About
Always a festival favourite and a sell-out event annually, the Oak Tree of Derry International Competition is the jewel in the crown of the City of Derry International Choir Festival.
Experience the excitement as exceptional choirs from across Europe compete for the festival's highest international honour, the coveted Oak Tree of Derry Trophy.
Held in the iconic Guildhall, this prestigious competition showcases outstanding musicianship, diverse repertoire and thrilling performances, bringing together world-class choirs in a spectacular celebration of international choral excellence.
Since the festival's inception in 2013, previous winners have travelled from the Philippines, Ireland, Slovenia, Indonesia, Estonia, Wales and Latvia, cementing the competition's reputation as one of Europe's leading international choral contests.
An esteemed international panel of adjudicators will evaluate performances of the highest calibre as choirs compete for the festival's top prize.
Early booking is strongly recommended.
Below, discover the exceptional choirs who will compete for the prestigious Oak Tree of Derry this October.
The Alumnae Choir of the Academic Female Choir of the University of Tartu | Estonia
The Alumnae Choir of the Academic Female Choir of Tartu University brings together experienced singers from across Estonia, many of whom first sang in the renowned student choirs of the University of Tartu before pursuing distinguished careers in medicine, academia and other professions. Founded in 1992, the choir is now conducted by Kristina Sildos, a graduate of the Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre, who is recognised for her inspiring leadership and commitment to choral excellence.
Dulciana Vocal Ensemble | Ireland
Dulciana Vocal Ensemble is one of Ireland’s leading upper voices ensembles, bringing together 28 singers from a wide range of musical backgrounds. Based in Dublin and founded in 2015, the choir celebrated its tenth anniversary in 2025, marking a decade of artistic excellence, innovation and collaboration. Under the direction of acclaimed singer and conductor Judith Lyons, Dulciana has earned a reputation for imaginative programming and performances of exceptional musical quality.
Ensemble Vocal Laeta Voce | France
Ensemble Vocal Laeta Voce is an award-winning mixed chamber choir from Paris, France. Founded in 2008 by conductor Asta Timukaitė Lemiesle, the ensemble brings together around twenty-five accomplished singers and has earned a reputation for its vibrant performances, refined musicianship and distinctive contemporary sound.
Fabre Ensemble | Ireland
Fabre is one of Ireland’s newest and most exciting chamber choirs. Based in Dublin and founded in 2024, the ensemble brings together twenty accomplished singers under the direction of Ciarán Kelly, united by a shared passion for exceptional choral singing and a commitment to fostering a welcoming, inclusive musical community.
Modus Novus Chamber Choir | Germany
Modus Novus Chamber Choir is an acclaimed German chamber choir founded in 1988. Bringing together around 24 dedicated singers from across the Cologne, Düsseldorf and Mülheim region, the ensemble rehearses throughout the year before presenting performances across Germany and at prestigious festivals and competitions throughout Europe. Since 2022, the choir has been directed by New Zealand conductor Kerry Jago.
Stockholms Gymnasium Youth Choir | Sweden
Stockholms Musikgymnasium Youth Choir represents one of Sweden’s most respected specialist music schools, whose choirs play a prominent role in Stockholm’s cultural life through collaborations with leading arts organisations, Swedish Radio and major concert venues. With a long tradition of musical excellence, the school has developed an international reputation through concert tours across Europe, Asia and Africa, while its highly competitive admissions process attracts some of Sweden’s most talented young musicians.
The Continuettes | Ireland
The Continuettes are an exciting new upper-voice ensemble from Dublin, bringing together former members of St Mary’s Cathedral Girls’ Choir whose shared passion for choral singing and exceptional musicianship has created a vibrant new chapter in their musical journey. Drawing on years of experience in sacred music and church performance, the ensemble combines technical excellence with a fresh and expressive artistic voice.
