Pictures: Cork International Choral Festival returns this May with five days of performances 

The programme for Cork International Choral Festival was launched on Wednesday evening at Cork City Hall 

Members of the UCC Singers, part of the UCC Choral society at the launch of the 69th Cork International Choral Festival which runs from May 1 to 5. Picture: Eddie O'Hare

Cork International Choral Festival is set to return to the southern city this May bank holiday weekend, bringing five days of  performances, workshops and more. The festival, which officially launched with an event at Cork City Hall on Wednesday, takes place from Wednesday, May 1 to Sunday, May 5.

John and Stephanie O'Sullivan at City Hall for the launch of the 69th Cork International Choral Festival. Picture: Eddie O'Hare

Now in its 69th year, the Cork International Choral Festival is one of Europe's most prestigious choral events, bringing together singers from all over Ireland, Europe, and beyond.

Jim Walsh and John Joyce at City Hall for the launch of the 69th Cork International Choral Festival. Picture: Eddie O'Hare

Over the bank holiday weekend, Cork will come alive with over 90 venues hosting gala performances, competitions, fringe concerts, and free public performances.

Fiona Connolly, Bus Eireann, and June Keohane, arts office Cork City Council, at City Hall for the launch of the 69th Cork International Choral Festival. Picture: Eddie O'Hare

There will be music across both city and country over the five days. Highlights of this year’s programme include the popular Afternoons in the Atrium at Clayton Hotel (Saturday, May 4 and Sunday, May 5) as well as the Cobh Fringe Festival with choirs at St. Colman’s Cathedral, Christ Church, The Heritage Centre, Bandstand on the Promenade and more.

Bernadette Kiely, Johnathan Mathews and Ruth O'Shea at City Hall for the launch of the Cork International Choral Festival. Picture: Eddie O'Hare

The addition of a new venue for 2024 will see choirs signing at the Marina Market on Saturday, May 4.

Aaron Mansworth, president CBA; Ger Breen, festival chairman; The Lord Mayor Cllr Kieran McCarthy; Cllr John Healy, deputy county mayor and Peter Stobart, artistic director at the City Hall. Picture: Eddie O'Hare

Audiences will also enjoy the Cork School of Music (CSM) Symphony Orchestra and Fleischmann Choir who will present Stanford at 100 — Stabat Mater, the composer’s iconic piece for the Opening Gala Concert on Wednesday 1st.

Peter Stobart, artistic director; Saoirse Daly, conductor Cork City Council singers and Eoin Murphy, St. Finbarrs Cathedral at City Hall for the launch of the 69th Cork International Choral Festival. Picture: Eddie O'Hare

The festival will end with the finale of Ireland's Choir of the Year competition, showcasing the best Irish choirs alongside international talent.

Emily Stickland, Saundra Osborne and Carol Donovan at City Hall. Picture: Eddie O'Hare

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.

Sharon Conroy, Cork County Council and Aaron Mansworth, president CBA at the launch of the 69th Cork International Choral Festival. Picture: Eddie O'Hare

Tickets are available on www.corkchoral.ie.