2013 CODI Programme Book

PROGRAMME

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BOOKING INFORMATION: Tickets available from the Millennium Forum Box Office on +44 2871 264 455 or online at www.millenniumforum.co.uk

CONCERT TICKETS: OPENING GALA CONCERT Thursday 24th October, 8pm £10/£5 CITY SONGS Friday 25th October, 8pm £12/£6 INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION Saturday 26th October, 7.30pm £10/£5 CLOSING GALA CONCERT Sunday 27th October, 8pm £10/£5

PASSES: COMPETITION DAY PASS (all competitions for one day) £5/£2 FULL DAY PASS (all competitions plus concert on the same day) £12/£6 FESTIVAL PASS (all events) £40/£20 NB. A booking fee of £1.50 per ticket applies to all concert tickets.

For more information see www.codichoral.com 2

CONTENTS PAGE FOREWORD

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Festival Programme

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CONCERTS Opening Gala Concert

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City Songs

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International Competition

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Closing Gala Concert

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Presenters

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COMPETITIONS Post-Primary School Competitions

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Primary School Competitions

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National Competitions

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Workshops

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Adjudicators

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International Choir Biographies

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GENERAL INFORMATION Choral Trail

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Sacred Trail

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Festival Club

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St. Columb’s Hall

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Festival Friends and Sponsors

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Choral Trail Map

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Sacred Trail Map

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Festival schedule

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WELCOME! I am delighted to welcome you to the inaugural City of Derry International Choral Festival.

Music has been at the core of so many of the major events throughout this year of culture, from the opening Sons and Daughters concert through to Music City Day, the All Ireland Fleadh and many more. The choral festival is now set to become yet another memorable weekend of ‘joyous celebration’.

With more than sixty choirs performing throughout the four days of the festival, there will be something of interest for everyone. The gala concerts will include international artists such as Latvian Voices, the Holst Singers, Imogen Heap and Gerard McChrystal. Choirs will range in size from small choral groups of seven members to large choirs of 120 singers. There will be educational workshops, choral trails throughout the city and a sacred trail on Sunday morning in local churches.

At the heart of the festival will be an International Competition on the Saturday night, with outstanding choirs competing for a prestigious trophy designed by the internationally renowned artist, Maurice Harron.

An initiative of Codetta in partnership with Walled City Music, the festival is particularly grateful for the support of the Culture Company, Arts Council NI and the Garvan O’Doherty Group, as well as our many funders, support staff and volunteers listed elsewhere in this programme.

I am particularly pleased that the festival’s main performance venues - St Columb’s Hall and the First Derry Presbyterian Church - represent some of the finest built heritage of the city, as well as having wonderful acoustics in which to perform.

I would like to thank you, members of our audience, for supporting the festival.

I would also like to thank the many participating choirs and other artists for their contribution to such an exciting four days of music-making. Enjoy!

Dónal Doherty, Artistic Director

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LORD MAYOR’S GREETING On behalf of the citizens of Derry, I am delighted to welcome the International Choral Festival 2013 to the city in a year in which we have successfully delivered a number of high profile events already as part of our City of Culture celebration.

The range of exciting events and competitions organised for this four-day choral festival, featuring both competitive and non-competitive opportunities for school, national and international choirs, has created opportunities for participants from a wide range of ages, styles and abilities and from a regional and global audience.

A series of workshops, performances and choral trails will encourage locals and visitors alike to be a part of the festival.

In extending the warmest of welcomes to all competitors and accompanying family and friends visiting from Belarus, Italy, the UK and Ireland as well as the fantastic line-up of world-class performers, Derry is proud to host this unique event. It is indeed recognition that we are fast becoming a hub for creativity and culture, offering a place with significant history to explore as well as a new story to tell our international visitors.

As an event supported by the 2013 cultural programme, I have no doubt that all of the participating venues and partners working with the City of Derry International Choral Festival will be successful in both bringing choral traditions to the fore in an interesting and modern way and delivering yet another world-class event for the city in its inaugural year as City of Culture.

Cllr. Martin Reilly, Lord Mayor of Derry~Londonderry 5

The City of Derry has a long-held reputation as the City of Song, so what better in this unique City of Culture year to demonstrate that the reputation is also wellearned by launching a new Choral Festival, bringing together local choirs and choirs from around Ireland, the UK and Europe in a joyous celebration of musicmaking for all ages.

Choral music is above all a collaborative activity, allowing singers to join their individual talent to a collective effort, literally bringing harmony from many voices as such, it is living proof of how music can bring people and communities together, in service of a greater goal. At the same time, the Festival will be a celebration of our own city and community, both in terms of our Festival headquarters - we are delighted to be hosted by the refurbished St Columb’s Hall - and the many locations and landmarks that will form part of the festival as venues on our Choral Trails.

It has been a great pleasure to serve as Chair of this inaugural year of the festival, and to see the inspiration and hard work that has gone in to ensure that the event will be a success. We have every intention that this will be the first of many Choral Festivals to come.

Anthony McGurk, Chair, City of Derry International Choral Festival

The inclusion of the City Of Derry International Choral Festival in the 2013 cultural programme reflects the massive diversity of this special year and brings a truly unique event to the city for the first time. The passion and commitment of Dónal Doherty and his team to bring such a wealth of talent from across the globe to the streets and venues of Derry~Londonderry is to be applauded and proves that Derry really is a Music City.

Personally, I will get the chance to experience the festival on two fronts as my own children will compete in the coveted Schools Competition - a gloriously proud moment for any parent. Elsewhere, the four-day line-up has an enviable collection of choirs, pop stars and internationally recognised talent that anyone with a love of music can enjoy. Indeed, while it is the international competition that will gather most headlines, as renowned choirs compete for a spectacular Maurice Harron trophy, I urge everyone to come out onto thestreets and experience the event in some capacity. It is my hope that thisyear’s festival will set a benchmark of excellence from which the organisation can flourish and return renewed and refreshed for many years to come.

Shona McCarthy, Chief Executive, Culture Company 2013

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The UK City of Culture 2013 has seen the introduction of arts and cultural events to many non-traditional audiences from across Northern Ireland. The Arts Council of Northern Ireland is delighted to have seen this growth, enthusiasm and engagement with new audiences.

We are especially delighted to support the very first International Choral Festival in the City of Derry. This outstanding event will see hundreds of choristers from across the globe descend upon the city to take part in what promises to be an exciting few days of musical excellence.

It is a stand-alone event that not only presents an array of outstanding international work for our local audiences to enjoy, but also offers indigenous performers the chance to perform on an international stage.

The festival will no doubt introduce many people to the joy of choral music and perhaps be their first experience of live music. Our support is in keeping with our commitment to nurturing local musical talent and broadening its audiences. We wish all those taking part the very best of luck and we look forward to the first of hopefully many annual International Choral Festivals in the city.

Ciaran Scullion, Head of Music, Arts Council of Northern Ireland As a festival sponsor, it is my pleasure to welcome you to the inaugural City of Derry International Choral Festival. The festival will include a wide range of talent, from local school choirs to top-class international choirs and artists, and I am delighted that it is being held in St Columb’s Hall.

St. Columb’s Hall was purchased by the Garvan O’Doherty Group in 2012 and is undergoing a major restoration project to restore the venue to its former glory. Built in 1886, the Hall has always been a social and entertainment hub for local inhabitants and visitors to Derry. Many organisations have availed of this magnificent space for a wide variety of uses and there was a time when the Hall had its own bands, choirs and drama and music societies. It is therefore most appropriate that the City of Derry International Choral Festival is taking place in this venue.

In this historic year for Derry, as the first ever UK City of Culture, it is most fitting to have the inaugural City of Derry International Choral Festival and exciting to think that attendees may enjoy many other events whilst visiting our city, including the unique event that is The Turner Prize exhibition.

I look forward to meeting you all at what promises to be an enjoyable festival!

Garvan O’Doherty, CEO, Garvan O’Doherty Group 7

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Mayo Sings in May! Both competing and non-competing choirs are invited to sing in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere, in very scenic Mayo.

• One hour flight from many UK airports to Ireland West International Airport Knock, in Mayo. Direct rail link from Dublin.

• Competitions with well renowned adjudicators.

• Outdoor mini-performances, several community concerts and a Gala Choral Concert.

• Fantastic venues - some modern, some quaint and some quirky! • Choral Workshops / Demos. • Dawn chorus.

• Impromptu singing in local pubs and after-glows, and plenty of good-natured banter in between. info@mayochoral.com ++353 (0)94 90 26214 Festival Office: 5 Cashel Park, Castlebar, Co. Mayo

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FESTIVAL PROGRAMME OVERVIEW Thursday 24th October - Sunday 27th October 2013 THURSDAY 24TH OCTOBER Post-primary School Choir Competitions, St. Columb’s Hall Competition A, 10.30am - 12pm Competition B, 1pm - 3pm The Big Sing Workshop (Post-Primary), St. Columb’s Hall, 3.30pm - 4.30pm Opening Gala Concert featuring Latvian Voices, Lytos, Gerard McChrystal and Codetta, St. Columb’s Hall, 8pm FRIDAY 25TH OCTOBER Primary School Choir Competitions, St. Columb’s Hall Competition A, 10am - 11am Competition B, 11.15am - 12.30pm The Big Sing Workshop (Primary), St. Columb’s Hall, 1.15pm - 2pm City Songs, Ēriks Ešenvalds featuring Latvian Voices, Imogen Heap, Holst Singers, Codetta, Roundhouse Choir, Encore Contemporary Choir, Colmcille Ladies, Music Promise Junior Choir and the Orchestra of Ireland, St. Columb’s Hall, 8pm SATURDAY 26TH OCTOBER Equal Voice Competitions, St. Columb’s Hall, 10am - 12pm Mixed Voice Competition, St. Columb’s Hall, 1pm - 3.30pm Discovery Gospel Choir Workshop, St. Columb’s Hall, 3.45pm - 4.30pm Gospel Music Competition featuring a special non-competitive performance from Britain’s Got Talent semi-finalists Gospel Singers Incognito, St. Columb’s Hall, 4.30pm - 5.30pm International Competition, St. Columb’s Hall, 7.30pm SUNDAY 27TH OCTOBER Sacred Music Competition, First Derry Presbyterian Church, 2pm - 4.30pm Youth Choir Competition, First Derry Presbyterian Church, 5pm - 6pm Closing Gala Concert featuring all international competitors and the award ceremony for the International Trophy, St. Columb’s Hall, 8pm See inside back cover for more detail.

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BAR & RESTAURANT

LIVE MUSIC FRIDAY & SATURDAY NIGHTS Kids & Sweets Menus available.

Private parties catered for.

Function Rooms available for your celebrations.

Selection of House and Mini Wines available.

MEALS SERVED

Monday 12noon - 6.00pm; Tue-Thur 12noon - 7.00pm Fri & Sat 12noon - 9.00pm; Sun 12 noon - 5.00pm

BADGERS BAR AND RESTAURANT 16-18 Orchard Street, Derry Tel: (028) 7136 0763 (028) 7136 3306 Fax: (028) 7137 7389

McDonalds Foyleside, Strand Road and Crescent Link Supporting the

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OPENING GALA CONCERT THURSDAY 24TH OCTOBER ST. COLUMB’S HALL, 8PM Presented by Sarah Brett The Opening Gala Concert will launch the inaugural City of Derry International Choral Festival with a truly international line-up of artists, including Latvian Voices, official Choral Ambassadors of Latvia and champions of the World Choir Games 2012, Spanish beat boxer Lytos, world-renowned Derry saxophonist Gerard McChrystal, ambassador for Derry-Londonderry City of Culture 2013, and internationally acclaimed local chamber choir, Codetta.

PROGRAMME CODETTA The Cure at Troy - Ian Wilson, poem by Seamus Heaney As I Roved Out - Mark-Anthony Turnage from At Sixes and Sevens Rop tú mo baile (Be Thou My Vision) - Graeme G. Stewart Meditation 2 - Sonam Di Yi and Phowa - Ciarán Farrell GERARD MCCHRYSTAL AND RUTH MCGINLEY Carmen Fantasy - François Borne Les Berceaux - Gabriel Faure Deep Purple - Rudy Weidoeft Pequena Czarda - Pedro Itturalde INTERVAL LATVIAN VOICES Rota - L. Jēkabsone Pūt, vējiņi - L. Leontjeva Sākums un gals - L. Jēkabsone Ellas - Mercedes Peon, arr. L. Jēkabsone Life Jacket - Instrumental, arr. L. Jēkabsone LYTOS (BEATBOX PERFORMER) Zvejnieks mani aicināja - Traditional Latvian Folk Song, arr. L. Jēkabsone Medley: Coldplay (The Scientist), The Rembrandts (I’ll be there for You), L. Cohen (Hallelujah), J. Mraz (I’m Yours), Mika (Happy Ending) arr. L. Jēkabsone, N. Vītiņa Lec, Saulīte - L. Jēkabsone

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LATVIAN VOICES The vocal group Latvian Voices consists of seven young female singers from Riga, Latvia. Many of their concerts take place outside Latvia, and travelling has thus become an integral part of Latvian Voices’ everyday routine. The group has brought home quite a few noteworthy prizes and awards from their travels, including victories in competitions in vokal.total (Graz, Austria), A Cappella (Leipzig, Germany) and the World Choir Games (Cincinnati, US). Latvian Voices are the official Choral Ambassadors of Latvia and will be the musical faces of Riga, European Capital of Culture 2014.

Latvian Voices perform music of different historical ages and genres yet their hearts belong, first and foremost, to Latvian folk song, especially the melodies related to the sun. The group’s stage costumes are interweaved with sun symbols of the ancient Latvians, which are like small amulets that accompany the girls around the world.

LYTOS Lytos (Carlos Vidal) is a Spanish beatbox artist, who since his early childhood has devoted his life to the world of music. Initially, Lytos developed his talent on the streets, where he spent a lot of his time breakdancing and rapping. At the age of 16 he started performing in various night clubs and to date he has performed in concerts in the UK, the US, Russia, France and Austria. He has also participated in prestigious beatboxing forums, including Eastpak Hipnotik Festival, the Battle of the Year and Mallorca Surf Action. In 2009 Lytos became the beatbox champion of Spain. Soon after that he also won the Xtreme BCN beatbox championship as well as the European championship and the title ‘Emperor of the Mic 2010’. Lytos represents Spain at the annual beatbox forums in London, Berlin, New York and Switzerland.

The collaboration between Latvian Voices and Lytos began in the summer of 2011 at the a cappella festival vokal.total in Graz, Austria and has continued with unprecedented musical surprises, most recently at performances in the SchleswigHolstein Music Festival (July 2013), the 1st International Elb A Cappella Festival in Geesthacht, Germany (August 2013) and at the A Cappella Nights in Blieskastel and Bayreuth (October 2013).

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GERARD MCCHRYSTAL Gerard McChrystal is a world-renowned saxophonist from Derry. To date, he has performed in over 30 countries, including London’s Wigmore Hall, the San Francisco Opera House and Stuttgart Stattshalle. He has performed with Philip Glass, the Soweto String Quartet, the guitarist Craig Ogden, the Syzmanowski String Quartet, the Smith Quartet, the tenor Tommy Smith, Irish choir Anúna, ensemblebash as well as many orchestras including the Philharmonia, the San Francisco Ballet Orchestra, the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, BBC NOW, the BBC Concert Orchestra, RTE National Symphony Orchestra and Stuttgart Staatsorchester.

Gerard is a gold endorsee for RICO and an ambassador for Derry-Londonderry UK City of Culture 2013.

RUTH MCGINLEY Derry-born pianist Ruth McGinley began to play the piano at the age of two, taught by her mother. She was awarded a scholarship to the Royal Irish Academy of Music when she was nine, and later received a scholarship to continue her performance studies at the Royal Academy of Music in London with Christopher Elton.

She was awarded a 1st Class B. Arts Degree from the Royal Irish Academy in 1999, and a Postgraduate in Performance from the Royal College of Music in 2002.

As a young pianist, Ruth won many awards including the Piano Final of the RTE Young Musician of the Future. However, it was her success in the BBC Young Musician of the Year 1994 that took her career to an international level. Ruth has since performed as soloist with the BBC Philharmonic, the London Mozart Players, the National Symphony Orchestra, the RTE Concert Orchestra and the Ulster Orchestra. She is in great demand as an accompanist and chamber musician, whilst her interest in classical crossover has enabled Ruth to work with artists such as Hayley Westenra and as a regular accompanist for The Priests.

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CODETTA Under the guidance of Dónal Doherty, Codetta is an internationally acclaimed chamber choir based in Derry. Its members live and work throughout Ireland and the UK, and return home for intensive weekend rehearsals every month.

Codetta has given many concerts both locally and nationally, including an acclaimed performance of the Bach Mass in B Minor. In 2006 it participated in the Advent Festival in Prague and it has successfully competed in a range of international choral festivals, most notably reaching the final of the Grand Prix in Maribor in 2008 and winning awards at the Sligo and Cork International Choral Festivals in 2008/2009. In 2010 Codetta visited Tuscany, performing in Florence, Reggello and Siena, and in April 2011 it participated in the Montreux Choral Festival, Switzerland.

2013 has been a particularly exciting year for the group, with many notable performances both at home and abroad. Highlights include appearances at two Prom concerts in London’s Royal Albert Hall, performing Vaughan Williams’ A Sea Symphony with Sakari Oramo and the BBC Symphony Orchestra and Beethoven’s Symphony No 9 with Vasily Petrenko and the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain. In January of this year it featured in the Sons & Daughters concert to open Derry’s year as the first UK City of Culture, singing alongside guests such as Snow Patrol and Neil Hannon. Other City of Culture performances this year have included Verdi’s Requiem with the Ulster Orchestra and a new cantata, At Sixes and Sevens,

by Mark-Anthony Turnage and Paul Muldoon to mark the 400th anniversary of Derry’s Walls.

Codetta is delighted to be part of the inaugural City of Derry International Choral Festival.

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CITY SONGS ERIKS EŠENVALDS FEATURING IMOGEN HEAP Friday 25th October, St. Columb’s Hall, 8pm Presented by Mark Patterson City Songs is the second performance of a newly commissioned work

by Latvian composer Ēriks Ešenvalds, Australian poet Emma Jones and British artist Imogen Heap.

The piece features six choirs - the Holst Singers, Codetta, the Roundhouse Choir, Encore Contemporary Choir, Colmcille Ladies and the Music Promise Junior Choir - and the Orchestra of Ireland. It is narrated by Grammy award-winning singer Imogen Heap.

Three of the above-mentioned choirs also featured in the work’s premiere at the Voices Now Festival in the Roundhouse, London on 23rd June 2013.

The City Songs concert will open with an introductory programme by Latvian Voices featuring works by Ēriks Ešenvalds.

LATVIAN VOICES PROGRAMME Rūtoj Saule - Traditional Latvian Folk Song, arr. N. Vītiņa Dindaru Dandaru - L. Jēkabsone Es gulu, gulu - Traditional Latvian Folk Song, arr. N. Vītiņa Ej, saulīte drīz pie Dieva - Traditional Latvian Folk Song, arr. L. Jēkabsone Mēnestiņis nakti brauca - L. Jēkabsone Gloria - L. Jēkabsone Sanctus - L. Jēkabsone Lullaby - L. Timmermann, arr. L. Jēkabsone Oh, Danny boy, Traditional Irish Folk Song, arr. Ē. Ešenvalds O Salutaris Hostia - Ēriks Ešenvalds INTERVAL

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CITY SONGS Ešenvalds said of the concept behind City Songs that ‘We (Ešenvalds, Jones and Heap) were all born in the same year, 1977, and our creative brainstorms were very special. Returning to one’s native place is always a pilgrimage with lots of memories and emotions’.

SYNOPSIS A traveller enters a city at dawn, listening to the radio (1. ‘The Radio’) and looking for her childhood home. As dawn breaks, the city sings to her of its own childhood as a village (2. ‘The City’) and as the morning passes she encounters workers and commuters (3. ‘Workers’) and a group of pedestrians whom she asks for directions (4. ‘Pedestrians’). They lead her to some buskers, who relate how they came to sing on the street (5. ‘Buskers’).

The clock strikes noon. The city and the traveller sing about memory (6. ‘Voices’) and the traveller follows the familiar tune of an ice cream truck (7. ‘Customers’).

Nearing home, in the mid-afternoon, she asks a passer-by the way, not knowing that he is a former friend (8. ‘Traveller in the Afternoon’).

The work day ends, happy workers spill out into the street (9. ‘Commuters’) and the city sings of the traveller as night falls (10. ‘The City’). The traveller ruminates on homecoming (11. ‘Road Motet’) and concludes that journeys are better than arrivals. Seeing her house down the crest of a hill, she joins a passing joyful street parade (12. ‘Parade’), which finally leads her home (13. ‘Finale’).

1. The Radio (All choirs) 2. The City (Music Promise Junior Choir) 3. Workers (Roundhouse Choir) 4. Pedestrians (Holst Singers) 5. Buskers (Colmcille Ladies) 6. Voices (Codetta) 7. Customers (Codetta) 8. Traveller in the Afternoon (Roundhouse Choir) 9. Commuters (Holst Singers) 10. The City (Night) (Music Promise Junior Choir) 11. Road Motet (Encore) 12. Parade (All choirs) 13. Finale (All choirs)

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ERIKS EŠENVALDS, COMPOSER Eriks Ešenvalds has won multiple awards for his work, including the Latvian Great Music Prize, an Honourable Mention Diploma at the International Clarinet Association’s competition in Miami for Impressions of Saaremaa, First Place at the International Rostrum for Composers for his work Legend of a Walled-in Woman as well as a British Composer Awards Nomination. Ēriks was ‘The Year’s New-Composer Discovery’ of the Philadelphia Inquirer in 2010, and received a Composition Teaching Achievement Award from the Riga Dome Choir School in the same year. His music has been performed at numerous international festivals in the US, Canada, the UK, Australia, Japan, South Africa, China, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, Belgium, Poland, Estonia, Belarus, Ukraine, Italy and Latvia. Until 30th September 2013 he held the position of Fellow Commoner in Creative Arts at Trinity College, University of Cambridge, UK. EMMA JONES, POET Emma Jones is an Australian poet. Her first poetry collection, The Striped World, was published by Faber & Faber in 2009. She studied at MLC School (Burwood, Sydney), then worked and travelled abroad, returning to Australia to study English at the University of Sydney, graduating with the University Medal in 2001. She entered Cambridge in 2002 and received a PhD in English Literature from Trinity College, Cambridge. Jones was poet-in-residence at the Wordsworth Trust in Grasmere, Cumbria from 2009 to 2010.

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IMOGEN HEAP, NARRATOR Imogen Heap is an eclectic, eccentric and innovative British musician, considered by some to be the epitome of a digital diva. Her talent spans the craft of songwriting to elaborate live multi-instrumental improvisations, building on a unique voice, classical training and unusual tech-savviness. Self-produced, independent and engaged, she blurs the boundaries between pure art forms and creative entrepreneurship, and uses her knowledge of the web and social networking to communicate and collaborate with her loyal following in pioneering ways.

She is an accomplished performer, having toured the world with 4 albums, including the 2009 Ellipse, which earned her a Grammy and an Ivor Novello award. Her graceful tunes, such as signature track ‘Hide & Seek’, have populated movies and TV shows, dance and theatre performances, and more recently Heap is being sampled by a whole new generation of young rappers and producers. Now in demand and at the peak of 15 years of diversified career experiences, she is enjoying exploring how her ‘musical ecosystem’ can have a positive impact by getting involved in creative projects that think big and outside the box.

STEPHEN LAYTON, CONDUCTOR Stephen Layton is the Director of Music at Trinity College, Cambridge. He is Artistic Director and Principal Conductor of the City of London Sinfonia. He also guest conducts with many other renowned ensembles, including the Philadelphia Orchestra, the Minnesota Orchestra, the London Philharmonic, the London Sinfonietta, the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic, the Ulster Orchestra , Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, the Royal Scottish National Orchestra, Britten Sinfonia, Royal Northern Sinfonia, the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment and the Academy of Ancient Music, and with English, Scottish, Irish and Australian chamber orchestras. Stephen founded Polyphony in 1986 whilst organ scholar of King’s College Cambridge. He is Chief Guest Conductor of the Danish National Vocal Ensemble and Musical Director of the Holst Singers, and in 2006 he was made a Fellow and Director of Music of Trinity College, Cambridge.

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HOLST SINGERS The Holst Singers are one of Britain’s foremost choirs, described by the BBC as ‘a leading chorus on the international stage’. Based in London, in addition to their busy concert diary they regularly record for leading classical labels. With the support of their President, James Bowman, and Musical Director, Stephen Layton, the choir has developed an interest in exploring new and neglected works as well as core choral repertoire. In concert the choir is renowned for dramatic and engaging performances, described by The Times as ‘interactive concert-going at its most revelatory’.

Recent concert highlights include the Scott Centenary Concert Tour with the City of London Sinfonia; performances celebrating Gabrieli’s 400th anniversary at Temple Church and Trinity College, Cambridge; a collaboration with Imogen Heap on her highly acclaimed soundtrack to The Seashell and the Clergyman; and performances in the CLoSer concert series at Village Underground and the Reverb Festival at the Roundhouse. Recent touring includes Santiago de Compostela with the Hilliard Ensemble in Easter 2011 and Estonia in 2009.

ROUNDHOUSE CHOIR Formed in September 2009 (and currently celebrating their 5th season), the Roundhouse Choir is rapidly establishing itself as one of the most exciting young emerging choirs in London and has consistently impressed audiences with its energy, enthusiasm and fascinating repertoire. Together with Director Osnat Schmool and Assistant Director Rathi Kumar, the choir has developed a far-reaching repertoire, including music from South Africa, Namibia, AfroCuban Orishas, pop, spirituals and original scores. It regularly performs at the Roundhouse as well as venues such as Southbank, Olympic Stadium and the Royal Albert Hall. It has collaborated with the likes of Meta Meta, Amandla Esandla, The Magnets, Mark Ronson, Boy George, Filament Theatre Company and Eliza Doolittle, and has featured on the latest Spiritualized album.

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COLMCILLE LADIES Founded in 1970, the Colmcille Ladies have competed in many of Ireland’s premier choral competitions as well as competitions in Barcelona, Salzburg, Riva del Garda and Prague. They have performed at numerous notable events including a private St. Patrick’s Day dinner for President Clinton and a performance for Pope John Paul II in his private chapel in the Vatican.

ENCORE CONTEMPORARY CHOIR Encore was founded in 2011 by four singers who shared a love for music and wanted to establish an ensemble that focused on contemporary music and promoted a strong social bond amongst its members. Musical Director Emmet Doherty has guided the choir in performances at the Waterside Theatre and Clipper Quay, as well as performances for the Dalai Lama at Culture of Compassion, Culture Night in Guildhall Square, Derry City Council Summer Animation Festival in the Craft Village and the Amazing Grace Festival in Buncrana.

MUSIC PROMISE JUNIOR CHOIR The Music Promise is a major part of the UK City of Culture 2013, putting children and young people’s music-making at the very heart of the year-long programme. Two choirs were formed as part of this scheme - Junior and Youth - with the members representing 22 schools in the Derry City Council area. They have already participated in such notable events as the premieres of At Sixes and Sevens by Mark-Anthony Turnage and The Conquest of Happiness directed by Haris Pašović and are delighted to add City Songs by Ēriks Ešenvalds to this prestigious list.

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Join us for our LEGENDERRY

Banks of the Foyle

Hallowe’en Carnival 26 October - 3 November 2013

Our world famous Hallowe’en celebrations, the largest in Ireland, will be even bigger and better in 2013 as Derry~Londonderry celebrates its magnificent City of Culture year in style.

Between October 26th and November 3rd a mesmerising week-long programme of activities features stacks of spooky fun for all the family, culminating in the colourful carnival parade and spectacular fireworks that light up the Foyle on October 31st.

Be part of it... www.derrycity.gov.uk/halloween

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INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION SATURDAY 26TH OCTOBER ST. COLUMB’S HALL, 7.30PM - 10.30PM Presented by Stephen McCauley The International Competition will undoubtedly be the highlight of the City of Derry International Choral Festival, featuring seven competitors from Belarus, England, Ireland and Italy who will compete for a prestigious bespoke trophy, designed by international artist Maurice Harron.

PROGRAMME OPEN ARTS CHOIR, NORTHERN IRELAND 1. Nil sé ina Lá - Traditional, arr. B. Whyte & U. McCann 2. Esti Dal - Zoltán Kodåly 3. Il est Bel et Bon - Pierre Passerau 4. The Blue Bird - C. V. Stanford 5. Short People - Randy Newman, arr. S. Carrington AD SOLEM, ENGLAND 1. The Silver Swan - Orlando Gibbons 2. The Dove Descending - Igor Stravinsky 3. Behold, O God Our Defender - David Bednall 4. I Sat Down Under His Shadow - Edward Bairstow POLIFONICA, BELARUS 1. Easter Canon - N. Diletsky 2. Large Field with Ripe Rye was Talking - Belarussian Folk Song, arr. L. Zakhlevny 3. Words - Andres Edenroth COIS CLADAIGH, IRELAND 1. Beannacht - Eamon Murray 2. O Vos Omnes - Jacquet of Mantua 3. Kiitkem Südamest Mariat - Urmas Sisask 4. Seachtain - Micheal O’Súilleabhán 5. Hodie Christus Natus Est - Alessandro Bassano INTERVAL

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VOCI NUOVE, IRELAND 1. Bogoroditse Djevo - Arvo Pärt 2. Si Ch’Io Vorrei Morire - Claudio Monteverdi 3. The Wishing Tree - Joby Talbot 4. Molaimus go léir an tAon-Mhac Críost - Ben Hanlon NEW DUBLIN VOICES, IRELAND 1. O Dolcezze Amarissime - Schütz 2. Regina Caeli - Rhona Clarke 3. Stetit Angelus - Rihards Dubra 4. Psalm 96: Sing - Merrill Bradshaw RUDA POLIFONICO, ITALY 1. De Maria Virgine 1. Totus Tuus - Ambrož Čopi 2. Imitatione del Veneziano - Orazio Vecchi 3. Preghiera - Gioachino Rossini 4. Die Nacht - Franz Schubert GOSPEL SINGERS INCOGNITO, ENGLAND (NON-COMPETITIVE PERFORMANCE) 1. Total Praise - Richard Smallwood 2. Greatest Day - Take That, arr. Y. M. Sinclair, N. Davis, G. Windrass, M. Brooks 3. Bless the Lord - Matt Redman, arr. Nichola Davis 4. This Little Light of Mine - Anon.

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CLOSING GALA CONCERT Sunday 27th October, St. Columb’s Hall, 8pm Presented by Marie-Louise Muir

The Closing Gala Concert will provide a celebratory end to the inaugural City of Derry International Choral Festival. The competitors in the prestigious International Competition will each perform an informal programme of music and the International Competition winner will be announced and awarded the bespoke international trophy, designed by Maurice Harron.

MAURICE HARRON, ARTIST AND SCULPTOR Maurice Harron was born in Derry, Northern Ireland. After studying at the Ulster College of Art & Design, he taught at schools in Belfast and Derry, and in 1983 began working as a painter and sculptor.

For the last 18 years he has worked to address issues of belief, ethnicity and political tension through his sculpture. Working in public locations, he has made works that explore themes connected to social, historical and cultural identity.

In creating the International Trophy, Maurice has taken the oak tree of Derry as a symbol, with the many strands of roots coming together to form a canopy.

The trophy stands on a stainless steel base with many thin rods of stainless steel emerging from the ground to entwine around it and join together in a vertical column. Those at the centre climb to the highest point, while the outer group forms the lower branches. The canopy is made from bronze plate using a design based on the ancient La Tene (Celtic) abstract patterns.

Maurice says, ‘Choral art is the result of many varied and diverse talents coming together to create something amazing. Ordinary people blend voices in harmonies to create extraordinary works’.

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PROGRAMME RUDA POLIFONICO, ITALY 1. Oce Nasc - N. N. Kedrova 2. Lux Aurumque - Eric Whitacre AD SOLEM, ENGLAND 1.El Grillo - Josquin des Prez 2. Il est Bel et Bon - Pierre Passereau NEW DUBLIN VOICES, IRELAND 1. Mr Blue Sky - ELO, arr. Eoin Conway 2. The Star of the County Down - Traditional Irish, arr. Howard Goodall POLIFONICA, BELARUS 1. Blessed Virgin - S.Rachmaninov 2. Large Field with Ripe Rye was Talking - Belarussian Folk Song, L.Zakhlevny VOCI NUOVE, IRELAND 1. The Wishing Tree - Joby Talbot 2. My Soul’s Been Anchored in the Lord - Moses Hogan COIS CLADAIGH, IRELAND 1. Leisure - Eamon Murray 2. Jakkobin Isot Poiat - Pekka Kostiainen INTERVAL FUNKY VOICES, ENGLAND (VISITING NATIONAL CHOIR) 1. Take That - Gary Barlow, arr. S.Colston 2. Higher - S. Stewart/Stevie Wonder, arr. S.Colston Closing ceremony and award of the International Trophy

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PRESENTERS SARAH BRETT Sarah Brett is a presenter and journalist on BBC Radio Foyle and BBC Radio Ulster.

Since 2010 Sarah has presented the Breakfast programme with Enda McClafferty on BBC Radio Foyle every weekday morning from 7am-9am. This year Sarah is also presenting BBC Radio Foyle’s daily programme Pure Culture, celebrating culture in the north west in 2013.

Sarah worked as a journalist at the Belfast Telegraph for eight years and joined BBC Northern Ireland in 2004, working as a reporter for BBC Radio Foyle.

Prior to presenting the Breakfast programme, Sarah presented her opt-out programme Sarah Brett on the station from 2008-2010. Sarah also regularly guest presents on Good Morning Ulster, Talkback and Evening Extra on BBC Radio Ulster. She grew up in Donegal and London and now lives in Derry.

STEPHEN MCCAULEY Stephen McCauley was born and raised in Derry and is a presenter/producer on BBC Northern Ireland. He is the host of ‘Electric Mainline’ on BBC Radio Foyle and ‘Stephen McCauley’ on BBC Radio Ulster. A passionate and devoted life-long music fan, Stephen thrives off the constant search for music.

After finishing a degree in English at Queen’s University, Belfast, Stephen returned to Derry and started a summer job to help fund his band. The band folded but the summer job endured. Eight mind-blowingly boring years later, he walked out and pitched a radio programme to his local BBC station, BBC Radio Foyle. The show, ‘Electric Mainline’, was given a renewable two-month contract and, almost eight years later, has become an integral catalyst within Northern Irish music. On a typical programme, the listener is presented with Stephen’s tireless search for a bold and contrasting mix of local and international hard-core punk, contemporary classical, electronica, indie and experimental acoustic, all delivered with the enthusiasm and joy of his discoveries.

The Friday night ‘Stephen McCauley’ show on BBC Radio Ulster delivers an exploratory and cinematic mix of contemporary classical, electronica, hip-hop and experimental indie. In February of this year, Stephen made his debut on BBC Radio 6 Music with a week-long series of programmes.

Stephen is also the Chair of the Board of Directors of Void Gallery in Derry.

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MARK PATTERSON Mark Patterson presents ‘Lunchtime with Mark Patterson’, weekdays on BBC Radio Foyle. A Lurgan native who has lived in Derry for nearly 20 years, Mark has featured on Radio 4’s ‘Derry Diary’ many times in the past year and can often be heard presenting various programmes on Radio Ulster.

He has just secured his first full documentary commission for BBC Radio 4. A passionate surfer and gardener, Mark’s love of music is as broad as it is long: ‘From Tallis to Alison Krauss to Moderat, I really don’t care what the label says: great music is great music’.

MARIE-LOUISE MUIR Marie-Louise Muir is a respected arts journalist and broadcaster, and is one of BBC Radio Ulster’s best known voices. She began her career in BBC Radio Foyle in the mid-1990s presenting magazine shows, before becoming the anchor of BBC Radio Ulster’s weekly arts magazine show ‘Arts Extra’ in 2004.

As well as radio work, she also works on television and is the presenter of BBC 2 Northern Ireland’s arts magazine programme, ‘The Arts Show’. She has also made a series of ‘In Conversations’ with leading Northern Irish actors, including James Nesbitt, Adrian Dunbar and Bronagh Gallagher, with future episodes planned for later in 2013. Marie-Louise broadcasts regularly from the UK City of Culture 2013 Derry~Londonderry and is currently making several documentaries for BBC Radio 4.

As well as being a skilled broadcaster, Marie-Louise worked for six years as a television assistant producer/director. She worked on a range of programmes for BBC Northern Ireland within factual and entertainment genres. She regularly chairs arts and cultural debates, comperes live events, conducts on-stage interviews in front of a live audience, and chairs panel discussions and audience question and answer sessions.

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COMPETITIONS POST-PRIMARY COMPETITION A REPERTOIRE: TWO CONTRASTING PIECES, IN UNISON OR TWO PARTS Thursday 24th October, St. Columb’s Hall, 10.30am - 12pm LUMEN CHRISTI COLLEGE CHOIR, DERRY 1. The Lord Bless You and Keep You - John Rutter 2. Chariot’s Comin’! - Don Besig/Nancy Price ST. CECILIA’S COLLEGE CHOIR, DERRY 1. Ave Verum - Mozart, arr. Henry Geehl 2. Straighten Up and Fly Right - Nat King Cole/Irving Mills, arr. S. Milloy MULROY COLLEGE CHOIR, LETTERKENNY 1. The Lord Bless You and Keep You - John Rutter 2. Born to Be Somebody - Diane Warren, arr. Mike Taylor SACRED HEART COLLEGE CHOIR, OMAGH 1. Adiemus - Karl Jenkins 2. She Will Have Music - Nick Page THORNHILL COLLEGE JUNIOR CHOIR, DERRY 1. Vois Sur Ton Chemin - Bruno Calais 2. Super Trouper - ABBA, arr. K. Healy ST. MARY’S COLLEGE CHOIR, DERRY 1. The Lord Bless You and Keep You - John Rutter 2. Bohemian Rhapsody - Freddie Mercury, arr. Mark Brymer

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POST-PRIMARY COMPETITION B REPERTOIRE: TWO CONTRASTING PIECES, IN THREE OR FOUR PARTS Thursday 24th October, St. Columb’s Hall, 1pm - 3pm ST. COLUMB’S COLLEGE CHOIR, DERRY 1. A Gaelic Blessing - John Rutter 2. It Don’t Mean a Thing (If It Ain’t Got That Swing) - D. Ellington/I. Mills, arr. C. Beale LORETO GRAMMAR SENIOR CHOIR, OMAGH 1. Sound of Silence - Simon/Garfunkel, arr. Robert Latham 2. Eternity - Michael Bojeson THORNHILL COLLEGE SENIOR CHOIR, DERRY 1. Earthed Here Still - Neil Martin 2. Gloria - Rhona Clarke INTERVAL ST. MARY’S COLLEGE CHOIR, DERRY 1. Love Divine - Howard Goodall 2. It Don’t Mean a Thing (If It Ain’t Got That Swing) - D. Ellington, arr. Mac Huff SACRED HEART COLLEGE CHOIR, OMAGH 1. A Clare Benediction - John Rutter 2. Hava Nageela - Maurice Goldman CROSS AND PASSION COLLEGE CHOIR, BALLYCASTLE 1. The Water of Tyne - Folk Song, arr. Michael Neaum 2. Rhythm of Life - Fields/Coleman, arr. R. Barnes

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PRIMARY COMPETITION A REPERTOIRE: TWO CONTRASTING PIECES, IN UNISON Friday 25th October, St. Columb’s Hall, 10am - 11am HOLY FAMILY PRIMARY SCHOOL CHOIR, DERRY 1. Reflection (Mulan) - Wilder/D. Zippel 2. Popular (Wicked) - Stephen Schwartz ST. BRENDAN’S PRIMARY SCHOOL, ARMAGH 1. All Things Bright and Beautiful - John Rutter 2. The Bare Necessities - Terry Gilkyson LISNAGELVIN PRIMARY SCHOOL CHOIR, DERRY 1. I Nearly Forgot to Say Thank You - John Gowans/John Larsson 2. The Leprechaun - Folk Song, arr. Herbert Hughes GAELSCOIL NA GCRANN CHOIR, OMAGH 1. Something Inside So Strong - Labi Siffre 2. Sing Sing a Song - Joe Raposo CHAPEL ROAD PRIMARY SCHOOL CHOIR, DERRY 1. All Things Bright and Beautiful - John Rutter 2. Benedictus (The Armed Man) - Karl Jenkins

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PRIMARY COMPETITION B TWO CONTRASTING PIECES, IN TWO OR MORE PARTS Friday 25th October, St. Columb’s Hall, 11.15am - 12.30pm SACRED HEART PRIMARY SCHOOL CHOIR, DERRY 1. Whisper! - Greg Gilpin 2. Firework - Katy Perry, arr. Alan Billingsley NAZARETH HOUSE PRIMARY SCHOOL CHOIR, DERRY 1. A Clare Benediction - John Rutter 2. When the Saints Go Marching In - Traditional Spritual, arr. Rick Hein CHAPEL ROAD PRIMARY SCHOOL CHOIR, DERRY 1. Street Seller - Bob Chilcott 2. Siyahamba - Traditional Zulu INTERVAL FAUGHANVALE PRIMARY SCHOOL, DERRY 1. Consider Yourself - Lionel Bart from Oliver 2. Get on Board This Train - Don Besig/Nancy Price ST. LAWRENCE’S PRIMARY SCHOOL, TYRONE 1. Panis Angelicus - Cesar Franck, arr. Henry Geehl 2. Siyahamba - Traditional Zulu, arr. Donald Moore HOLY FAMILY PRIMARY SCHOOL, DERRY 1. Who Will Buy? - Lionel Bart from Oliver 2. Walls Come Tumblin’ Down! - Jean Anne Shafferman

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NATIONAL FEMALE VOICE COMPETITION Saturday 26th October, St. Columb’s Hall, 10am - 11.15am ST. MARY’S PRO-CATHEDRAL CHOIR, DUBLIN 1. Ave Maria - Zoltán Kodály 2. Psalm 100 - René Clausen GRACENOTES, MAYO 1. Miserere - Eva Ugalde 2. Three Ways to Vacuum Your House III - Stephen Hatfield CANTABILE VOCAL ENSEMBLE, CORK 1. The Nightingale - Thomas Weelkes, arr. Henry Leslie 2. Sí do Mhaimeo Í - Traditional, arr. Michael McGlynn COLMCILLE LADIES, DERRY 1. Maidean I mBéarra - Pronsias O’ Ceallaig 2. Portaíocht - Redmond Friel BOYDELL SINGERS, DUBLIN 1. Jaakobin Pojat - Pekka Kostiainen 2. De Bello Gallico - Erika Budai

NATIONAL MALE VOICE COMPETITION Saturday 26th October, St. Columb’s Hall, 11.15am - 12pm ROSEMOUNT MALE VOICE CHOIR, DERRY 1. And So It Goes - Billy Joel, arr. Kirby Shaw 2. Feeling Good - L. Bricusse/A. Newly, arr. C. Hussey PORTADOWN MALE VOICE CHOIR, ARMAGH 1. The Song of the Jolly Roger - C.F. Chudleigh Candish 2. Bring Him Home - Schönberg, arr. J. Leavitt

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NATIONAL MIXED VOICE COMPETITION Saturday 26th October, St. Columb’s Hall, 1pm - 3.30pm TULLAMORE ACADEMY CHAMBER CHOIR, OFFALY 1. Suantraí ár Slánaitheora - F. O’ Carroll 2. Rytmus - Ivan Hrušovsk´y FUNKY VOICES, ENGLAND 1. Chicago/Cetera Medley - P. Cetera, arr. S. Colston 2. Higher Medley - S. Stewart/S. Wonder, arr. S. Colston CONWAL SINGERS, DONEGAL 1. Sicut Cervus - Palestrina 2. Dans Les Chaumes de Lissac - Traditional Limousin, arr. R. Blanchard TRINITY SINGERS, DUBLIN 1. O Radiant Dawn - James MacMillan 2. Serenísima una noche - Fray Gerónimo González INTERVAL CANTAMUS CHOIR, DERRY 1. I Write the Songs - Bruce Johnston 2. It Don’t Mean a Thing (If It Ain’t Got that Swing) - Duke Ellington, arr. Mac Huff COR MHAIGH EO, MAYO 1. Non Piu Guerra, Pietate - Claudio Monteverdi 2. Contre qui, rose - Morten Lauridsen OPEN ARTS CHOIR, BELFAST 1. Shift - Ian Wilson 2. Lullabye (Goodnight, My Angel) Billy Joel, arr. Philip Lawson

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NATIONAL GOSPEL MUSIC COMPETITION Saturday 26th October, St. Columb’s Hall, 4.30pm - 5.30pm COLMCILLE GOSPEL CHOIR, DONEGAL 1. Amazing Grace - John Newton 2. The Battle Hymn of the Republic - W. Steffe, arr. R. Ringwald VOCAL SCORE, NEWRY 1. Shed A Little Light - James Taylor 2. Joyful, Joyful - Mervyn Warren GOSPEL SINGERS INCOGNITO, UK (NON-COMPETITIVE PERFORMANCE) 1. I Open My Mouth - Anon.

2. I Love the Lord - Richard Smallwood 3. Oh Happy Day - Edwin Hawkins/Mahlon Rhamie

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NATIONAL SACRED MUSIC COMPETITION Sunday 27th October, First Derry Presbyterian Church, 2pm - 4.30pm CLERMONT CHORALE, DUNDALK 1. Ige Herouvimy - Dmytro Bortniansky 2. The Deer’s Cry - Arvo Pärt VOCI NUOVE, CORK 1. Ave Regina - Gyorg Orban 2. My Soul’s Been Anchored in the Lord - Moses Hogan TULLAMORE ACADEMY CHAMBER CHOIR, OFFALY 1. Jubilate Deo - Mozart 2. O Nata Lux - Morten Lauridsen ST. EUGENE’S CATHEDRAL CHOIR, DERRY 1. The Peace of God - John Rutter 2. Jesus Dulcis - Vittoria CÓR MHAIGH EO, MAYO 1. Beatus Vir, Sanctus Paulus - Pawel Lukaszewski 2. The Deer’s Cry - Arvo Pärt INTERVAL VOCAL SCORE, NEWRY 1. A Gaelic Blessing - John Rutter 2. Domine File Unigenite - Vivaldi CANTABILE VOCAL ENSEMBLE, CORK 1. Deus Canticum Novum - Giovanni Matteo Asola 2. Ave Maria - MG O’ Brien ST. MARY’S PRO-CATHEDRAL CHOIR, DUBLIN 1. Maria Mater Gratiae - Gabriel Fauré 2. Haec Dies - Colin Mawby GRACENOTES, MAYO 1. Peace Upon You, Jerusalem - Arvo Pärt 2. Benedictus Es - Ēriks Ešenvalds

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NATIONAL YOUTH CHOIR COMPETITION Sunday 27th October, First Derry Presbyterian Church, 5pm - 6pm MUSIC PROMISE JUNIOR CHOIR, DERRY 1. The Wind that Shakes the Barley - Ken Johnston 2. Spell to Bring Lost Creatures Home - Bob Chilcott WESTPORT CHILDREN’S CHOIR, MAYO 1. Can You Hear Me? - Bob Chilcott 2. Niška Banja - Romani Dance, arr. Nick Page MUSIC PROMISE YOUTH CHOIR, DERRY 1. Amazing Grace - Traditional, arr. Alexander L’Estrange 2. Circle of Life - Elton John/Hans Zimmer

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WORKSHOPS BIG SING WORKSHOPS The Big Sing workshops will take place on Thursday 24th October (postprimary) and Friday 25th October (primary) in St. Columb’s Hall.

The festival is delighted to welcome David Lawrence, an internationally recognised choral director and animateur, to lead the two school workshops.

Come along to enjoy the thrill of singing with hundreds of other enthusiastic choristers. Have fun as you explore exciting vocal warm-ups, learn about vocal production and discover the beauty of simple part-singing.

All young singers and their teachers or choir directors are welcome to attend these sessions. No preparation or prior experience is necessary. The only requirement is for all participants to enjoy singing and to share this enjoyment with others.

David currently holds the Guinness World Record for conducting the UK’s largest choir - 6,846 singers - so let’s see how big a choir we can put together for him in St Columb’s Hall.

DISCOVERY GOSPEL CHOIR WORKSHOP The Discovery Gospel Choir workshop will take place on Saturday 26th October at 3.45pm - 4.30pm in St. Columb’s Hall. All are welcome to take part!

This workshop will be delivered by members of the Discovery Gospel Choir.

Formed in 2004, Discovery Gospel Choir is one of Ireland’s most innovative and diverse choral groups. The choir is based in Dublin but performs across the country, challenging its audiences to ‘discover beauty in everyone’ and to work towards an integrated society.

In promoting its ethos of integration and unity, Discovery has performed in Mountjoy Prison, for the former Northern Ireland First Minister Rev Dr Ian Paisley in Stormont, in Mosney Accommodation Centre for asylum seekers, for the MAMA Awards, at Africa Day and for Archbishop Desmond Tutu on his visit to Dublin in 2005.

The choir has appeared on numerous national radio and television programmes and has led the national anthems at international matches in Croke Park and Lansdowne Road. It has also made appearances at the Meteor Music Awards, the RCCG’s Festival of Life in the Point Theatre, Electric Picnic and the Festival of World Cultures. Discovery enjoys working with other musicians who share its ethos, and has previously performed with Stevie Wonder, Sinéad O’Connor, Nizlopi, Foy Vance, Liam Ó Maonlaí and Celtic Woman. It has also worked closely with Irish fusion band Kíla.

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ADJUDICATORS RAGNAR RASMUSSEN, NORWAY (CHAIR OF THE ADJUDICATION PANEL) Ragnar Rasmussen is Full Professor in Choir Conducting at the Faculty of Fine Arts, University of Tromsø, Norway and artistic director/conductor of the Mimas Chamber Choir, Tromsø, Norway and the international chamber choir ‘Utopia & Reality’.

In 2007/08 Ragnar was guest professor at the Academy of Music, University of Ljubljana, Slovenia. In 2008-10 he was conductor of the Norwegian National Youth Choir and in 2010 he was conductor of the World Youth Choir.

He works frequently with professional choirs and orchestras, and gives masterclasses for choral conductors throughout Europe.

He has been awarded numerous awards in Norway and abroad, and has been appointed a member of the Norwegian Association for Composers.

PETER BROADBENT, UK Peter Broadbent is one of Britain’s leading choral conductors, known for his consistent commitment to contemporary music. In 1988 he formed the Joyful Company of Singers, which rapidly established itself as one of Europe’s leading chamber choirs, giving concerts throughout Europe and the US. JCS has recorded 22 CDs as well as many TV and film soundtracks, including the music that can be heard at London’s latest attraction, the Shard.

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Peter has conducted many of the leading London orchestras, the BBC Singers, and professional choirs and orchestras in Ireland and Hungary. He adjudicates at international choral competitions throughout Europe and the UK, and gives seminars and masterclasses in the UK, Europe, South Africa, South-East Asia, the US and Canada. He is Director of Training for the Association of British Choral Directors and he was also awarded the ‘Pro Cultura Hungarica’ Medal by the Ministry of Education and Culture of the Republic of Hungary in recognition of his contribution to Anglo-Hungarian relations.

DAVID LAWRENCE, UK David Lawrence is one of the UK’s most versatile conductors, working with orchestras, symphony choruses and national youth choirs. In 2010 he was shortlisted for a Gramophone Award for his conducting and he currently holds the Guinness World Record for conducting the UK’s largest choir - 6,846 singers! David’s work has taken him to Singapore, Colombia, Canada, the United States, India and throughout Europe, and since 2005 he has worked regularly in Australia. His positive and engaging manner makes him a popular guest conductor, and he is an experienced and respected trainer of choral conductors. He teaches regularly alongside Ghislaine Morgan in Portugal, and for the company Artsworks he delivers management training and team-building workshops through the media of singing and conducting.

David has a particular passion for working with young people and is the CBSO’s City of Birmingham Young Voices regular conductor. He has adjudicated at international choral festivals as well as for the BBC Choir of the Year and Young Musician of the Year competitions. He conducts for BBC Television’s ‘Songs of Praise’ and directed ‘The People’s Chorus’ for BBC Four. As a guest chorusmaster for Netherlands Radio Choir, he has worked with Stockhausen, John Adams, Kenneth Montgomery and Frans Brüggen.

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INTERNATIONAL CHOIR BIOGRAPHIES AD SOLEM, ENGLAND ROBERT BROOKS, CONDUCTOR Ad Solem, the University of Manchester Chamber Choir, was founded more than 20 years ago and is made up of the best singers from in and around the University of Manchester. Consisting of between 22 and 26 members, the choir is primarily an a capella group, although they also perform with a number of other student and professional ensembles. As one of the only student-run, university-based choirs in Manchester, the choir puts on numerous concerts and performs at functions throughout the year, both within MUMS and independently. Past conductors include founder Greg Beardsell, Marcus Farnsworth and Matthew Hamilton.

Ad Solem performs new works as well as renaissance polyphony and has recently performed a world premiere in the Bridgewater Hall with the Halle Orchestra. It has also performed Beethoven’s 9th Symphony with the Liverpool Mozart Orchestra, Mozart’s Requiem with the University of Manchester Chamber Orchestra and Victoria’s Requiem, as well as excerpts from Rachmaninov’s Vespers and works by Britten, Lauridsen, Ligeti, Tallis, Pärt, Augustinas, Sisask and Vaughan Williams.

The choir tours regularly and in recent years has visited Poland, Amsterdam and Estonia. It has also broadcast for BBC radio and television and has recorded a number of CDs.

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COIS CLADAIGH, IRELAND (GALWAY) BRENDAN O’CONNOR, CONDUCTOR Cois Cladaigh was founded in 1982 and last year it celebrated its 30th anniversary. The choir had an ambitious programme of events to mark the occasion and these included commissions by four contemporary European composers and three Irish composers, as well as a series of workshops and concerts, including performances on Clare Island and Inishbofin and a concert with Clermont Chorale.

The choir has taken part in collaborative performances with U.S. volcanologist Professor John Delaney, harpist Kathleen Cannon and uilleann piper Eugene Lamb, at the International Science Conference in July 2012, and worked with the Carl Hession Jazz Trio as part of the Galway Jazz Festival in October 2012. Cois Cladaigh was greatly honoured to be invited to sing at the inauguration of President Michael D. Higgins in November 2011 and subsequently was also invited to sing at the National Day of Commemoration in Dublin in July 2012.

The choir has travelled extensively throughout Europe and the US and takes an active role in commissioning contemporary composers. It has also recorded four CDs.

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NEW DUBLIN VOICES, IRELAND (DUBLIN) BERNIE SHERLOCK, CONDUCTOR New Dublin Voices, an award-winning chamber choir based in Dublin, Ireland, was founded by conductor Bernie Sherlock in October 2005. NDV, whose concerts range in style and period from the medieval to the contemporary, takes special pleasure in exploring the music of living composers and has given many Irish premières, as well as eight world premières of works by Irish composers. As well as giving concerts, NDV is a regular participant in competitions, both internationally and at home in Ireland.

The singers who make up New Dublin Voices come from many backgrounds but share high levels of experience and musicianship, a commitment to attracting new audiences and, above all, a love of performing excellent choral music.

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OPEN ARTS CHOIR, NORTHERN IRELAND (BELFAST) BEVERLEY WHYTE, CONDUCTOR The Open Arts Community Choir is an award-winning, dynamic, inclusive choir based in Belfast that demonstrates how people from different cultural backgrounds, with and without disabilities, can come together through the medium of song to be positive ambassadors for Northern Ireland.

The OACC was formed in September 2000 with support from the Arts Council of Northern Ireland. In 2008 it reached the final stages of the BBC’s ‘Last Choir Standing’ competition and in 2010 it was a finalist in RTE’s ‘An Cór’ Irish language choral competition. Since then, the OACC has performed at high-profile events all over the UK and Ireland, and in August 2012 it travelled to the US to participate in the Milwaukee Irish Fest.

The choir has collaborated with many artists, composers and ensembles, and performs songs in a wide variety of musical styles including classical, pop, jazz, gospel, folk and world music. It has recorded three albums and has been successful in choral festivals throughout the UK.

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POLIFONICA, BELARUS NIKOLAI KASHURO, CONDUCTOR Polifonica Choir, founded in 2010, is a group of amateur singers. It consists of 20 members who have extensive experience of choral singing. The choir has a diverse repertoire and its members have performed a wide range of choral music genres by classical and contemporary composers.

The choir has participated in many international tours, recently performing a programme of Orthodox church music and folk at the International Choir Festival Apeldoorn Zingt in the Netherlands in June 2012. Polifonica also won second prize in the Competition for Petr Eben at the International Advent Music Festival in Prague in December 2012 and took part in the 59th International Choral Festival in Cork, Ireland in May 2013.

Polifonica has shared its musical gifts on many stages all over Europe, making it a cultural ambassador for Belarus. Its most recent concert tour took place in Legnano, Italy in June 2013 at the world famous Choral Festival La Fabbrica del Canto XXII.

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RUDA POLIFONICO, ITALY FABIANA NORO, CONDUCTOR The Ruda Polifonico Choir, which dates back to the early 20th century, has given performances throughout the world. Tours include the Philippines, Mongolia, the US, Argentina, Canada, Russia, China and almost all European countries, and it has always been very well received by both the public and critics.

The choir has been successful at many prestigious national and international competitions, including Arezzo, Gorizia, Orvieto, Ravenna, Rome , Tallinn and Vittorio Veneto, where it won four first prizes in spring 2004, a feat that had never before been achieved by a single choir. In June 2007, the choir was awarded the Grand Prix at the Anton Bruckner International Competition in Linz and it won first prize in the ‘Polyphony’ and ‘Sacred Music’ categories.

In 2008, at the Choral Olympics in Graz, the choir won three gold medals and an Olympic laurel for the category ‘Male choirs’. To celebrate these achievements, Roman Ticofilm filmed a documentary about the choir, which has been broadcast by several European TV networks. In 2010, at the Choral Olympics in Shaoxing (China), the choir also won three gold medals. In 2003, Mrs Fabiana Noro took up the position of conductor of the Ruda Polyphonic Choir.

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VOCI NUOVE, IRELAND (CORK) COLM O’REGAN, CONDUCTOR Voci Nuove was formed in September 2011 by singing students at the Cork School of Music in Ireland. Conducted by CSM graduate Colm O’Regan, it began performing at concerts around Munster, at venues such as the Curtis Auditorium, Fota House and St. Mary’s Cathedral in Limerick. The choir enlarged its membership in September 2012 and began competing in competitions, winning several categories at Cork’s Feis Maitiú.

In May of this year, the group was awarded second place in the sacred and chamber choir categories of the Cork International Choral Festival and was awarded the John Mannion Trophy for chamber choirs. In spring of this year, Voci Nuove completed its first series of concerts in Cork, Ennis and Galway entitled Pitches be Crazy.

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CHORAL TRAIL Friday 25th - Saturday 26th October, various locations The City of Derry will come alive with pop-up performances in various locations throughout the choral festival weekend.

Friday 25th October, 3pm - 5pm Time

Location

Choir

3.00pm – 3.20pm

Richmond Centre/New Market Street

Gospel Singers Incognito, England

3.30pm – 3.50pm

Tower Hotel

Doire Calgach Singers, Derry

4.00pm – 4.20pm

Craft Village

Polifonica, Belarus

4.30pm – 4.50pm

Central Library

Polifonico, Italy

Saturday 26th October, 11.30am - 5.30pm Time

Location

Choir

11.30am – 11.50am

Richmond Centre

Roundhouse, UK

12.00pm – 12.20pm

Austins

Voci Nuove, Cork

12.30pm – 12.50pm

St. Augustine’s Church

Cantabile Vocal Ensemble, Cork

1.00pm – 1.20pm

Tower Hotel

Polifonico, Italy

1.30pm – 1.50pm

Richmond Centre

Encore, Derry

2.00pm – 2.20pm

Walls/ St. Augustine’s Church

New Dublin Voices, Dublin

2.30pm – 2.50pm

Austins

Ad Solem, England

3.00pm – 3.20pm

Foyleside

Polifonica, Belarus

3.30pm – 3.50pm

Central Library

Doire Calgach Singers, Derry

4.00pm – 4.20pm

Richmond

Funky Voices, England

4.30pm – 4.50pm

Tower Hotel

Portadown Male Voice Choir, Armagh

5.00pm – 5.30pm

Guildhall Square

Trinitones, Dublin

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SACRED TRAIL Sunday 27th October, various churches throughout the city, 10am - 1pm Church

Time

Choir

St. Columb’s Cathedral

11am

Ad Solem, England

Christ Church

11am

New Dublin Voices, Dublin

Holy Family, Ballymagroarty

11am

Funky Voices, England

First Derry Presbyterian

11.30am

Gospel Singers Incognito, England

Longtower

12pm

Polifonica, Belarus

St. Columb’s RC Church

12.30pm

Cantamus, Derry

St. Eugene’s Cathedral

12.30pm

St. Mary’s Pro-Cathedral Choir, Dublin St. Eugene’s Cathedral Choir, Derry

Inte Pian Tra

Pian

16 N Ind. E BT48

Tel www 50

FESTIVAL CLUB- RESONANCE BAR Following an exciting evening of choral music-making, why not join us in the beautiful surroundings of the Festival Club - Resonance Bar, located on the ground floor of St Columb’s Hall via the Orchard Street entrance? It’s the perfect way to meet new friends or renew old acquaintances, chat about what you’ve just heard in the main hall, or sit back and enjoy impromptu performances. You might even be inspired to join in the singing!

Thursday 24th October, from 10pm Friday 25th October, from 10pm with live entertainment Saturday 26th October, from 10pm Sunday 27th October, from 10pm for the closing night festival céilí

Interest-free finance on all Pianos.

Piano Suppliers for City of Culture.

Trade-in Pianos welcome Piano Showroom 16 Northland Road Ind. Est.Derry BT48 0LD

BT48 7PT T: +44 (0) 28 7126 7535

Tel 02871 371191 www.hendersonmusicireland.com 51

HISTORY OF ST. COLUMB’S HALL St Columb’s Hall was built as a recreational and educational space for the Roman Catholic community in Derry City. The concept of St Columb’s Hall was created

by Father William Elliot and the building was designed with Italian style architecture in mind by Architects Messrs Croome and Toye. The founding stone of the hall was laid in July 30th 1886 by Father McMenamin.

The original design of the Hall included a huge auditorium with a stage, a large lecture room, billiard and recreation rooms, committee rooms and living accommodation for a caretaker and his family. The Hall has been at the heart of the Derry community since its founding blocks were laid, and beneath the founding block lies a hermetically sealed bottle containing copies of various press and a message saying ‘St Columb’s Temperance Hall’.

St Columb’s Hall was officially opened on 1st November 1888 and became a lively social hub for the City of Derry, with many organisations availing of the magnificent space for meetings, lectures and dances. By 1889 the Hall had its own bands, choirs, and drama and music societies. During the 1890s the Hall’s popularity increased, with musicians such as John McCormack, Edward Sousa and The Halle Orchestra playing sold-out concerts in the main auditorium. By the 1940s and 1950s the Hall was firmly placed at the heart of society as local concerts and shows became a regular occurrence. In 1943, the first St Columb’s Hall pantomime was staged and that was the start of a tradition that only ended in the 1990s.

1962 was a significant year for the Hall as Father Edward Daly became head programmer. Under his intuitive leadership, the venue became flooded with arts activity and gained a new lease of life. ‘The Sunday Night Variety Shows’ began and welcomed international stars such as Ruby Murray, Val Doonican, The Clancy Brothers, Roy Orbison and Jim Reeves. Local stars including Dana, Phil Coulter and comedian Frank Carson credit performances in St Columb’s Hall as one of the starting points of their careers.

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‘The Troubles’ began in the late 1960’s in Derry and the use of the hall during this time was rare. Thankfully, the building survived unscathed. Father Con McLaughlin was assigned to care for the hall in the 1980s and he continued the excellent work of his predecessors. Under his leadership, the building flourished with an extensive theatre programme and numerous exhibitions in the renowned Orchard Gallery and Orchard Cinema.

St Columb’s Hall has had many uses throughout history. In 1910, Emily Pankhurst was the key speaker at a Suffragist Demonstration held in St Columb’s Hall. The Hall was later leased to the London Motion Picture Company and the main auditorium used as a cinema in March of 1913. In the early 1930s, it underwent a refurbishment and reopened to cater for the talkies, or sound films, for the first time. In December 1920, the British Army used the Hall for several weeks as a barracks for hundreds of troops and in the 1950s it was used as a temporary school. In the 1960s and 1970s the Hall was the community meeting point for the Nationalist Party, Butchers’ Union, Sean Dolans GAA club and the Pioneers Temperance Association Society.

In 2008 The Playhouse took residence whilst their building was being refurbished and during this time the Hall housed the 2008 ‘Big Tickle’ comedy festival, where famous comedians such as Colin Murphy and Andrew Maxwell took to the stage.

Most recently, in September 2013, it hosted the DANI business award ceremony.

In September 2012, St Columb’s Hall was purchased by the Garvan O’Doherty Group from the Long Tower Parish. The Hall is currently undergoing an extensive three-phase restoration project, with phase one recently completed.

The Hall is a celebrated building in terms of its design aspect, as a historical monument, as a centre for the arts and as the people’s building, inviting the locality through its doors for generations and for generations to come.

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THE CITY OF DERRY INTERNATIONAL CHORAL FESTIVAL IS PRODUCED IN ASSOCIATION WITH WALLED CITY MUSIC AND WISHES TO THANK… FESTIVAL FUNDERS Culture Company Arts Council NI The Honourable The Irish Society British Enkalon FESTIVAL SPONSORS Garvan O’Doherty Group (Lead Sponsor) Foyleside Shopping Centre FESTIVAL PARTNER Voices Now Festival - Roundhouse, London FESTIVAL FRIENDS Derry Visitor and Convention Bureau Fiorentini’s FESTIVAL STAFF Dónal Doherty, Artistic Director Matthew Greenall, Executive Director, Walled City Music Trust Fiona Crosbie, Festival Manager MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE Anthony McGurk, Chair Grainne Stevenson Joy Tennis Jillian Wilson Colm Rainey Martin White EVENTS MANAGER Padraig O’Duinnin

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SPECIAL THANKS FOR THE SUPPORT FROM: Rachel Clarke, Music Promise Padraig O’Duinnin, Event Manager, Culture Company Siobháin O’Reilly, Events Officer, Culture Company Kathryn Calvin, Events Officer, Culture Company Melissa Meenan, Volunteer Coordinator, Culture Company Niall Kerr, Marketing Officer, Culture Company John Fitzpatrick, Cork Choral Festival Sineád Madden, Cork Choral Festival Declan Durcan, Mayo Choral Festival COMPETITION ANNOUNCERS Jill Flanagan, Marie Lindsey, Tony Jackson, Colm Rainey, Geraldine Kelley, Des Rainey, James Kelley & Martin White.

VOLUNTEERS Emma Barr, Gerry Brady, Pat Crosbie, Tom Curran, Cíana Darrell, Bronagh Deeny, Brendan Doherty, Colm Doherty, Liz Doherty, Elena Dunne, Rachael Ewing, Nicky Fallon, Anne Gallagher, Jenny Grant, Catherine Flanagan, Patrick Flanagan, Chris Greene, Rachel Harkin, Kevin Healy, Jenny Huey, Margaret Kelly, Maurice Kelly, Chris Kerrigan, Fidelma Legge, Fergal Logue, Bridgeen MacManus, Anna McAllister, Margaret McCay, Laura McFall, Julia McIvor, Julia McIvor, Niamh McGowan, Helen O’Hare, Sadie O’Kane, Paddy Quinn, Vicki Quinn, Maureen Rainey, Rachel Tennis, Rebecca Tennis & Maeve Ward.

SPECIAL THANKS TO THE NORTH WEST VOLUNTEER CENTRE VOLUNTEERS

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CHORAL TRAIL MAP

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d

AT-A-GLANCE FESTIVAL SCHEDULE THURSDAY & FRIDAY Thursday 24th October

Friday 25th October

Post-Primary School Competition A St. Columb’s Hall 10.30am - 12pm

Primary School Competition A St. Columb’s Hall 10am - 11am

Post-Primary School Competition B St. Columb’s Hall 1pm - 3pm

Primary School Competition B St. Columb’s Hall 11.15am - 12.30pm

Big Sing Workshop (Post-Primary) St. Columb’s Hall 3.30pm- 4.30pm

Big Sing Workshop (Primary) St. Columb’s Hall 1.15pm - 2pm

Adjudication of Post-Primary Competitions St. Columb’s Hall 4.30pm - 5pm

Adjudication of Primary Competitions St. Columb’s Hall 2pm - 2.30pm

Opening Gala Concert St. Columb’s Hall 8pm - 10pm

Choral Trail City centre 3pm - 5pm

Festival Club St. Columb’s Hall 10pm

City Songs featuring Imogen Heap St. Columb’s Hall 8pm - 10pm Festival Club St. Columb’s Hall 10pm

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AT-A-GLANCE FESTIVAL SCHEDULE SATURDAY & SUNDAY Saturday 26th October

Sunday 27th October

National Female Voice Competition St. Columb’s Hall 10am - 11.15am

Sacred Trail City Churches 11am - 1.30pm

National Male Voice Competition St. Columb’s Hall 11.15am - 11.45am

National Sacred Music Competition First Derry Presbyterian Church 2pm - 4.30pm

Adjudication of Equal Voice Competitions St. Columb’s Hall 11.45am - 12pm

National Youth Choir Competition First Derry Presbyterian Church 5pm - 6pm

Choral Trail City Centre 11.30am - 5.30pm

Adjudication of Sacred and Youth Competitions 6pm - 6.30pm

National Mixed Voice Competition St. Columb’s Hall 1pm - 3.30pm

Closing Gala Concert St. Columb’s Hall 8pm - 10pm

Discovery Gospel Choir Workshop St. Columb’s Hall 3.45pm - 4.30pm

Festival Club St. Columb’s Hall 10pm

National Gospel Music Competition St. Columb’s Hall 4.30pm - 5.30pm Adjudication of Mixed Voice and Gospel Music Competitions St. Columb’s Hall 5.30pm - 6pm International Competition St. Columb’s Hall 7.30pm - 10pm Festival Club St. Columb’s Hall 10pm 59

www.codichoral.com 60