ENNIS’ Harmony Bro Choir hit the right note and impressed judges at this year’s Cork International Choral Festival to take first prize in the national competition for Lower Voice Choirs.
The choir, conducted by Michael Hennessy scored an impressive 85.33% to take the title at the prestigious festival, one of the largest international festivals in the country.
More than 5,000 people attended this year’s Cork International Choral Festival over the May Bank Holiday with choirs from 14 countries participating in the five-day festival.
Renowned as one of Europe’s most prestigious choral events, audiences were treated to world-class performances from national and international choirs and had front-row seats to some highly contested competitions.
Participants also enjoyed engaging workshops with leading conductors in stunning venues throughout the city.
Some of the highlights included the popular Afternoons in the Atrium at Clayton Hotel, the prestigious Fleischmann International Trophy competition which was won by Brigham Young University Singers (USA) and the Cork School of Music Symphony Orchestra.
Other highlights included The Fleischmann Choir at the Opening Gala performance.
Audiences were also enchanted by Chamber Choir Ireland’s moving premier of Anselm McDonnell’s ‘Gallagher’, – a homage to the music of Rory Gallagher – the winning composition of the 2024 Seán Ó Riada composition competition.
The Cork International Choral Festival came to a climactic penultimate close with its Awards Ceremony on Sunday in Cork City Hall. Following a hugely successful Festival, the Jury results were finally announced for all sections of the Festival’s varied and prestigious categories. International and national choirs from near and far waited nervously for the announcements.
The Cork International Choral Festival is supported by the Arts Council, Fáilte Ireland, Cork City Council and Cork County Council, with the Irish Examiner, Evening Echo and Cork’s 96FM as media partners.
Plans are already well underway for next year’s Cork International Choral Festival which will take place from April 30 to Sunday May 4, 2025. For more information on next year’s event visit www.corkchoral.ie.
Andrew Hamilton is a journalist, investigative reporter and blogger who has been working in the media in Ireland for the past 20 years. His areas of special interest include the environment, mental health and politics.