The City of Derry International Choir Festival is delighted to announce that registrations are now open for the 2026 Festival Chorus – offering singers from across the North West and beyond the opportunity to perform alongside the acclaimed Ulster Orchestra at this year’s Opening Gala Concert in the Millennium Forum on Thursday 22 October.
At the heart of this year’s programme is a rare performance of Christus am Ölberge, Op. 85 (Christ on the Mount of Olives) by Ludwig van Beethoven – a dramatic and deeply emotional work that remains one of the composer’s least performed large-scale choral masterpieces.
Seldom heard in concert halls today, the work offers audiences and performers alike a unique chance to experience Beethoven at his most theatrical and human, charting Christ’s anguish, fear and ultimate triumph in music of extraordinary intensity and beauty.
The other half of the concert sees the Ulster Orchestra take centre stage for a performance of Symphony No. 7 in A major, Op. 92 – one of Beethoven’s most exhilarating orchestral works, famed for its rhythmic drive, emotional power and electrifying finale.
The Festival Chorus has become one of the most exciting ways for singers to engage directly with the festival, bringing together experienced choristers, casual singers and first-time participants in a large-scale collaboration with professional musicians.
Festival organisers are encouraging anyone with a love of singing to get involved.
“Performing with the Ulster Orchestra was genuinely one of the most exciting musical experiences I’ve ever had. The sound, the scale, the atmosphere – unforgettable.”
– Previous Festival Chorus participant
Importantly, participants do not need to be members of an existing choir to take part.
Rehearsals begin on Saturday 14 June, before continuing every Sunday throughout September and October in preparation for the Opening Gala performance. Final rehearsals will take place in the Millennium Forum with conductor, orchestra and soloists during concert week.
Rehearsal Schedule
Initial Rehearsal
Saturday 14 June (time TBC)
September Rehearsals
Sundays 7, 14, 21, 28 September
October Rehearsals
Sundays 5, 12, 19 October
All rehearsals will take place in Model Primary School, 2pm–4pm.
Final Rehearsals
Wednesday 21 October – Piano rehearsal with conductor (7pm, Millennium Forum)
Thursday 22 October – Late afternoon rehearsal with orchestra and soloists
Opening Gala Concert
Thursday 22 October 2026
Millennium Forum
7.30pm
Registration for the 2026 Festival Chorus is open – here!.
