The City of Derry International Choir Festival has unveiled an exciting programme for its 2026 festival, promising four unforgettable days of world-class performances, international competition and the very best of choral music from 22–25 October 2026.
From Grammy-nominated vocal ensemble Tenebrae to one of Europe's most prestigious international choral competitions, the festival will once again transform Derry into a vibrant celebration of singing, welcoming performers and audiences from across the UK, Ireland and beyond.
This year's programme features five flagship evening events alongside national and international competitions, schools' events and performances throughout the city.
Opening the festival on Thursday 22 October is Beethoven – Triumph & Transcendence at the Millennium Forum. The Festival Chorus joins the Ulster Orchestra under the baton of newly appointed Chief Conductor Anna Handler, one of the most exciting young conductors on today's international stage. Joined by acclaimed guest soloists, they will perform Beethoven's dramatic Christ on the Mount of Olives alongside the exhilarating Symphony No. 7 in a powerful all-Beethoven programme.
On Friday evening, internationally acclaimed vocal ensemble Tenebrae brings its renowned artistry to the Guildhall. Celebrated for its impeccable blend and expressive performances, the Grammy-nominated choir will present a programme spanning Renaissance masterpieces to contemporary works by Byrd, Mendelssohn, Barber, Poulenc, Frank Martin, Ivo Antognini, Roderick Williams and Jessica Ulusoy-Horsley in the exceptional acoustic of one of the city's most iconic venues.
Later that evening, audiences can experience a completely different atmosphere with Late Night at St Columb's Cathedral, where award-winning ensemble The Apex Singers will present an intimate programme of a cappella music inspired by traditional folk melodies from around the world.
Saturday night sees the return of the festival's centrepiece, the Oak Tree of Derry International Competition. Widely regarded as the jewel in the festival's crown, this prestigious competition brings exceptional choirs from across Europe to compete for the coveted Oak Tree of Derry Trophy. Since the festival began in 2013, previous winners have travelled from the Philippines, Ireland, Slovenia, Indonesia, Estonia, Wales and Latvia, cementing its reputation as one of Europe's leading international choral competitions.
The festival concludes on Sunday evening with the Closing Gala and Awards Ceremony, featuring performances from the visiting international choirs before the announcement of the competition results and presentation of the festival's top honours.
Alongside these headline concerts, audiences can enjoy a packed programme of competitions throughout the weekend. Saturday's National Competitions will showcase Equal Voice choirs before an afternoon celebrating Mixed Voice, Light, Pop and Jazz choirs from across the UK and Ireland. Sunday's competitions feature Youth Choirs, Sacred Choirs and Vocal Ensembles before the winning choirs return to compete for the prestigious title of National Choir of the Festival. On Friday, post-primary school choirs from across the island of Ireland will also take to the stage in a day celebrating the remarkable standard of school choral singing.
The festival will also welcome international choirs from across Europe alongside outstanding choirs from throughout the UK and Ireland, creating a vibrant programme of performances, competitions and community events that has become one of the highlights of the region's cultural calendar.
Festival organisers are encouraging audiences to book early, with special Early Bird prices available until the end of August. Tickets for the Opening Gala and Tenebrae start from £19.50 (full price) and £13.50 (concessions), while Early Bird tickets for the Oak Tree of Derry International Competition, Late Night at St Columb's Cathedral and Closing Gala are available from £13.50 (full price) and £9.50 (concessions). Group discounts are also available.
Speaking ahead of the launch, Dónal Doherty, Artistic Director of the City of Derry International Choir Festival, said:
"We are delighted to unveil a programme that reflects the ambition and international reputation of the City of Derry International Choir Festival. From Beethoven performed by the Ulster Orchestra and Festival Chorus under Anna Handler, to the internationally celebrated artistry of Tenebrae, alongside our renowned Oak Tree of Derry International Competition, this year's festival offers something truly special for audiences of all ages. We look forward to welcoming visitors from across Europe to experience four days of outstanding music-making in our city."
Tickets go on sale soon, with Early Bird prices available until the end of August only.
