Cork International Choral Festival 2026
The Cork International Choral Festival 2026 runs from 29 April to 3 May 2026 in Cork, Ireland. It brings together choirs from around the world for gala concerts, competitions, fringe events, workshops, and performances in venues across the city and county. This festival attracts up to 5,000 participants and a mix of public audiences each year.
The event has a long history of choral music culture in Cork and stands as one of Europe’s leading choir festivals.
Quick Facts
Date:
29 April – 3 May 2026
Location:
Cork City Hall, Cathedral of St Mary & St Anne
Time:
Daily schedules vary throughout the day
Tickets:
Free public events and €35 for gala concerts
Event Location
Overview of the Festival
The Cork International Choral Festival runs across five days in Cork. It features:
- Gala concerts in key venues
- National choral competitions
- International trophies including the Fleischmann International Trophy
- Fringe concerts in public spaces
- Workshops, masterclasses and community singing events
- Public performances across Cork city and county
Ensembles perform a broad range of choral music in competitions and concerts. National competitions include school choirs, mixed voices, chamber choirs, and other categories.
Gala Concert Schedule
29 April – Opening Gala
8pm at Cork City Hall with choristers from St Mary’s Pro-Cathedral, St Fin Barre’s Cathedral and Cork Children’s Choir. Tickets €25-€35.
30 April – Black Voices (UK)
8pm at Cork City Hall. Tickets €25-€35.
1 May – Chamber Choir Ireland
7.30pm at Cathedral of St Mary & St Anne. Tickets €30.
1 May – New Dublin Voices
10pm at Cathedral of St Mary & St Anne. Tickets €25.
2 May – Fleischmann International Gala
8pm at Cork City Hall. Tickets €20-€30.
3 May – Closing Gala Concert
8pm at Cork City Hall. Tickets €25-€35.
Main Locations
Cork City Hall
Central hub for gala concerts and national competitions. It is known for strong acoustics and accessible seating.
Cathedral of St Mary & St Anne
Historic Cork cathedral hosting select gala performances on 1 May.
Other venues host fringe events, public concerts, meet-ups, and informal performances throughout Cork city and county.
Who Takes Part
Choirs come from across Ireland and overseas. Festivals host:
- Adult choirs
- Youth choirs
- School choirs
- International ensembles
The event fosters cultural exchange and presents a wide range of choral styles and repertoires.
Competitions and Participation
The festival’s competitions include:
- Fleischmann International Trophy Competition
- National open competitions for schools and adult choirs
- Special categories like jazz, light and popular music
Competitive groups must apply and follow festival entry rules. Non-competitive choirs can perform in public concerts, fringe events, and informal settings across Cork.
Tickets and Tickets Info
Ticket prices vary by performance. Gala concerts range from €20 to €35. Some fringe performances and public singing events are free.
Ticket sales typically open late in the year before the festival. Pass options are available for multiple concert access and priority seating.
For group bookings, discounts may apply for 10 or more people.
Travel and Stay
Cork is well-connected by road, rail and Cork Airport, around 10 km from the city centre.
Accommodation ranges from hotels in the city centre to guesthouses and self-catering options in the county. Dining and cultural attractions in Cork add to the festival experience.
Why Attend
This festival:
- Offers a mix of high-level competition and community singing
- Brings international choral traditions to Ireland
- Engages local audiences with free and ticketed events
- Encourages exploration of Cork city while enjoying music
It remains a core date in Ireland’s cultural calendar each spring.
