The complete photo gallery for the 2026 festival is now available! At this link, you can explore the stunning images captured by our brilliant photographers, who have beautifully documented the unforgettable moments of this year’s festival.

Stay tuned for more videos from the festival, which will be shared on our social media platforms in the coming weeks. Be sure to follow us on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, YouTube and X to stay updated and relive the festival fun!

Cork City Council, with the support of local musicians and performers, is planning to present a series of lunchtime street performances throughout Summer 2026. These performances will primarily take place in the St. Patrick’s Street/Winthrop Street plaza area. Additional locations are also being considered, subject to performer availability, including the northern side of St. Patrick’s Street outside TW Murray & Co., Elizabeth Fort, the Grand Parade plaza (beside the library), Bishop Lucey Park, The Counting House Plaza, and Shandon, including The Butter Museum.

Performances are expected to take place at lunchtime on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays throughout June, July, and August, from 1:00pm to 1:45pm. Each act or performance should involve two or more participants, with performers welcome to take part in a once-off event or return for multiple performances across the summer programme.

This initiative offers an excellent opportunity for musicians, artists, and performers to bring energy, entertainment, and vibrancy to Cork city centre while showcasing and developing their talents. It also provides a valuable platform for groups to perform publicly and for individual artists to collaborate with others.

The programme will be promoted across Cork City Council’s official channels and social media platforms.

Anyone interested in participating is encouraged to contact Cork City Council at tourism@corkcity.ie or by phone on 021 238 8367. Jordan McCarthy will be happy to discuss the initiative and provide further information.

Bringing together choirs from across Europe and beyond, representing over 550 international participants, it is one of Europe’s most vibrant choral celebrations. Ireland is an increasingly attractive destination for choirs worldwide, thanks to its strong musical tradition, accessible travel and high-quality festival experiences. Discover why your choir should come to Cork in 2027.

1. A Leading European Choral Festival with International Recognition

With over 70 editions, the Cork International Choral Festival has an established global reputation as one of Europe’s most respected choral events. It welcomes amateur choirs from around the world, offering both competitive and non-competitive categories, with the former featuring high-standard performances judged by an internationally respected panel.

“Thank you for these wonderful days in Cork and this festival! We had to judge one of the highest standards in the last years! Everything worked again relaxed and perfect!” – Georg Grün, International Adjudicator – Germany

2. Perform in Iconic Venues with Exceptional Acoustics

Choirs perform at around 60 stunning venues across Cork and the surrounding county, all boasting exceptional acoustics, ranging from historic churches to modern concert halls. These settings help to createan unforgettable experience for both singers and audiences alike.

3. Connect with a Global Community of Choirs

The Cork International Choral Festival is also about connection and community exchanges. Your choir will have the chance to create lasting international relationships, which often become the highlight of their tours.

4. Experience Irish Culture, Music and Hospitality

Beyond the festival itself, Cork offers a rich cultural immersion in a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Your choir will have the opportunity to explore local culture, enjoy live music, and experience the friendliness and hospitality Ireland is renowned for.

“I would like to thank you for your beautiful festival. What a great spirit and professional organisation.” – Ambrož Čopi, Conductor of KGBL Chamber Choir – Slovenia

5. Easy to Access and Organise

Ireland is easily reached from major international hubs, making travel to Cork simple for choirs. The festival provides support with transport between performances, and our experienced team is on hand to assist at every stage to ensure a smooth, well-organised, and enjoyable experience. 

Start Your Cork Festival Journey Today

Take the next step and start planning your participation for 2027: https://www.corkchoral.ie/international-participation/ or contact our team to discuss your choir’s visit.

Fleischmann International Trophy Competition Prize Winners

1st Prize
Choir: Vancouver Youth Choir, CANADA
Conductor: Carrie Tennant
95.1%

2nd Prize
Choir: LORICA, IRELAND
Conductor: Michael T. Dawson
92.60%

3rd Prize
Choir: Kammerchor der Hochschule für Musik und Theater Hamburg, GERMANY
Conductor: Cornelius Trantow
91.60%

International Awards

Lady Dorothy Mayer Memorial Trophy
Donated by Chris Mahon
Special Award for the performance of a piece in the Fleischmann International Trophy Competition.
Awarded to:
Choir: LORICA, IRELAND
Conductor: Michael T. Dawson
For the performance of: Nead na Lachan – Eoin Conway

Schuman/Europe Trophy
In memory of Moira Pyne (1916 – 2009)
Special Award for the performance of a piece by a living European Composer in the Fleischmann International Trophy Competition.
Awarded to:
Choir: UCC Singers, IRELAND
Conductor: Ben Jacob
For the performance of: Movement 2: “Roots”, from Spirit of Nature – Zuzanna Koziej

Heinrich Schütz Perpetual Trophy
In memory of Hans Waldemar Rosen
Special Award for the performance of a choral work by Heinrich Schütz in the National or International Competitions.
Awarded to:
Choir: Kammerchor der Hochschule für Musik und Theater Hamburg, GERMANY
Conductor: Cornelius Trantow

The McCurtain and McSwiney Memorial Trophy
Donated by the Cork Council of Trade Unions
Special Award, decided by the members of the International Jury, to a conductor in the International Competition for the performance of an imaginative and artistic programme. The recipient of this Trophy also receives a special award, kindly donated by Musica International, which offers them full access to the Musica International website and their virtual choral library. Musica International is a major project of the International Federation for Choral Music.
Awarded to:
Conductor: Carrie Tennant
From: Vancouver Youth Choir, CANADA

PEACE Trophy
Donated by the P.E.A.C.E Movement Cork
Awarded to the choir that best embraces the spirit of the Festival, and fulfils the intentions of the trophy’s benefactors, the P.E.A.C.E. Movement, Cork.
Awarded to:
Choir: Sing For Your Life!, AUSTRALIA
Conductor: Jane Christie-Johnston

Ireland’s Choir of the Year

Ireland’s Choir of the Year and Recipient of The Victor Leeson Perpetual Trophy
Donated by The Guinness Choir in memory of its founder Victor Leeson
1st Prize
Choir: UCC Singers, CORK
Conductor: Ben Jacob
88.27%

2nd Prize
Choir: DYC Singers, DUBLIN
Conductor: Lynsey Callaghan
88 %

3rd Prize
Choir: Trinity College Singers, DUBLIN
Conductor: Callum Jeacle
85.53%

National Open Competitions

Workplace Choir of the Year
1st Place
Choir: City Hall Singers, CORK
Conductor: Lorna Moore
89.50%
2nd Place
Choir: Scrubs CUH Workplace Choir, CORK
Conductor: Patrick D’Alton
87.42%

National Competition for Chamber Choirs
1st Prize
Choir: –
Conductor: –
2nd Prize
Choir: In Caelo Chamber Choir, KILKENNY
Conductor: Peter Nolan
80%

National Competition for Lower Voice Choirs
1st Prize
Choir: Harmony Bro, CLARE
Conductor: Michael Hennessy
85%
2nd Prize
Choir: Portadown Male Voice Choir, ARMAGH
Conductor: Rachel Power
80%

National Competition for Upper Voice Choirs
1st Prize
Choir: The Wilcollane Singers, Cork
Conductor: Anne Dunphy
87%
2nd Prize
Choir: Belle Voci
Conductor: Eamon O’Malley
80.5%

National Competition for Mixed Voice Choirs
1st Prize
Choir: DYC Singers, DUBLIN
Conductor: Lynsey Callaghan
91%
2nd Prize
Choir: Lumina, WATERFORD
Conductor: Niall Crowley
88.6%

National Competition for Youth Choirs
1st Prize
Choir: Dublin Youth Choir, DUBLIN
Conductor: Lynsey Callaghan
91.20%
2nd Prize
Choir: Loinnir Chamber Choir, CLARE
Conductor: Fiona Walsh
87.70%

National Competition for Light, Jazz and Popular Music
1st Prize
Choir: University of Galway Alumni Ensemble, GALWAY
Conductor: Peter Mannion
90.5%
2nd Prize
Choir: The Wilcollane Singers, CORK
Conductor: Anne Dunphy
90.33%

National Competition for Church Music
1st Prize
Choir: Dublin Youth Choir, DUBLIN
Conductor: Lynsey Callaghan
93.25%2nd Prize
Choir: Limerick Chamber Choir, LIMERICK
Conductor: Maire Keary-Scanlon
86.5%

Special Awards – National Adult and Youth Competitions

Trofaí Cuimhneacháin Philib Ui Laoghaire
Donated by Cór Cois Laoi
Special Award for the performance of a choral work in Irish.
Awarded to:
Choir: UCC Singers
Conductor: Ben Jacob
For the performance of: Molainis go Léir an tAon-Mhac Críost by Ben Hanlon in Ireland’s Choir of the Year

Perpetual Trophy for the Performance of Irish Contemporary Choral Music
Donated by The Contemporary Music Centre
Special Award for the performance of an original choral work by an Irish composer written after 1975 and chosen from the library collection of the Contemporary Music Centre.
Awarded to:
Choir: Limerick Chamber Choir
Conductor: Marie Keary-Scanlon
For the performance of: Regina Coeli by Rhona Clarke in the Church Music Competition

The John Mannion Trophy
Donated by the family of John Mannion
Special Award to a Chamber Choir for the performance of a work in the National Competitions.
Awarded to:
Choir: University of Galway Alumni Ensemble
Conductor: Peter Mannion
For the performance of: Wannabe by The Spice Girls, Matt Rowe, Richard Stannard in the Light Jazz and Popular Music Competition

Seán Ó Riada Composition Competition

The Seán Ó Riada Trophy
Awarded to Composer, Timothy Doyle, for his work Points and Line

National Competitions for Schools

National Competition for Schools: Section 1 (Primary School Choirs)
1st Prize
Choir: Glasheen Girls’ School Choir, CORK
Conductor: Rachel O’Brien
90.25%

2nd Prize
Choir: Cratloe NS, CLARE
Conductor: Bernadette Kennedy
89.75%

National Competition for Schools: Section 2 (Equal Voice Post-Primary School Choirs)
1st Prize
Choir: Ursuline Secondary School, Thurles, TIPPERARY
Conductor: Joan Butler
90.50%

2nd Prize
Choir: Laurel Hill Coláiste FCJ, LIMERICK
Conductor: Lorna O’Byrne
90%

National Competition for Schools: Section 3 (Mixed Voice Post-Primary School Choirs)
1st Prize
Choir: St. Patrick’s Cathedral Grammar School Choir, DUBLIN
Conductor: Judith Lyons
91%

2nd Prize
Choir: Cashel Community School, TIPPERARY
Conductor: Patrice Davern
90%

Special Awards – National Competitions for Schools

School Choir of the Festival and the Recipient of The John Cunningham Trophy.
Awarded to the school choir who received the highest overall mark in the National Competitions for Schools.
Awarded to:
Choir: St. Patrick’s Cathedral Grammar School Choir, DUBLIN
Conductor: Judith Lyons

The Sing Ireland Trophy
Special Award for the performance of a piece in the National Competitions for Schools.
For the performance of: Stars – Ēriks Ešenvalds, in the National Competition for Schools Post-Primary Equal Voice
Awarded to:
Choir: Ursuline Secondary School, Thurles
Conductor: Joan Butler

The Irish Federation of Musicians & Associated Professions Trophy
Special Award for the performance of a choral piece in Irish in the National Competitions for Schools. For the performance of: Iníon A’Phalaitínigh, in the National Competition for Schools: Primary
Awarded to:
Choir: Cratloe NS
Conductor: Bernadette Kennedy

The Sing Ireland Bursary for Conductors
Special bursary award to a conductor in the school competitions to attend Sing Ireland’s Annual Summer School.
Awarded to:
Max Philpott
Conductor of De La Salle College Senior Choir, Waterford

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.

Due to unforeseen circumstances, Rohan Poldervaart is unfortunately unable to travel to the festival as planned. As a result, the workshop will no longer take place.

We sincerely apologise for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding. We hope to welcome Rohan at a future edition of the festival.

For any questions or further information, please feel free to get in touch with our team.

Explore an exciting line-up of concerts, competitions, and special events celebrating the very best in choral music. The official festival programme book is now available — dive in and start planning your experience.

We’re also delighted to showcase this year’s beautiful cover artwork by Sorcha Ryan — a stunning visual celebration of the spirit of the festival. Check out her work at @sorchadesign.

Join us from 29th April to 3rd May for an unforgettable celebration of voices, choral excellence, and community in Cork.

On receiving the news of his win, Timothy said, “I am delighted and honoured to be chosen as the winner of the Seán Ó Riada Composition Competition this year. My piece Points and Lines sets a poem of the same name by Aldous Huxley and is dedicated to my newborn nephew, Matteo. It is a real privilege to join the list of outstanding composers who have received this award and to be part of the Cork International Choral Festival’s vibrant musical tradition. I am especially excited to hear the piece premiered by the incredible Chamber Choir Ireland.”

The inaugural performance of ‘Points and Lines’ will be part of the Cork International Choral Festival’s annual collaborative concert with choir-in-residence, Chamber Choir Ireland, led by their Artistic Director Gabriel Crouch. This promises to be a night of exceptional musical talent. Tickets for the Chamber Choir Ireland Gala Concert on Friday, 1st May can be purchased at this link.

The Seán Ó Riada competition, which has been running for over 50 years, provides a platform for Irish composers to have their work judged and rewarded solely on its own merits. Submissions are made under pseudonyms, ensuring anonymity until after the judges’ decision has been made. The competition aims to present Irish choirs with fresh, authentic material for their programs and has attracted renowned composers throughout its history.

Chamber Choir Ireland member and composer Eoghan Desmond, and Artistic Director of Chamber Choir Ireland, Gabriel Crouch, who evaluated Doyle’s winning piece, summarised their reaction, stating, ‘Points and Lines’ gives us an assured, well-structured and highly attractive response to Aldous Huxley’s enigmatic poem about the nature of human perception. The composer uses precise articulation to paint the ’small sharp stars’ of the opening, contrasting with a sense of infinite time as these stars are transformed to a ‘long fine thread’ at the end, with the sopranos sustaining a pedal tone while the lower parts weave sinuous harmonies beneath. Just as there is with the text, there is a beautiful sense of uncertainty in the music, with each promised resolution compromised by the distraction of a new question.

With more than 270 compositions being submitted in the past 10 years of the new format, the Seán Ó Riada Composition Competition illustrates the number of composers now working and living in Ireland, and further demonstrates the Cork International Choral Festival’s continuing commitment to encourage the composition and performance of contemporary music. Past winners include Solfa Carlisle, Rhona Clarke, Patrick Connolly, Frank Corcoran, Séamas de Barra, Eoghan Desmond, Michael Holohan, Marian Ingoldsby, Donal MacErlaine, Simon MacHale, Kevin O’Connell, Amanda Feery, Criostóir Ó Loingsigh, Donal Sarsfield, James May, Peter Leavy, Norah Constance Walsh, Darragh Black Hynes, Laura Heneghan, Anselm McDonnell and last year’s winner Donnchadh Mac Aodha.

This year’s Cork International Choral Festival, which is set to bring Cork to life with song, takes place from 29th April – 3rd May 2026.

Led by outstanding tutors Jennifer Moir and Jani Sivén, this four-day intensive includes tailored sessions and a hands-on workshop with Ireland’s flagship ensemble, Chamber Choir Ireland — all for just €295.

Final registration deadline: Friday 6th March

Full details, repertoire, and application form available here.

As we are announcing our participants of the International Fleischmann Trophy competition weekly. It is only fair to announce our full line-up of international non-competitive choirs. Cork International Choral Festival is delighted to announce the six non-competitive choirs joining us this year!

Emotio Taldea – Basque Country, Spain
Le Choeur Battant – France
L’Envie – France
RockavoX – UK
Sangkoret Samhald – Norway
Sing For Your Life! Choir – Australia