Diverse sounds at choral festival

A TOTAL of 25 visiting choirs from as far away as Russia, Sweden and the US took part in the 55th Cork International Choral Festival…

A TOTAL of 25 visiting choirs from as far away as Russia, Sweden and the US took part in the 55th Cork International Choral Festival over the last five days.

Organisers say more than 4,500 participants from across the world travelled to Cork for the festival. The gala concerts at this year's festival reflected this diversity, kicking off in style in Cork City Hall last Wednesday with the opening concert featuring the Cork Symphony Orchestra (CSO) with the Harlow Chorus and the CSO Festival Chorus, who presented R Vaughan Williams' A Sea Symphony.

Highlights of the festival included Club for Five who presented the Thursday night gala in Cork City Hall. The Finnish ensemble combine jazz, pop, rock, and even classical music with a tone and style which is all their own.

Friday was Cathedrals’ Evening, with two very different but equally rewarding performances taking place at St Finbarr’s Cathedral and the North Cathedral. The two performances involved the National Chamber Choir of Ireland and Singer Pur – a German a cappella ensemble that prides itself on a repertoire comprised of “anything performable by six voices” from the Middle Ages to contemporary works, from sacred music to folk songs and jazz and pop.

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Festival director John Fitzpatrick said the programme was even more varied than in previous years. “From night owls to early birds, traditionalists to modernists, the choral aficionado to the newcomer – there truly is something for everyone.”

Eighty-five choirs from throughout Ireland took part in the festival. International choirs from Finland, Germany, Italy, Norway, Poland and Slovenia, also performed.