Festival friends.