About Us

The Irish Youth Choir was founded in 1981 to provide an opportunity for young Irish singers to perform demanding and rewarding choral works to the highest possible standard, to sing together under the direction of professional conductors and tutors, and to increase their musical skills.

A mixed voice choir of singers aged between 18 and 28, the Irish Youth Choir's membership is drawn from all over the country through nationwide auditions. IYC members participate in the Irish Youth Choir’s intensive annual summer residential training course and perform in its annual concerts. The choir has inspired many young people to enter professional careers as soloists, conductors and musicians and has allowed others to perform chorally at a national and international level.

Since its establishment, the choir has performed the length and breadth of the country and has performed an extensive range of choral works, including a number of commissions form leading Irish composers.

2008 saw the introduction of the Conductor in Training initiative for IYC. The position was established to give a young conductor an opportunity to work with the choir and conduct IYC in rehearsals and performance. In 2009, this position was offered jointly by IYC and the National Chamber Choir to Clare O'Brien. The 2010 conductor in training is Sinead Dempsey, from Waterford. In addition, a number of education initiatives were established, including a masterclass for conductors and sight singing sessions included as part of the IYC intensive training week.