East Cork Choral Society

East Cork Choral Society was founded in 1979 with the express intention of bringing all the major oratorios to Cork audiences. They have stayed faithful to this ideal and have sung a vast number of works from Bach, Britten, Mendelssohn, Handel, Haydn, Rossini, Verdi and many more.  They also, intentionally, have given a platform to young soloists, many of whom have gone on to have stellar international careers.  They have collaborated with other choirs giving them the opportunity to sing oratorio with an orchestra and soloists often travelling elsewhere to perform together. The choir has also, from time to time, joined forces with local schools and given a summer concert where the children are introduced to choral singing. Over the years they have supported many charities. Our 2023  City Hall performance of Mendelssohn’s Elijah raised over €11,000 for Marymount.

The founding conductor was Andrew Padmore.  Colin Nicholls took over in 1984. Under his baton the choir has had a very stable membership of about 60 singers.  Friendship, fun and hard work are enjoyed by all.

East Cork Choral Society are honoured to be opening the Cork International Choral Festival for the sixth time and delighted to be singing with the Guinness Choir and The Cork Fleischmann Symphony Orchestra.