Cork will once again become a city of song this May Bank Holiday, as the Cork International Choral Festival returns from 29 April to 3 May 2026 with an expansive five-day programme of concerts, competitions and community events.
Now in its 71st year, one of Europe's longest-running and most respected choral festivals will welcome more than 5,000 performers from 13 countries to more than 60 venues across the city and county for 189 performances. This year's line-up includes 70 competing choirs from across Ireland, 45 non-competitive groups and 12 international ensembles, alongside 7 gala concerts, 12 competitions and nine workshops, all supported by more than 250 volunteers.
From early morning rehearsals to late-night performances, music will resonate through streets, public spaces and some of Cork's most iconic venues, including Cork City Hall, the Cathedral of St Mary & St Anne, St Fin Barre's Cathedral and St Anne's Shandon. The festival continues to balance artistic excellence with accessibility, bringing choral music into everyday spaces.
The 2026 programme is anchored by a strong series of gala performances. The Opening Gala at Cork City Hall will feature more than 250 young singers from Cork and Dublin performing Benjamin Britten's St Nicolas, alongside a newly commissioned work by Stobart.
On Thursday, acclaimed UK ensemble Black Voices will take to the stage at City Hall, bringing their signature acappella sound rooted in gospel, spiritual and contemporary traditions.
Friday's programme shifts to the Cathedral of St Mary & St Anne, where Chamber Choir Ireland, conducted by Gabriel Crouch, will premiere the winning work from the Seán Ó Riada Composition Competition. New Dublin Voices (below) will also perform, presenting a programme spanning classical and contemporary repertoire.
Saturday sees the return of the prestigious Fleischmann International Trophy competition, with gala concerts held across two sessions at Cork City Hall. Widely regarded as one of the most sought-after prizes in choral music, the competition draws elite amateur choirs from across Europe and beyond.
The festival concludes with a closing gala concert, offering audiences a final showcase of standout performances in a celebratory finale.
Beyond the main stage, the festival extends into the wider city through its popular Choral Trails in Cork and Cobh, as well as performances at locations such as the Marina Market and Elizabeth Fort. Participatory events including The Big Sing and the World Cup of Football Chants invite audiences to join in, while Afternoons in the Atrium and a diverse fringe programme bring music into public spaces.
Full programme details and ticket information are available at www.corkchoral.ie or see @corksocial on social media.
