Following a week of intensive rehearsals, the Irish Youth Choir and National Youth Orchestra of Ireland performed to full houses at the West Cork Chamber Music Festival, Wexford Opera House and The National Concert Hall, Dublin. The 2010 programme included Brahms’ Requiem and Barber’s Prayers of Kierkegaard with Artistic Director Greg Beardsell and soloists Cara O’Sullivan and Limerick’s own Owen Gilhooly.

"the choral sound was always glorious"
Michael Dervan, The Irish Times
read more of Michael Dervan's review of West Cork Chamber Music Festival  


More about the Irish Youth Choir
Following nationwide auditions 91 young singers and 49 instrumentalists between the ages of 18 and 28 benefit from the IYC and NYOI experience by taking part in the summer residential programme of training, rehearsals and concerts all of which take place in an environment which develops teamwork, respect and leadership. The Irish Youth Choir also offers opportunities for young conductors to develop their skills through the Conductor in Training initiative, run in conjunction with the National Chamber Choir, and by offering masterclass opportunities during the IYC week.

Speaking about the residency in UL, Liz Powell, CEO of the Irish Youth Choir said ‘we’re really delighted that the Irish Youth Choir has returned to Limerick for the third year in a row for the rehearsals in the run up to our national tour. It’s particularly exciting that the choir was joined by the National Youth Orchestra in our new home in the University Concert Hall for this historic and symbolic collaboration.’

The Irish Youth Choir was founded in 1982 to provide an opportunity for young Irish singers to increase their musical skills, to sing together under the direction of professional conductors and tutors, and to perform demanding and rewarding choral works to the highest possible standard. Since its foundation, over 1,000 singers have performed with the Irish Youth Choir. IYC members have gone on to form the backbone of musical life in this country and beyond as conductors, choir founders, singers, teachers and musicians. They include singer Julie Feeney, soloists Mairéad Buicke and Bridget Knowles, conductors Bernie Sherlock and Niall Crowley, to name but a few.