The City of Derry International Choir Festival is celebrating its tenth anniversary this month with an extensive line-up of events running from October 18-22.
Since the launch of the festival Derry has welcomed over 350 choirs from around the world including Argentina, Brazil, Norway, USA, and many more. It is an event that is rich in diversity with those involved coming from all walks of life and performing all styles of music.
As the theme of this year’s festival is engagement organisers have put together a varied programme with 80 choirs set to take part, from professional singers to amateur ensembles to community groups and everything in between.
Dónal Doherty, Artistic Director of the Festival added, “The extraordinary success of the festival since its launch in 2013 is due largely to the magnificent support and special welcome provided by the people of Derry and the North West to our many national and international visitors. For one week each year, the City of Song comes alive with the sound of thousands of singers sharing their joy of music with the local community. ”
Kickstarting events will be the 100-strong Festival Chorus, made up of singers from across the northwest, performing the dramatic Requiem by Giuseppe Verdi with Northern Ireland’s Ulster Orchestra, and a number of guest soloists including Mexican tenor Benito Rodriguez and Derry soprano Laura Sheerin.
On October 19 a chorus of local Derry girls and boys will perform a rendition of the iconic ‘Dreams’ by the Cranberries as well as some other fan favourites from the hit sitcom Derry Girls.
Choral ensemble The Sixteen, conducted by Harry Christophers will take to the Guildhall stage on October 20 with a programme of choral music composed and influenced by Renaissance composer, William Byrd as 2023 marks the 400th anniversary of his death.
Read more
- City of Derry Choir Festival to return in the autumn for 10th anniversary celebrations
- Review: City of Derry International Choir Festival on song once again
- Derry on song with International Choral Festival
In addition to the headliners, school, national and international choirs will take part in a series of competitions across the five-day festival. National choirs will strive to be crowned Choir of the Festival, while international competitors will pull out all the stops to win the prestigious Oak Tree of Derry Trophy.
There will also be a programme of non-competitive concerts, pop-up performances and sacred services which will see local choirs sharing the stage with visiting groups and singing in venues and public spaces across the city, district and throughout the northwest region.
Additionally, those interested in honing their music skills will be able to attend classes and workshops hosted by renowned and celebrated choral directors, singers and composers.
For full programme and booking visit Derrychoirfest.com.
