Music lovers across the city and beyond will be looking forward to the iconic City of Derry International Choir Festival later this month.
The festival, now in its 10th year, is a celebration of the very best of choral music with performers travelling to the Maiden City from across Europe and beyond.
Running from October 19 to 23, the festival will comprise of gala concerts, live performances, pop-up shows and world-class choral events.
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Involving more than 60 choirs, a phenomenal 2,000 singers aged from eight to 80 will perform at 80 events across the north-west.
Here are just some of the fantastic events planned which you won’t want to miss.
‘Come Sing’ with Phil Coulter
Kicking things off for the festival on October 8, members of the public are invited to join music legend Phil Coulter at Derry’s Ebrington Square on Saturday October 8 at 2pm for a one-off ‘Come and Sing’ event, which will see the star and his fans perform iconic hit ‘The Town I Love So Well’.
The historic sing-a-long, celebrating Phil’s 80th year and the 10th City of Derry International Choir Festival, will be filmed for broadcast at the festival later in October. So for a chance to perform alongside one of Northern Ireland’s biggest names in music, would-be singers are invited along to the incredible event which is set to get the city in the mood for a fabulous festival of music. Registration in advance for the event can be made here.
Get romantic with poems and song
Set in the stunning surroundings of Derry’s Guildhall, the Polish Radio Choir is set to deliver a world-class performance as part of the 10th City of Derry International Choir Festival. The choral ensemble will present a unique collection of works by some of Poland’s most accomplished and best-known composers.
Marking this historic ‘Year of Polish Romanticism’ the compositions are set to the poetry of some of the country’s most influential Romantics, promising a wonderful night of culture for all. The event takes place on Thursday October 20 in the Guildhall at 7.30pm.
Enjoy a late-night choral experience at St Eugene’s Cathedral
For a spine-tingling experience join award-winning, internationally-acclaimed Derry chamber choir Codetta for a late-night performance of Durufle’s glorious Requiem in the beautiful surroundings of St Eugene’s Cathedral. Codetta will be joined by members of Mexico’s Opera Studio Beckmann for what promises to be a wonderful evening of choral music.
Conducted by the festival’s Artistic Director Dónal Doherty with former St Columb’s Cathedral organist Tim Allen. It will take place on Friday October 21 in St Eugene’s Cathedral at 10pm.
Dance the night away with Finnish group Rajaton
Rajaton – meaning ‘boundless’ in English – is a six-voice a cappella group from Finland. The ensemble are marking 25 years of music-making together, and will perform in Derry for the first time with a mix of musical styles from pop and jazz to classical music.
The group’s passion for choral music and the sheer pleasure they get from singing have won the hearts of audiences and critics around the world. Now on their way to the north west to perform at the 10th City of Derry International Choir Festival, they promise to bring their boundless energy and extraordinary talents with them on Friday October 21 at the Millennium Forum at 7.30pm.
See the best in choral singing from around the world
In a highlight of the festival, some of the finest International Choirs taking part will compete to be crowned winner of the coveted 2022 Oak Tree of Derry International Competition on Saturday October 22 in the Guildhall at 8pm.
Adjudicated by a panel of choral directors from across Europe and the USA, each choir will present a diverse programme of music featuring a piece from their own native country, as well as a work by an Irish composer. The winning choir will be announced at the Closing Gala Concert and Awards Ceremony on Sunday October 23.
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