MUSIC and war would seem to be polar opposite in the spectrum of human activity, yet it is music associated with war that is among the most treasured works in the canon of classical music. 

When an Irish composer with stacks of choral works to his credit and an enviable international reputation announces he is composing his first opera, it generates a wave of interest that reaches beyond the confines of new music cognoscenti.

The 60th annual Cork International Choral Festival took place at the weekend, with approximately 5,000 participants — the largest number it has ever had. Here are the results.