Key Events

Gerard McChrystal and Codetta will perform 'Sonam Di Yi' at the City of Derry International Choral Festival Gala Concert.

Gerard McChrystal and Codetta will perform 'Sonam Di Yi' from 'Meditations' at the opening gala concert of the inaugural City of Derry International Choral Festival which will be held from 24th to 27th October 2013 as part of the city's year-long celebrations as the first UK City of Culture.

Created as a joyous celebration of choral music-making, the festival will provide opportunities for competitive and non-competitive participation for singers across a wide range of styles, ensembles and ages. The choral activities will begin with a school focus where primary and post-primary choirs can enjoy the excitement of competing, and take part in professionally-led workshops with renowned choral directors.

National choirs from Ireland and the UK will be invited to participate in a variety of competitions and performances, including Mixed Voice, Equal Voice, Youth, Gospel and Barbershop categories.

The International Competition will provide the highlight of the choral festival with top-class performances from some of the world’s most accomplished choirs, who will compete for a prestigious locally-designed trophy as well as a significant monetary award.

Aside from the competitive focus, the City of Derry will come alive with pop-up performances, high-quality concerts and educational activities providing a celebration of everything choral music has to offer.

An initiative of the City of Derry Civic Choirs with the support of Walled City Music, the festival hopes to establish itself firmly on the global calendar of international choral festivals for many years to come.