The Cork International Choral Festival is back from 29 April to 3 May 2026, transforming the city into a hub of song for its 71st year. Over five days, the festival will feature 189 performances across more than 60 venues, welcoming over 5,000 performers from 13 countries.
Highlights include seven gala concerts, 12 competitions, nine workshops, 70 competing choirs from across Ireland, 45 non-competitive groups, and 12 international ensembles—all supported by more than 250 volunteers.
From early-morning rehearsals to late-night performances, music will fill Cork’s streets, public spaces, and iconic venues, including Cork City Hall, St Fin Barre’s Cathedral, the Cathedral of St Mary & St Anne, and St Anne’s Shandon. Artistic Director Peter Stobart said, “There’s something very special that happens when a city gives itself over to song. For five days, Cork becomes a place where voices meet and audiences encounter music in unexpected spaces.”
The festival opens with a Gala at Cork City Hall featuring over 250 young singers from Cork and Dublin performing Benjamin Britten’s St Nicolas alongside a newly commissioned work by Stobart. UK ensemble Black Voices will perform their signature a cappella programme on Thursday, while Friday’s performances at the Cathedral of St Mary & St Anne include the premiere of the winning work from the Seán Ó Riada Composition Competition, alongside performances by New Dublin Voices.
Saturday brings the prestigious Fleischmann International Trophy competition, widely regarded as one of the most sought-after prizes in choral music, with gala concerts at Cork City Hall. The festival concludes with a celebratory closing gala showcasing standout performances from Ireland and abroad. “The gala concerts bring together outstanding choirs and give audiences the chance to experience choral music at the highest level in some of Cork’s most remarkable venues,” Stobart added.
Beyond the main stage, the festival spreads across the city with Choral Trails in Cork and Cobh, performances at the Marina Market and Elizabeth Fort, and participatory events like The Big Sing and the World Cup of Football Chants. Educational opportunities include a new choral composition course led by Seán Doherty and workshops in conducting, vocal technique, and performance, including sessions with Chamber Choir Ireland.
Fáilte Ireland’s Head of Festivals, Ciara Sugrue, said, “Festivals like this create memorable cultural experiences, encourage visitors from home and abroad, and strengthen Cork’s appeal as a must-visit destination while supporting local businesses.”
Supported by the Arts Council, Fáilte Ireland, Cork City Council, and Cork County Council, with media partners including the Irish Examiner, The Echo, and Cork’s 96FM, the Cork International Choral Festival continues to celebrate Ireland’s rich choral tradition while inviting audiences to join in and experience music in unexpected ways.
Full programme details and tickets are available at www.corkchoral.ie and @corksocial on social media.
