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.

The choir’s repertoire spans the rich tradition of Estonian choral music and folk song arrangements alongside Renaissance, Classical and contemporary works, creating performances celebrated for their warmth, expressive sound and emotional depth. Regular participants in festivals and concert tours throughout Europe, the ensemble has earned numerous international accolades, including First Prize at the Chernomorski Zvutsi International Choral Festival (Bulgaria), a Gold Diploma at the Golden Voices of Montserrat (Spain), Silver Diplomas at the Gdańsk Choir Festival and Riga Sings, and recognition for their outstanding performances in international folklore competitions.

They now look forward to making their debut at the 2026 City of Derry International Choir Festival as competitors for the prestigious Oak Tree of Derry.

Dulciana Vocal Ensemble

Ireland

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.

Specialising in predominantly a cappella repertoire, Laeta Voce is particularly recognised for its championing of contemporary choral music, introducing audiences to fresh and captivating works alongside exceptional interpretations of modern classics. The choir performs regularly in some of Paris’ most prestigious churches and has appeared extensively across France and Europe. International successes include First and Second Prizes at the Prague International Advent and Christmas Music Festival, performances at Lithuania’s Kristupo Vasaros Festivalis, concerts in St Giles’ Cathedral in Edinburgh and the Chapel Royal at Stirling Castle, and a recent invitation to perform Ola Gjeilo’s Sunrise Mass in the iconic Church of La Madeleine in Paris. They now make their debut at the City of Derry International Choir Festival, bringing their acclaimed artistry to the prestigious Oak Tree of Derry competition.

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.

Performing a carefully curated programme of contemporary and classical a cappella repertoire, Fabre has already made an impressive mark on Ireland’s choral scene. In its first season, the choir was awarded First Prize in the National Pop, Gospel and Jazz Competition and Second Prize in the National Mixed Voices Competition at the City of Derry International Choir Festival. Under the leadership of Ciarán Kelly—an acclaimed conductor, composer and educator recognised for his innovative work with choirs across Ireland—Fabre continues to build a reputation for musical excellence, expressive performances and ambitious programming. The ensemble now returns to Derry to compete for the prestigious Oak Tree of Derry.

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.

True to its name, Modus Novus (“new style”), the choir is celebrated for its imaginative approach to choral music, specialising in sacred and secular a cappella repertoire of the twentieth century while offering fresh and distinctive interpretations of works from the Renaissance, Baroque and Romantic periods. The ensemble has received numerous awards at national and international competitions, toured extensively throughout Europe, including France, Spain, Poland and the Benelux countries, and has featured in several recordings for German national radio. They now make their first appearance at the City of Derry International Choir Festival, bringing their rich musical heritage and distinctive artistry to the prestigious Oak Tree of Derry competition.

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.

This ensemble comprises students who began their studies in 2024 and are immersed in an intensive choral programme, rehearsing together four times each week as part of their specialist music education. Directed by Maria Goundorina, who joined the faculty in 2023, the choir performs a diverse repertoire of a cappella music spanning both early and contemporary composers. Combining youthful energy with outstanding musicianship, the choir now makes its debut at the City of Derry International Choir Festival, bringing the next generation of Swedish choral talent to compete for the prestigious Oak Tree of Derry.

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.

Many of the singers are also members of the award-winning Continuum Youth Choir, recognised for its competition success both in Ireland and internationally. Although newly formed, The Continuettes have already made an impressive start with performances at Dublin’s National Concert Hall and the Pepper Canister Church. Their repertoire celebrates the beauty and versatility of upper-voice choral music through rich harmonies and engaging programming. They now make their debut at the City of Derry International Choir Festival, where they will compete for the prestigious Oak Tree of Derry.