Following on from the amazing opening concert in Knock Basilica, more than 1,000 singers will take part in the fifth Mayo International Choral Festival this weekend, performing songs from many genres, including jazz, pop, folk, sacred and gospel music. Mayo in May - the mecca for all music lovers.
The fifth festival, the only countywide choral festival in Ireland, will take the form of 26 international, national, and Mayo choirs participating on a competitive and non-competitive basis. The festival will include a number of evening and daily countywide performances, as well as competitions with all events open to a public audience. For visitors - friendship, relaxation and a memorable Mayo experience is ensured, allowing audiences and choirs to meet other choirs and locals, relax, and enjoy a great weekend in the beautiful west of Ireland.
Choirs from Mayo and local community groups will assist with the coordination of the events. International choirs include: from the USA - The Southern Indiana University Chamber Choir; from Norway - Vadsø Mannssangforening (Vadsoe Male Choir ); and from Wales - Côr Meibion Llanelli Male Voice Choir.
Concerts will take place in Westport in the Church of the Holy Trinity, this evening, May 27, in Ballintubber Abbey, Ballina Arts Centre and the Church of the Holy Family in Kiltimagh, all starting at 8pm. On Sunday evening May 29, there is a concert in Cong Church, which starts at 5pm. Saturday sees the adjudications of the competing choirs in Castlebar, which is open to the public. It is a great chance to see all the choirs singing at their best. Between the competitions, choirs will perform short outdoor street performances and also at Mayo Memorial Peace Park, weather permitting. At 8pm on Saturday, the prize-winning choirs will perform at the Gala Choral Concert, in the GMIT, Castlebar, during the Premier Competition, and celebrations will be held in Healy Macs, Breaffy House Hotel, immediately afterwards. On Sunday, everyone is invited to sing at the dawn chorus at Lough Lannagh Carpark, Castlebar, at 8am – for those rising early or for those going home from the celebrations the night before. The festival closes with a concert in Cong Church at 5pm. For more information log on to www.mayochoral.com
