A scene from the opening gala concert at last year’s festival.
Entries are being accepted for the second City of Derry International Choral Festival.
Similarly to last year – which attracted 2,000 participants – the festival will take place across four days, from 23 – 26 October, opening with primary and post-primary school competitions and workshops.
National choirs from across Britain and Ireland are invited to take part in a range of competitions including Mixed Voice, Female Voice and Male Voice sections as well as Sacred, Youth, Barbershop and Gospel categories.
The international competition – the only one of its kind in Britain – will feature a line-up of choirs of the highest international standing, who will compete for the bespoke “Oak Tree of Derry” Trophy, designed by acclaimed sculptor Maurice Harron, as well as a cash prize of £2,000.
In addition to the competitive activities, the festival will include three evening concerts showcasing local choirs and artists as well as a number of outstanding professional ensembles of the highest calibre.
Donal Doherty, artistic director.
The expansion of the festival’s Choral and Sacred trails will also ensure that the exciting sounds of choral singing reach every community in every part of the city.
Speaking at the launch of the festival syllabus, Donal Doherty, artistic director, said The Artistic Director of the Festival,Dónal Doherty, said it was planned make this year’s event “even bigger and better.”
He added: “We look forward to welcoming everyone to Music City 2014 in October for what will undoubtedly be one of the musical highlights of the year.”
He concluded: “In the words of one of last year’s choirs: ‘This has been a world class event, we can’t wait to return’.”
