WELL-known Ennis chamber choir, Cantare, are practising hard these days under the very expert baton of choir director, Michael Hennessy with their sights set on competing in the upcoming City of Derry International Choir Festival.

The festival is taking place from October 19 to 23 and features a range of singing activities and performances for everyone in a wide variety of venues around Derry and its environs.

Cantare will perform against a host of national and international competitors on the afternoon of Saturday, October 22 in the Millennium Forum in the historic walled city. Choirs will travel to Derry from as far afield as Estonia, Sweden and the US, and from closer to home including Dublin and Galway.

According to Michael, “It’s great to have the opportunity to compete, to have a Clare choir perform in such a renowned competition. All the members have worked exceptionally hard over the last number of months – I’m confident we can hold our heads high and sing with the best of them.”

Cantare began in 1998 as a group of friends who shared a love of singing, then directed by Geraldine Bradley. Today, those numbers have swelled, and steered by Michael the choir stages a number of performances annually to raise money for local charities, along with participating in wider events in and around Clare.

As for the Derry International Choir Festival, it’s a long, long way from Clare to there, but Cantare is sure it will be worth the trip!

For more on the Derry International Choir Festival check www.derrychoirfest.com.