Join us in celebrating National Volunteering Week from 15th - 21st May 2023!
We want to take a moment to honour our extraordinary team of dedicated volunteers who make our festival an incredible success year after year. From our amazing voluntary board members who work tirelessly behind the scenes all year round, to the countless teams that step up during festival week in various roles, we want to express our deepest gratitude for their invaluable time, boundless energy, and unwavering commitment.
Without each and every one of you, this event simply wouldn't exist! Your passion and enthusiasm breathe life into every aspect, creating unforgettable experiences for the participants and community. Together, we're making a difference and spreading the joy of choral singing!
Thank you, thank you, thank you! 🙏❤️
Thank you to everyone who supported us by purchasing raffle tickets over the five days of this year's Festival. A Double Friends of the Festival Full Pass for the 2024 festival went unclaimed. If you still have your raffle tickets, now is the time to check them and get in touch if you have a winner!
Unclaimed on Wednesday, 26th April:
Blue ticket AB9W SP6D 816-820
If you have the winning ticket, email us at [email protected].
Unclaimed raffle prizes will be held until 9 am on Monday 15th May, after which time they will be donated elsewhere.
The Cork International Choral Festival came to a climactic penultimate close with its Awards Ceremony at 5.30 pm on Sunday 30th April 2023 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:
1st Prize
Choir: Mixed Choir HUIK!, ESTONIA
Conductor: Ode Pürg
92.89%
2nd Prize
Choir: The Academic Women’s Choir of the University of Tartu, ESTONIA
Conductor: Triin Koch
90.67%
3rd Prize
Choir: The Academic Female Choir of Technical University of Tallinn, ESTONIA
Conductor: Edmar Tuul
90.56%
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: Coro Infanto Juvenil da Universidade de Lisboa, Portugal
Conductor: Erica Guimarães
For the performance of: Três Esconjuros by Fernando Lopes Graça
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: Mixed Choir HUIK!, Estonia
Conductor: Ms. Ode Pürg
For the performance of: Regina Coeli by Michele Josia
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: UCC Singers
Conductor: Mr. Robbie Pender
For the performance of: Verleih uns Frieden Gnadiglich in the Ireland’s Choir of the Year 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: Mr. Andraž Hauptman
From: Chamber Choir Orfej, Slovenia
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: Courage, Norway
Conductor: Mrs. Astrid Rabben
Ireland's Choir of the Year Competition and Recipient of The Victor Leeson Perpetual Trophy
Donated by The Guinness Choir in memory of its founder Victor Leeson
1st Prize
Choir: MTU Glór Choral Society
Conductor: Ms Caitríona Fitzmaurice
88.89%
2nd Prize
Choir: Continuum Youth Choir, DUBLIN
Conductor: Blanaid Murphy
88.67 %
3rd Prize
Choir: Dublin Youth Chamber Choir, DUBLIN
Conductor: Lynsey Callaghan
87.44%
1st Place
Choir: Scrubs (Cork University Hospital)
Conductor: Patrick D’Alton
85.67%
2nd Place
Choir: Ibec
Conductor: Niall Stafford
84.67%
1st Prize
Choir: Calliope, CORK
Conductor: Mr. Senan Shortall
87.67%
2nd Prize
Choir: Déjà Vu, CORK
Conductor: Ms. Carolyn Corbett
86.17%
1st Prize
Choir: Portadown Male Voice Choir, ARMAGH
Conductor: Mr. Gordon Speers
87.00%
2nd Prize
Choir: Dublin Welsh Male Voice Choir, DUBLIN
Conductor: Ms. Mary Walsh
84.83%
1st Prize
Choir: Sunday Morning Singers, TIPPERARY
Conductor: Ms. Helen Colbert
88.17%
2nd Prize
Choir: Vox Orbis, GALWAY
Conductor: Dr. Mark Keane
87.83%
1st Prize
Choir: SETU Youth Choir, WATERFORD
Conductor: Mr. Niall Crowley
90.50%
2nd Prize
Choir: Ancór, LIMERICK
Conductor: Cecilia Madden
87.17%
1st Prize
Choir: Calliope, CORK
Conductor: Sam Guisinger
90.50%
2nd Prize
Choir: Belle Harmonics, DUBLIN
Conductor: Ruth Gahan
90.17%
1st Prize
Choir: The Academy Chamber Choir, OFFALY
Conductor: Ciaran Brady
88.50%
2nd Prize
Choir: Vox Orbis, GALWAY
Conductor: Mark Keane
88.25%
Ireland's Choir of the Year Competition and Recipient of The Victor Leeson Perpetual Trophy
Donated by The Guinness Choir in memory of its founder Victor Leeson
Awarded to:
Choir: MTU Glór Choral Society
Conductor: Ms Caitríona Fitzmaurice
Trofaí Cuimhneacháin Philib Ui Laoghaire
Donated by Cór Cois Laoi
Special Award for the performance of a choral work in Irish.
Awarded to:
Choir: Vox Orbis
Conductor: Mr. Mark Keane
For the performance of: Siúil a Rúin by Michael McGlynn in Ireland’s Choir of the Year 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: Continuum Youth Choir
Conductor: Ms. Blanaid Murphy
For the performance of: Undersong by Seán Doherty in the 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: Ms. Lynsey Callaghan
For the performance of: A Nywe Werk by Seán Doherty in the Ireland’s Choir of the Year Competition
Seán Ó Riada Composition Competition
The Seán Ó Riada Trophy
Awarded to Composer, Laura Heneghan, for her work Draíocht na Farraige
1st Prize
Choir: Cór Scoil Mhuire Junior School, Cork
Conductor: Maeve-Ann O’Brien
85.50%
2nd Prize
Choir: St. Vincent's Convent Primary School Choir, CORK
Conductor: Mrs. Betty Fitzgerald
83.00%
1st Prize
Choir: Laurel Hill Coláiste FCJ
Conductor: Lorna O’Byrne
89.00%
2nd Prize
Choir: De La Salle Senior Choir, Waterford
Conductor: Ben Hanlon
87.5%
1st Prize
Choir: Ashton School Choir, CO. CORK
Conductor: Mary G. O’Brien
86.75%
2nd Prize
Choir: Iontas Moate Community School, CO. WESTMEATH
Conductor: Ms. Giselle Foley
86.5%
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: Laurel Hill Coláiste FCJ, LIMERICK
Conductor: Lorna O’Byrne
The Sing Ireland Trophy
Special Award for the performance of a piece in the National Competitions for Schools.
For the performance of: Joahua! by Trad, arr. Kirby Shaw, in the National Competition for Schools: Section 3: 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:
Choir: Laurel Hill Coláiste FCJ
Conductor: Lorna O’Byrne
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: Sarah Murphy Conductor of St Nessan’s School Choir
Happy National Workplace Wellbeing Day 2023 everyone!
Today, we celebrate Ireland's biggest event dedicated to promoting health and well-being in the workplace. With their support for the Ibec Workplace Choir of the Year Competition, Ibec not only promotes the power of choral music in the workplace, but also highlights the many physical and mental health benefits that singing together can bring.
Don't forget to join us at Cork City Hall for the competition tomorrow, Saturday 29th April, from 9.30am.
For over a decade, previous festival director John Fitzpatrick, and trophies coordinator David J. Butler have been concerned for a location to safely and effectively display our unique collection of contemporary, vintage and antique national awards and reserve trophies – a collection in two parts.
The first part stems from an initiative commenced in 1994 by John Fitzpatrick, then newly appointed festival director, commissioning artists to use sympathetic media communicating the spirit of the Festival in Wood, Ceramic, Glass, Enamel, or Metal, often in combination. From the outset, the Festival retained a reserve item for posterity, thus allowing for a complete collection to be mounted in this display. A unique collection of (to date) twenty-seven limited edition annually commissioned National Trophies is the result, with works by Cormac Boydell (3), Eithne Ring (3), Wild Goose Studio (2), Ian McDonagh, Zoe Dalton, Aisling O’Leary, Olwyn Brady, Ayelet Lalor, Charlo Quain, Avril Daly, Diana Skalkos, Sean Hanrahan, Sean McCarthy, Tom Climent, Niamh O’Neill, Don Cronin, Etain Hickey, Colm Murphy, Siobhan Steele, Fiona Godfrey, and this years.
The second part of the collection centres upon our non-current perpetual awards, a significant display of twelve mainly vintage trophies (dating from 1954 to 1983) of plaque or cup design – silver plate, metal alloy, Bakelite, wood and glass featuring – together with a particularly fine antique silver-gilt early nineteenth century cup. Some of these were awarded over several decades; others for only a very few years.
Both collections had been carefully stored in the Festival Office and other secure locations for many decades; in the case of the National Trophies, since the time of their commission and, in the case of the vintage trophies, for even longer. The MTU Cork School of Music Fleischmann Library now houses a permanent and bespoke display case with trophies and the more delicate contemporary pieces well lit upon its shelves, while an adjacent wall display of framed commissions compliments what will in time become a major hub for choral studies. There will be a QR code catalogue to facilitate the interpretation and further research of the collection.
It has been a pleasure to coordinate this project to fruition over the past year and, on behalf of the Festival Board, I would like to thank the library, buildings and school administration of MTU Cork School of Music for their great courtesy and consideration throughout.
David J. Butler, Trophies Coordinator
We are thrilled to announce that Mayo-born composer and pianist Laura Heneghan is this year’s winner of the prestigious Seán Ó Riada composition competition!
Initiated in 1972 in recognition of the creative life and work of Seán Ó Riada (1931-1971), the competition invites the submission of new works annually from Irish composers, and is held in collaboration with the Cork International Choral Festival and Chamber Choir Ireland.
As the winner, Laura Heneghan’s composition Draíocht na Farraige will receive its world première in the spectacular surrounds of St. Fin Barre’s Cathedral Cork on Friday 28th April at 7.30pm. The performance will be part of Cork International Choral Festival’s annual collaborative concert with choir-in-residence Chamber Choir Ireland. It promises to be a wonderful evening of song, and Chamber Choir Ireland is delighted to welcome back Sofi Jeannin as guest director for this gala concert.
Laura Heneghan (1999) is a Mayo-born, Glasgow-based composer and pianist. She completed her Bachelor of Arts degree (Music) in the University of Galway in August 2022, where she worked on her compositions under the supervision of Dr Amanda Feery. Soon after, she moved to Glasgow to pursue master’s studies in composition at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. She previously worked under the supervision of Dr Ailie Robertson and currently, is working under the supervision of Dr David Fennessy and Dr Bekah Simms. Laura has had work performed by Rosanne Phillippens (violin) and Zoltán Fejérvari (piano) in the Emily Anderson Concert Hall as part of the Music for Galway Arts in Action Concert series. In April, she will have work premièred in the University of St. Andrews, and as part of the PLUG festival, Laura will have work premièred by the GAIA duo in the Ledger Recital Hall in May. Previously, she has completed workshops with Graham Fitkin, Kate Moore, and RTÉ Contempo Quartet. Laura is particularly interested in cross-disciplinary collaboration and is currently making plans to compose work for students in the ballet, film, and vocal studies department within the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland.
On receiving the news of her win, Laura said, “I am delighted to be chosen as the winner of the Seán Ó Riada Composition Competition 2023! It is a privilege to have my name next to such prestigious composers who have won the competition in the past. I am thrilled to have my piece Draíocht na Farraige premiered at the Cork International Choral Festival at the end of April by the renowned Chamber Choir Ireland and distinguished conductor Sofi Jeannin. It is an incredible opportunity, and I am looking forward to working with them closely as the festival draws closer! Draíocht na Farraige (The Magic of the Sea) is a poem derived from the book ‘Trócaire Dé agus Dánta Eile’ by the late Maria Goretti Ní Fhéinne. The poet discusses the Spiddal seaside in County Galway in a beautifully descriptive way, and I thought this imagery could be greatly enhanced by a choir.”
Her composition, Draíocht na Farraige was chosen by the members of the judging panel, Chamber Choir Ireland (CCI) member Eoghan Desmond, composer Rhona Clarke and Sofi Jeannin, Guest Director and Conductor of CCI, who summarised their reaction and evaluation to Heneghan’s winning piece as follows: “The piece shows a consistent style with a sensitive handling of this beautiful Irish text. It demonstrates the composer's fluency in choral writing.
The present format of the Seán Ó Riada Competition, which is more than 50 years old, offers a platform for Irish composers to have their work judged and rewarded purely on its own merits without the judges being influenced by the reputation or status of the composer. All compositions are submitted under a pseudonym, with the author’s real name not being revealed until after the judges’ decision has been made. Works composed in the Irish language are encouraged. The competition has, as a central aim, the intention of providing Irish choirs with fresh, authentic material for inclusion in their programmes.
The competition has attracted the attention of many highly-regarded composers, with past winners including 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 and last year’s winner Darragh Black Hynes. With more than 220 compositions being submitted in the past 10 years of the new format, the Seán Ó Riada Composition Competition clearly highlights 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.
We are recruiting for an Administrative Assistant to join our festival office! If you are eligible for a Community Employment Scheme (CE Scheme) and are looking for an exciting position, then you are in the right place.
The Cork International Choral Festival is looking for an Admin Assistant. Application details and job description can be found at JobsIreland.ie
Eligibility to participate on CE is generally linked to those who are 21 years or over and in receipt of a qualifying social welfare payment for 1 year or more or 18 years and over for certain disadvantaged groups. Your eligibility will have to be verified by the Department.
Closing date: 13th March 2023
Duties
This is a developmental opportunity, no experience necessary. Accredited training will be provided to support your career.
Reception
• Answer general phone inquiries using a professional and courteous manner
• Direct phone inquiries to the appropriate staff members
• Reply to general information requests with the accurate information
• Greet clients/suppliers/visitors to the organization in a professional and friendly manner
Office Administration
• Use computer word processing, spreadsheet, and database software to prepare reports, memos, and documents
• Sort incoming mail and courier deliveries for distribution
• Prepare and send outgoing mail and courier parcels
• Forward incoming general e-mails to the appropriate staff member
• Forward voice mail from the general mailbox to the appropriate staff member
• Purchase, receive and store the office supplies ensuring that basic supplies are always available
• Code and file material according to the established procedures
• Update and ensure the accuracy of the organization's databases
• Back-up electronic files using proper procedures
• Provide secretarial and administrative support to management and other staff
• Make travel, meeting and other arrangements for staff
• Coordinate the maintenance of office equipment
We're thrilled to announce the 8 international non-competitive choirs that will be joining us in Cork from April 26th-30th for the 68th Cork International Choral Festival!
Stay tuned for more information on each of these talented groups in the coming weeks. Get ready to immerse yourself in a world of diverse musical styles, cultural exchange, and pure vocal excellence!
Chorale Abakiza [Burundi]
Chorus Sanctae Ceciliae [Finland]
Ensemble Vocal de Neuilly [France]
Jugendchor Liederkranz 1871 e.V. Malsch [Germany]
Ron Galilee Choir [Israel]
Coro Monte Penice - Bobbio [Italy]
Bergen Mannskor [Norway]
Taunton Deane Male Voice Choir [UK]
The Cork International Choral Festival is pleased to invite primary schools to attend the workshop ‘Singing Together - Ag canadh le chéile’ on Tuesday 7th March 2023 from 10am – 12pm in Cork City Hall, as part of Seachtain na Gaeilge 2023.
This workshop for primary school children will be a fun and educational way to learn songs in the Irish language. The workshop will focus on group singing, rhythm, and having fun while learning. The children will be taught traditional songs in Gaeilge. The workshop will also include activities such as clapping and movement to the songs. The children will learn how to properly pronounce the words of the songs and will be encouraged to practice singing the songs with each other. At the end of the workshop, the children will be able to perform the songs they have learned in front of the other participants and their teachers. This workshop will be a great way for the children to learn Irish language songs in an enjoyable and engaging way.
The event will be led by Mairéad Casey. Mairéad is a multiple All-Ireland-, Oireachtas- and Pan-Celtic-winning singer, fiddle player and harper. She has toured in the USA, Canada, Italy, Belgium and France and has given traditional singing workshops in Ireland, England and the USA. She is a regular adjudicator at Fleadhanna Cheoil throughout Ireland and at Fleadh Cheoil na h-Éireann.
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 10th 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 will be guaranteed on a first-come, first-serve 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!
Calling all workplace choirs!
The application submission deadline for the 2023 Ibec Workplace Choir of the Year Competition has been extended until Friday 10th February.
Join us in Cork with your colleagues for an exciting second in-person edition of this competition taking place on Saturday 29th April.
Apply now on this page or contact Kery for more info at [email protected].
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