Spirits and voices soar for choral fest
The first notes of the festival were sung last night in City Hall by Our Lady’s Choral Society with the RTÉ Concert Orchestra and conductor Karl Jenkins.
The performance was Mr Jenkins’ work The Armed Man — A Mass for Peace.
It included a video showcase created especially for the music and augmented by the solo singing of mezzo soprano Sharon Carty and Imam Salem.
The work is the Welsh composer’s most famous offering, having originally been penned for the Millennium celebrations.
Last night’s gala concert was the first of a range of events which will see thousands of singers from around the world showcase their talents in Cork until it closes on May Day.
This year’s lineup includes the highly anticipated Sirin Ensemble from Russia and the French quintet Ommm.
Before the festival closes, more than 12 competitions between international choirs will be decided.
The pinnacle will be the Fleischmann International Trophy, which will be won by one of nine acts drawn from across Europe, Asia and Ireland.
However, organisers have set up a number of other events to suit all interests, including a fringe festival and a food fair on the Lapps Quay boardwalk.
Twenty-one sites around the wider city region will host free concerts: these include Fota Wildlife Park, the Crawford Art Gallery and Blarney Castle.
lA full programme is available on www.corkchoral.ie. Bookings for the 57th Cork International Choral Festival can be made through the box office of the Everyman Palace Theatre on 021-4501673, or www.everymanpalace.ie
