Tickets on sale for 2026 City of Derry International Choir Festival
The City of Derry International Choir Festival has unveiled an exciting programme over four unforgettable days of world-class performances from October 22 to 25.
From Grammy-nominated vocal ensemble Tenebrae to one of Europe’s most prestigious international choral competitions, the festival will once again transform Derry into a vibrant celebration of singing.
This year’s programme features five flagship evening events alongside competitions, schools’ events and concerts.
Opening the festival on Thursday, October 22 is Beethoven – Triumph & Transcendence at the Millennium Forum. The Festival Chorus joins the Ulster Orchestra under the baton of newly appointed Chief Conductor Anna Handler.
Joined by acclaimed guest soloists, they will perform Beethoven’s dramatic Christ on the Mount of Olives alongside the exhilarating Symphony No. 7.
On Friday October 23, internationally acclaimed vocal ensemble Tenebrae brings its renowned artistry to the Guildhall. The Grammy-nominated choir will present a programme spanning Renaissance masterpieces to contemporary works by Byrd, Mendelssohn, Barber, Poulenc, Frank Martin, Ivo Antognini, Roderick Williams and Jessica Ulusoy-Horsley.
Later that evening, audiences can experience a completely different atmosphere with Late Night at St Columb’s Cathedral, where award-winning ensemble The Apex Singers will present an intimate programme of a cappella music inspired by traditional folk melodies from around the world.
Saturday night sees the return of the festival’s centrepiece, the Oak Tree of Derry International Competition, with exceptional choirs from across Europe competing for the coveted Oak Tree of Derry Trophy.
Since the festival began in 2013, previous winners have travelled from the Philippines, Ireland, Slovenia, Indonesia, Estonia, Wales and Latvia, cementing its reputation as one of Europe’s leading international choral competitions.
The festival concludes on Sunday evening with the Closing Gala and Awards Ceremony, featuring performances from the visiting international choirs before the announcement of the competition results and presentation of the festival’s top honours.
Alongside these headline concerts, audiences can enjoy a packed programme of competitions throughout the weekend. Saturday’s National Competitions will showcase Equal Voice choirs before an afternoon celebrating Mixed Voice, Light, Pop and Jazz choirs from across the UK and Ireland.
Sunday’s competitions feature Youth Choirs, Sacred Choirs and Vocal Ensembles before the winning choirs return to compete for the prestigious title of National Choir of the Festival.
On Friday, post-primary school choirs will also take to the stage in a day celebrating the remarkable standard of school choral singing.
Festival organisers are encouraging audiences to book early, with special Early Bird prices available until the end of August. Tickets for the Opening Gala and Tenebrae start from £19.50 (full price) and £13.50 (concessions), while Early Bird tickets for the Oak Tree of Derry International Competition, Late Night at St Columb’s Cathedral and Closing Gala are available from £13.50 (full price) and £9.50 (concessions).
Dónal Doherty, Artistic Director of the City of Derry International Choir Festival, said: "We are delighted to unveil a programme that reflects the ambition and international reputation of the City of Derry International Choir Festival.
"From Beethoven performed by the Ulster Orchestra and Festival Chorus under Anna Handler, to the internationally celebrated artistry of Tenebrae, alongside our renowned Oak Tree of Derry International Competition, this year’s festival offers something truly special for audiences of all ages. We look forward to welcoming visitors from across Europe to experience four days of outstanding music-making in our city.”