Choral groups to hit high notes as festival celebrates diamond jubilee

Cork is set to become the choral capital of Europe next month as one of the city’s longest- running festivals celebrates its diamond jubilee.

Details of the 60th annual Cork International Choral Festivals were announced in City Hall last night to the strains of the Déjà-Vu Quartet — who were themselves formed 60 years ago.

Organisers said they expect 5,000 participants in a range of choral events across the week-long event in April — up some 500 on last year.

Since its inception in 1954, the choral festival has developed a strong reputation for world-class choral performances, and for hosting the prestigious Fleischmann International Trophy Competition.

Over the years, it has cemented a reputation for itself as one of the most highly regarded festivals of its kind in Europe.

Artistic and festival director John Fitzpatrick said its secret lies in its unique blend of top Irish and international choirs with world-renowned international artists.

That, coupled with a dash of diverse global vocal traditions and cultures, all culminating in a five-day event of thrilling competitions, sumptuous gala concerts and lively city and county-wide events, will bring the city to life, he said.

“This year’s festival is indeed a celebration of choral music in all its forms, from composition to performance, from Renaissance to contemporary, from small ensembles to large performing groups,” he said.

The festival will open with a gala concert in City Hall on April 30, featuring a performance of Carl Orff’s ‘Carmina Burana’ by the Tallaght Choral Society, the East Cork Choral Society and an extended Band of 1st Brigade, under the baton of Lt Col Mark Armstrong.

Cara O’Sullivan, Owen Gilhooly and Peter Kerr will feature as soloists.

A Choral Trail and Fringe Concerts, most of them free, will bring the music and passion of the festival out onto the streets.

There will also be an extended programme of events countywide in specially selected ‘Friendship Concerts’.

The closing concert will take place in City Hall on May 4.

* Tickets are on sale now on www.corkchoral.ie,or by tel: [phone].