Introduction
Festival Director’s Introduction
Beirim fíor chaoin fáilte romhaibh go léir ag an 62ú Cór Fhéile Idirnáisiúnta Chorcaí 2016. Tá súil agam go mbainfidh sibh árdthaithneamh as na laethanta atá romhainn. I am delighted to welcome you to the 62nd Festival and I am confident our audiences will again experience a feast of choral music in all its historical and national diversity over the period of the festival. The extensive programme of events highlighted in this programme feature Gala Concerts, Fringe Concerts, an international competition of high standing, a Choral Symposium, national adult and school competitions, educational activities, and church performances. Performances will take place in venues all over the city and county, and further afield, to ensure that Cork continues to be the place to be to participate, experience, and enjoy the wonderful sounds of the human voice. 14 visiting foreign choirs and ensembles from Australia, Estonia, Faroe Islands, Finland, Germany, France, Morocco, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, and USA, will add colour, spectacle, and international diversity to our activities, including our Choral, and Sacred Trails, Meet and Greet presentations, and Friendship Concert series. The Festival commemorates the anniversary of 1916 through the inclusion of Mise Éire (Ó Riada) in its opening concert, and through the commission and premiere performance of two important new works, based on 1916, by Stephen McNeff, and Amanda Feery. The 400th anniversary of the death of William Shakespeare is also commemorated in a themed concert presentation by Chamber Choir Ireland, the Festival’s choir-in-residence. We maintain our visual arts initiative with the commission of a series of limited edition prints by Cork artist, Colm Murphy. I take this opportunity to thank Fáilte Ireland, the Arts Council, Cork City Council, Cork County Council, for their continued financial grant aid, and to Indaver Ireland, First South Credit Union Ltd., the city’s hotels, and our other sponsors whose support allows us to plan and present this festival which is of major local, national and international significance. I acknowledge all our collaborators including CCI (Chamber Choir Ireland), CMC, AOIC, CIT Cork School of Music, Cork City Music Library, Féile na Bealtaine (Dingle), and the many city and county venues, particularly CIT CSM, St. Fin Barre’s Cathedral, Triskel Christchurch, The Freemasons’ Hall, St. Anne’s Church, Shandon, the Cathedral of St Mary and St Anne, who make their venues available to us to present different types of concerts, and to extend the impact of this festival to a wider audience base. I express my thanks to our excellent administration team, the members of the Festival’s Boards, and particularly the committed involvement of all the volunteers, without whom the Festival could not take place. Gabhaim míle buíochas do gach éinne atá páirteach. To all who attend, whether participant or audience member, enjoy your time with us and know that you are an intrinsic part of this vibrant and successful festival.
John Fitzpatrick Artistic and Festival Director
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