In just 48 hours one of Europe’s fastest growing Choral Festivals will kick off in Derry, hosting six international choirs and over 60 school and national choirs as well as performances from world-famous groups such as Harry Christophers and The Sixteen, SLIXS and Fauna.
The festival officially gets under way this Wednesday evening with an Opening Gala Concert in The Guildhall from 7.30pm.
The evening will feature a special guest performance from one of the world’s most celebrated female organists Catherine Ennis with singing from choral group Codetta (pictured), led by festival founder and artistic director Donal Doherty.
On Thursday, the next generation of choral groups will compete at St Columb’s Hall in the Primary Schools Competition, followed by an Evening Concert with SLIXS.
This Berlin-based vocal group, perform without instruments and their unique performance style sets them far apart from any of the genre’s clichés.
Friday will see the popular Post-Primary Choral Competition fill the city’s St Columb’s Hall with song throughout the day followed by an evening concert with Harry Christophers and The Sixteen, who recently sold out The Royal Albert Hall in London.
Some tickets are still available for this high profile performance in St Columb’s Hall from 7.30pm.
Later that evening Norwegian all female choral group Fauna will perform a late-night concert of their new album in St Augustine’s Church from 11.00pm.
The highlight of the weekend will be the International Competition, to be held on Saturday in St. Columb’s Hall.
Six choirs from six countries (Indonesia, Poland, Britain, Germany, Ireland and Hungary) will compete for the prestigious “Oak Tree of Derry” trophy and substantial cash prizes.
Visitors and locals are also encouraged to keep an eye out for a number of surprise special performances happening across the weekend on the festival’s popular Choral Trail!
From choral enthusiasts to simply just music lovers, there really is something for everyone to enjoy in this year’s busy schedule.
For full event listings see www.codichoral.com.
Tickets are still available from the Millennium Forum, telephone (0) 2871 264455 or book online at www.millenniumforum.co.uk (booking fee of £1 applies per ticket).
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