With over 90 choirs from Estonia, France, the Philippines, Nigeria, and all corners of the UK and Ireland descending on the city, this year’s festival promises to transform Derry into a buzzing epicentre of vocal brilliance. From fierce international competition to joyful community performances, the Millennium Forum and venues city-wide will be alive with the sounds of singing.
Headlining this year's festival is a powerhouse lineup of guest artists: the ethereal UK ensemble The Marian Consort, electrifying French vocal gymnasts Humanophones, the acclaimed Ulster Orchestra, and Irish National Opera – all poised to blow audiences away with genre-defying performances.
But the Choir Festival isn’t just about the stage – it’s a city-wide celebration. Thanks to support from Gray’s Communications and Arts & Business NI, the non-competitive programme is expanding again, bringing choral magic to streets, shops, hotels, community centres and churches across the Northwest. For the first time ever, the Choral Trail extends into Letterkenny, featuring free open-air performances on Main Street and a community concert in Conwal Parish with Danu Young Women’s Choir, Humanophones, and Conwal Parish Singers.
There’s plenty for the next generation of choral leaders too. In partnership with Sing Ireland and Ulster University, the festival hosts educational workshops designed to inspire and develop singers and conductors alike. A special conducting masterclass with internationally celebrated Catalan choir director Josep Vila i Casañas offers aspiring conductors a rare opportunity to take the baton with the Ulster University Choir.
For schools, it’s all about rhythm and innovation. Primary choirs will enjoy a Big Sing Workshop led by choral educator Laura McFall, while post-primary groups can dive into the world of body percussion and beatboxing with the Humanophones – who will also lead a high-energy public workshop on Saturday 25 October, open to anyone keen to explore their voice in bold new ways.
Festival Manager Fiona Crosbie sums it up best:
“Our 13th edition showcases an exceptional mixture of musical styles, genres and events, exploring so many aspects of the voice and really celebrating the enjoyment we get from singing together. The incredible engagement that we are seeing year on year at the City of Derry International Choir Festival is testament to how strong the choral music scene is here in the Northwest. It is so encouraging and so exciting. Long may it last!”
With 6 evening gala concerts, 10 competitions, 20 community concerts, 46 Choral Trail performances, 9 Sacred Trail services, 4 workshops, and a Festival Forum on the groundbreaking SWAN (Singing with Additional Needs) project, this is more than just a festival – it’s a full-blown choral takeover.
Clear your calendars and warm up your vocal cords because Derry sings again this October.
Full programme information is available at derrychoirfest.com or follow the Festival on social media for regular updates.
