Programme of Events
We had a ball at the 12th edition of the City of Derry International Choir Festival, from 23rd to 27th October 2024
Conducting Masterclass
Wednesday 23 October, Ulster University, 12pm - 2pm
A practical, interactive and inspirational conducting masterclass led by renowned choral director and adjudicator Georg Grün (Germany). Participants had the opportunity to conduct a piece of music with the Dalriada School Choir, honing their conducting skills and learning from other aspiring conductors.
Opening Gala Concert: A Child of Our Time
Wednesday 23 October, Millennium Forum, 7.30pm
We performed one of the 20th century’s major music works – A Child of Our Time by Michael Tippett.
Kicking off the 12th City of Derry International Choir Festival, a Festival Chorus made up of 100 singers from across the Northwest performed this majestic work alongside incredible guest soloists Charlotte O’Hare (soprano), Leanne Fitzgerald (alto), Aaron O’Hare (tenor) and William Gaunt (bass), and one of the island’s premier symphony orchestras, the Ulster Orchestra, all led by renowned Irish conductor, David Brophy.
A plea for tolerance and humanity at a time of oppression and hate, the universal themes of this incredible and unmissable work continue to resonate, never more so than in the current conflicts of today.
The Programme also included two very popular and equally moving orchestral works in Beethoven’s Leonore Overture No. 3, and Barber’s Adagio for Strings.
Primary School Big Sing
Thursday 24 October, Millennium Forum, 10am - 1pm
This year we welcomed 15 primary schools from across the North West region to a Big Sing Workshop with Derry-born opera singer and educationalist Rachel Chambers.
Throughout her career, Rachel has consistently been involved with music and education, working as a singer and animateur with the main opera houses and orchestra education departments of the UK, including English National Opera, Glyndebourne, The Royal Opera House, the London Symphony Orchestra and the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment.
Rachel is currently Director of Music at Notting Hill Preparatory School, London.
Festival Forum 2024 - Singing is for EVERYONE!
Thursday 24 October, Ulster University, 3pm - 9.30pm
Our brand new Festival Forum 2024 event brought together a wide range of practitioners, researchers, organisers, networks and advocates to discuss live issues of diversity, equality and inclusion in choral singing. This was a unique gathering, and an opportunity for projects and people from very different backgrounds and cultures to explore shared elements and answers to perceived barriers within their practice, forging new ideas and potential alliances for the future.
The event included presentations by our partners Sing Ireland and Proud Voices, recent research and live performance by visiting choirs and facilitators.
We closed with The Totally Made-up Choir, an entertaining, participative workshop for all comers, led by Professor Brian Irvine, that brought together the threads of the day in a highly-charged, energetic, crazily creative maelstrom of choral fun!
Post-Primary School Competitions and Big Sing
Friday 25 October, Millennium Forum, 10am - 2.30pm
Post-primary schools from across the island of Ireland battled it out in Unison and Partsong competitions before letting their hair down and enjoying a fun Big Sing Workshop led by German a cappella supergroup SLIXS.
SLIXS
Friday 25 October, Millennium Forum, 7.30pm
“I’ve never heard these tunes so funky!”
So says Bobby McFerrin, the renowned American jazz singer and songwriter about the amazing a cappella group, SLIXS.
The City of Derry International Choir Festival was delighted to welcome the super sextet from Germany back to the city to wow audiences once more for its 12th Festival this October.
One of the best vocal bands in the world, SLIXS performed a powerful and daring mixture of Pop and Jazz, Classical and World Music, and their six multitalented voices rocked the Millennium Forum for one unforgettable evening of entertainment.
The singing supergroup were also joined by a choir of outstanding young local singers from schools in Derry, Strabane, Donegal and Belfast to perform two very special numbers.
National Competitions
Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 October, Millennium Forum, 10am - 5pm
Choirs from across Ireland and the UK competed in Equal Voice, Mixed Voice, Youth Choir, Vocal Ensemble, Sacred & Gospel and Light, Pop & Jazz categories throughout Saturday and Sunday. The winning choir from each category then competed in the final competition on Sunday afternoon to be crowned National Choir of the Festival.
Results
International Competition
Saturday 26 October, Guildhall, 8.00pm
The main event…
The prestigious Oak Tree of Derry International Competition saw choirs from around the world battle it out before a distinguished panel of expert judges, each one aiming to be crowned the Winning Choir of the 2024 Festival.
There were stunning displays of singing, beautiful melodies and gorgeous harmonies on a night of unforgettable performances.
Results
Closing Gala Concert and Awards
Sunday 27 October, Millennium Forum, 8.00pm
“And the winner is…”
The finale of the 12th City of Derry International Choir Festival was party time as our visiting international competitors let their hair down with fun-filled celebratory performances of music and songs from their native countries.
The fantastic Festival drew to a close with the nail-biting announcement of the winning international choir and presentation of the spectacular Oak Tree of Derry Trophy, all with the wonderful support of our friends at AllState NI.
Results
Non-Competitive Programme
Wednesday 23 to Sunday 27 October, Various Venues
Over 50 choirs took part in this year’s non-competitive programme, performing in Choral Trails, Community Concerts and Sacred Trails across Derry, Strabane and Donegal throughout Festival Week.
