If you, your choir, or your friends are interested in hearing some of the wonderful choral music performed at the 2024 festival again, un-mastered audio recordings of all the City Hall competition sessions, as well as the Fleischmann Gala and Closing Gala Concert, are now available for sale (€15/session) on this page.
The complete photo gallery for the 2024 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, and X to stay updated and relive the festival magic!
The Cork International Choral Festival came to a climactic penultimate close with its Awards Ceremony at 5.30 pm on Sunday 5th May 2024 in Cork City Hall. Following a hugely successful Festival, the Jury results were finally announced for all sections of the Festival’s varied and prestigious categories. International and national choirs from near and far waited nervously for the announcements. The following are the results for all categories:
Fleischmann International Trophy Competition Prize Winners
1st Prize
Choir: Brigham Young University Singers, USA
Conductor: Andrew Crane
94.33%
2nd Prize
Choir: Mt. San Antonio College Chamber Singers, USA
Conductor: Bruce Rogers
93.42%
3rd Prize
Choir: Coralia of the University of Puerto Rico, PUERTO RICO
Conductor: Carmen Acevedo-Lucío
91.22%
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: Mt. San Antonio College Chamber Singers, USA
Conductor: Mr. Bruce Rogers
For the performance of: Nada Te Turbe - Carlos Cordero (b. 1992)
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: MTU Glór Choral Society, IRELAND
Conductor: Caitríona Fitzmaurice
For the performance of The Destroyer - Seán Doherty (b. 1987)
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: Coralia of the University of Puerto Rico [PUERTO RICO]
Conductor: Carmen Acevedo-Lucío
For the performance of:Quella damma son io, SWV 11 - in the Fleischmann International Trophy Competition
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: Reeda Kreen
From: NUKU Choir [ESTONIA]
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: Pro Musica Soest, Germany
Conductor: Christian Koops
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: DYC Singers, DUBLIN
Conductor: Lynsey Callaghan
90.33%
2nd Prize
Choir: Dulciana Vocal Ensemble, DUBLIN
Conductor: Judith Lyons
89.56 %
3rd Prize
Choir: UCC Singers, CORK
Conductor: Ben Jacob
89.33%
IBEC Workplace Choir of the Year
1st Place
Choir: Mount Juliet International Choir
Conductor: Adrian Lubowicz
85.00%
2nd Place
Choir: City Hall Singers
Conductor: Saoirse Daly
84.00%
3rd Place
Choir: SCRUBS, CORK UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL, CORK
Conductor: Patrick D’Alton
83.17%
National Adult Competitions
National Competition for Chamber Choirs
2nd Prize
Choir: Calliope CORK
Conductor: Sam Guisinger
80.67%
National Competition for Lower Voice Choirs
1st Prize
Choir: Harmony Bro, CLARE
Conductor: Michael Hennessy
85.33%
2nd Prize
Choir: Portadown Male Voice Choir, ARMAGH
Conductor: Gordon Speers
84.83%
National Competition for Upper Voice Choirs
1st Prize
Choir: Dulciana Vocal Ensemble, DUBLIN
Conductor: Judith Lyons
91%
2nd Prize
Choir: Vox Orbis, GALWAY
Conductor: Dr. Mark Keane
90%
National Competition for Mixed Voice Choirs
1st Prize
Choir: Dublin Youth Chamber Choir, DUBLIN
Conductor: Lynsey Callaghan
88.50%
2nd Prize
Choir: UCC Singers Alumni Choir, CORK
Conductor: Ben Jacob
87.83%
National Competition for Light, Jazz and Popular Music
1st Prize
Choir: The Wilcollane Singers, CORK
Conductor: Anne Dunphy
91.83%
2nd Prize
Choir: Killeagh Choir - The Voices, CORK
Conductor: Mary Peddar Daly
91.50%
National Competition for Church Music
1st Prize
Choir: Vox Orbis
Conductor: Mark Keane
86%
2nd Prize
Choir: Dublin Youth Chamber Choir
Conductor: Lynsey Callaghan
85.75%
Special Awards – National Adult and Youth Competitions
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
Awarded to:
Choir: DYC Singers
Conductor: Lynsey Callaghan
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 Alumni Choir
Conductor: Ben Jacob
For the performance of: Incantations by Michael McGlynn in Mixed Voices Competition
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: The Park Singers
Conductor: Órla Gillan
For the performance of: A Winter's Prayer by Anne-Marie O'Farrell in Ireland’s Choir of the Year 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: Dublin Youth Chamber Choir
Conductor: Lynsey Callaghan
For the performance of: Double Double Toil and Trouble by Jaakko Mäntyjärvi in Mixed Voices National Competition
Seán Ó Riada Composition Competition
The Seán Ó Riada Trophy
Awarded to Composer, Anselm McDonnell, for his work Gallagher
National Competitions for Schools
National Competition for Schools: Section 1 (Primary School Choirs)
1st Prize
Choir: Cór Scoil an Spioraid Naoimh Cailíní, Cork
Conductor: Maeve-Ann O’Brien
87.75%
2nd Prize
Choir: St Brigid's GNS, DUBLIN
Conductor: Laura Wickham
84.50%
National Competition for Schools: Section 2 (Equal Voice Post-Primary School Choirs)
1st Prize
Choir: Regina Mundi College Chamber Choir, CORK
Conductor: Grainne O’Neill
93.25%
2nd Prize
Choir: Ursuline Secondary School, Thurles, TIPPERARY
Conductor: Joan Butler
89%
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
90.25%
2nd Prize
Choir: The Schola of Clongowes Wood College, KILDARE
Conductor: Cyril Murphy
89.5%
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:
School: Regina Mundi College Chamber Choir
Conductor: Gráinne O' Neill
The Sing Ireland Trophy
Special Award for the performance of a piece in the National Competitions for Schools.
For the performance of: Anthem from Chess, in the National Competition for Schools: Section 2: Post Primary Equal Voice
Choir: De La Salle College Senior Choir
Conductor: Ben Hanlon
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: Ceann Dubh Dílis by Michael McGlynn, in the National Competition for Schools: Section 3: Post-Primary Equal Voice
Awarded to:
School: The Schola of Clongowes Wood College
Conductor: Cyril Murphy
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:
Lorna O’Byrne
Conductor of Laurel Hill Coláiste FCJ, LIMERICK
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, Paul Hillier will be unable to conduct Chamber Choir Ireland in this Friday’s gala performance, 3rd May, at the Cork International Choral Festival. The programme remains unchanged, and we are delighted to welcome Matthew Quinn to conduct.
Matthew is a conductor, singer and musical director from Belfast, Northern Ireland. He has worked with ensembles such as the Ulster Orchestra, RTÉ Concert Orchestra, Hard Rain Soloist Ensemble, Chamber Choir Ireland and the orchestra and chorus of Northern Ireland Opera. He is currently the musical director of Cappella Caeciliana, and the London Youth Chamber Choir. In his work with Chamber Choir Ireland, Matthew has recorded student compositions in Composers in the Classroom, directed the premiere recording of Caterina Schembri's YES I WILL YES to mark Bloomsday 2023 with the Department of Foreign Affairs, and has served as Chorus Master on several occasions
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Anselm McDonnell has been announced as this year’s winner of the prestigious Seán Ó Riada composition competition. The competition invites submissions of new works annually from Irish composers and is held in collaboration with the Cork International Choral Festival and Chamber Choir Ireland.
Anselm McDonnell's winning composition, ‘Gallagher’, - a homage to the music of Rory Gallagher, will have its world premiere at St. Fin Barre’s Cathedral Cork on Friday, May 3rd, at 7.30pm.
McDonnell, from Belfast, collaborated with author Tim MacGhabhann on the composition, after they bonded over a mutual love of the famous guitarist, during their time as resident artists at the Centre Culturel Irlandais in Paris. The musician piece weaves several quotations from the musician’s work into a musical texture that plays off the rich imagery in Tim's poems.
An Irish/Welsh composer, Anselm McDonnell has composed over ninety pieces for various ensembles, including orchestras, chamber groups, choirs, soloists, and electronics. His talent and musical prowess, which include having his music performed in thirteen countries, have earned him this prestigious recognition. The performance of ‘Gallagher’ 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 Paul Hillier. This promises to be a night of exceptional musical talent, marking Hillier's 16th and final year as Artistic Director.
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.
Commenting on the news of his win, Anselm McDonnell said, “It's an honour to have been chosen as the winner of this year's Seán Ó Riada Competition for ‘Gallagher’ my collaboration with author Tim MacGhabhann. I'm looking forward to working with Chamber Choir Ireland again, as they bring such a rich sound and interpretive nuance to new compositions. I'm excited that the work's premiere will be part of the Cork International Choral Festival, especially given the close link between Gallagher and Cork, his childhood home and burial place.”
Chamber Choir Ireland member Eoghan Desmond, composer Rhona Clarke, and Conductor of Chamber Choir Ireland, Paul Hillier, who evaluated McDonnell's winning piece, summarised their reaction, stating, "The text is strong and the music responds to it well without losing its own character. The musical textures are nicely varied, keeping things fresh, yet focused, and the vocal lines work with imaginative variation. While challenging, it is accessible to a wide range of high-level amateur choirs. The composer's use of rhythm and texture creates an engaging piece for singers and audiences alike."
With more than 240 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, Michael McGlynn, Kevin O’Connell, Amanda Feery, Criostóir Ó Loingsigh, Donal Sarsfield, James May, Peter Leavy, Norah Constance Walsh, Darragh Black Hynes and last year’s winner Laura Heneghan.
This year’s Cork International Choral Festival which is set to bring Cork to life with song takes place from 1st – 5th May 2024.
More about the Composer:
Anselm McDonnell (1994) is an Irish/Welsh composer who has composed over ninety pieces for orchestra, chamber groups, choirs, soloists, and electronics. His music has been performed in thirteen countries and includes commissions by the London Symphony Orchestra, the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany, the National Symphony Orchestra of Ireland, Huddersfield Contemporary Music Festival, BBC Concert Orchestra, the Crash Ensemble, BBC Radio 3, British Council, and NCH Dublin.
His music features on eleven CDs, including two self-released albums: Light of Shore and Kraina. In 2023 he had portrait concerts dedicated to his music in Bangkok and Chiang Mai, Thailand, by the TACETi Ensemble.
His music has been played at NCH Dublin, LSO St. Luke’s (4 performances), Wigmore Hall, Huddersfield Contemporary Music Festival, Hugh Lane Gallery (4 performances), and New Music Dublin Festival (10 performances).
He is a Jerwood+ resident composer with the LSO for 23/24 and was recently resident composer at the Centre Culturel Irlandais in Paris (Oct/Nov 23). His recent interview with the BBC Music Magazine features in their March 2024 issue.
His compositions have been described as 'abrasive and compelling' (Irish Times), 'bright as fluorescent light’ (Journal of Music) and 'perhaps the contrasts and complexities that it contains are a musical reflection of the multi-layered nature of what it means to be a composer in a community as complex as Northern Ireland.' (Robert Hugill)
Ten is our magic number this year! After introducing the ten contenders for the Fleischmann International Trophy, it's now time to announce the fantastic ten international non-competitive choirs joining us in Cork this May. We can't wait to enjoy their performances! You can find out more about each of them in the 'Choir & Speakers' section of our website.
Allmänna Sången Visby - Sweden
Choir of the 18th Junior and Senior High School of Athens - Greece
Coro de Camara Aurora - Costa Rica
Coro S'Ena Frisca, Putifigari - Italy
Funky Voices Choir - UK
Góðir grannar - Iceland
Madrigalen - Finland
Pro Musica Soest - Germany
The Rafset Choir - Sweden
York Philharmonic Male Voice Choir - UK
While we await the 2024 Festival, we are delighted to invite you to the special fundraising concert 'Union of Voices - A Choral Charity Night' on Saturday, 24th February 2024, at 7:30 pm in the Curtis Auditorium of the MTU Cork School of Music. The concert will feature The London Welsh Rugby Club Choir (UK) and the Cork Prison Officers Male Voice Choir, all in aid of Headway - Brain Injury Services and Support, and the Cork International Choral Festival.
Tickets priced at €21 (incl. booking fees apply) are available online at this link.
The London Welsh Rugby Club has a long and illustrious history, and its latest torchbearers – the London Welsh Rugby Club Choir – are spreading the good name of the club through music and friendship..
Since its formation in 2003 the choir has brought its unique sound to sell-out audiences across the UK, Europe and New Zealand. With strong ties to both their Welsh roots and the exile community centred around London Welsh’s famous Old Deer Park rugby ground, further high-profile appearances on national radio and television followed, including its defining moment, performing at the 2012 London Olympics Closing Ceremony in front of a worldwide audience of more than one billion.
The choir began back in 1985, undergoing significant evolution over the years. The current group has been in rehearsal since 2011 when Jackie O'Connell became our Musical Director. Comprising both serving and retired Prison Officers, the Choir conducts its weekly rehearsals at Collins Barracks in Cork City.
Their passion for singing is evident, and the motto they live by is "Just for Fun." The Choir has had remarkable experiences, including participating in the New York St. Patrick's Day Parade and performing in St. Patrick's Cathedral while there. The choir was honoured to perform for the Kent family at the State Funeral for the reinterment of Thomas Kent. They also performed in the 2023 Cork Choral Festival.
Ticket Exchange/Refund
Once purchased, tickets cannot be exchanged or refunds given. Refunds will only be made in the event of a cancelled performance.
The Cork International Choral Festival is pleased to invite primary schools to attend the workshop ‘Singing Together - Ag canadh le chéile’ on Tuesday, 5th March 2024 from 10am – 11am in Cork City Hall, as part of Seachtain na Gaeilge 2024.
This workshop for primary school children offers a fun and educational opportunity to learn music in the Irish language. Led by Abby Ní Loingsigh and her ensemble, the event will guide schools in mastering a simple choral arrangement of an Irish folk song, fostering a collaborative singing experience. Additionally, students will be introduced to various traditional Irish instruments, will explore different categories of Irish dance tunes and songs, and will practice singing Irish words in harmony with other participants. The event aims to enhance understanding of choral music and cultivate an appreciation for the Irish language and musical tradition.
During the workshop, students will delve into creating a chord with their voices, involving large groups singing three or more different notes. The session will also feature a lively and interactive demonstration of Irish instruments and tune types, incorporating teachable rhythms to identify the tunes. Body percussion will be employed in this section of the event for added engagement.
The cost for the workshop is €5/student (admission is complimentary for teachers and staff). To book your place, please complete the registration form below by Friday, 9th February, and send payment either by bank transfer or cheque to:
Recipient: Cork International Choral Festival
Bank: Allied Irish Banks plc, Patrick’s Street, Cork, Ireland
IBAN: IE85 AIBK 9341 5105 1954 48
BIC: AIBKIE2D
Account Number: 05195448
Sort Code: 93 41 51
NOTE: Please ensure that the name of the school is noted on bank transfer.
Registrations are considered complete upon receipt of payment and will be guaranteed on a first-come, first-served basis.
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to get in touch by email or phone.
We hope to hear from you soon!
The wait is over – Tickets for the Gala Concerts of the 2024 Cork International Choral Festival (1st - 5th May 2024) are available for purchase!
Secure your seats at this link or enhance your festival experience by becoming a Friend of the Festival – simply submit the order form available on this page.
Concert Details:
Note: A 15% discount is available for groups of 10+ pax on all Gala Concerts.
We look forward to welcoming you to the 2024 festival!
Tickets for the Christmas at the Cathedral concerts on Saturday, 25th, and Sunday, 26th November, have sold out.
We are delighted by the overwhelming interest again this year! Thank you all, and we look forward to seeing you there.
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