PRESS RELEASE: Join Galway Choral Association to Sing Dvořák

 Are you enthusiastic about singing and looking for a new challenge? Galway Choral Association (GCA) is a mixed-voice community choir, with openings for men and women who would like to join us to perform beautiful 4-part choral music.

Led by musical director, Norman Duffy, GCA is preparing for a performance of the Dvořák Mass in D Major in early 2027.  This is an opportunity for singers at all levels to develop their skills and perform in a large-scale production of a work from the classical choral repertoire in the lovely St Nicholas’ Collegiate church.

“We welcome inquiries from former members, those returning to choral singing, and newcomers alike,” says recent new GCA member, Jacob Mays. “Singing in a group is fulfilling and greatly beneficial for mental and physical well-being.  Prior choral experience and ability to read music are helpful, but are not prerequisites: We offer learning tools to support all our members. Many new members haven’t sung in a choir for years, and we welcome all adult singers.”

The Galway Choral Association is a well-established choir in the heart of Galway City, with deep community ties. “We pride ourselves on our expertise in organizing concerts and our participation in community events,” Jacob Mays continues. “Our Director, Norman, and accompanist, Dympna O'Byrne, are accomplished musicians, dedicated to musical excellence.”

“We are delighted to be supporting the arts in Galway, in this our 100th year of operation.” says Barry Kennedy from major choir sponsor, DAVY.

Norman Duffy is particularly enthusiastic about the opportunity to work on the Dvořák Mass:  “This is an expressive work which was written for soloists, choir and organ, and is a delight to learn”.

The season begins on 6 September 2026. Rehearsals are on Sundays from 7:30 to 9:30 pm at St. Patrick’s Band Hall. New members are welcomed in September and February, with prospective members invited to attend up to three rehearsals to see if GCA is the right fit.

Please email admin@galwaychoral.ie to book an appointment with our Music Director for a quick voice-test.

Videos and photos from our Summer 2026 concert

Galway Choral Assoication

Galway Simon Music Project

A Capella Knights

Press Release - Galway's Musical Community Unites for a Summer Concert in Support of IMNDA

 You are invited to an uplifting evening of live music, as three Galway ensembles join forces in support of the Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association (IMNDA).

Hosted by the Galway Choral Association, with support from major sponsor DAVY, the concert will feature a rich and varied programme, with performances by the A Capella Knights, up-and-coming Galway pianist Sean Danker, and Galway Simon Music Project, as well as Galway Choral Association.

"Our summer concert celebrates Galway’s musical talent and community spirit" says Musical Director Norman Duffy.  Audiences will enjoy works by Charles Villiers Stanford, Gabriel Fauré, Jeremy Rawson and more. We're especially delighted to share the stage with the Galway Simon Community Music Project, whose enthusiasm and joy are truly infectious. Sean Danker is a remarkable young pianist, and the A Capella Knights bring warmth, energy and their trademark rich harmonies to every performance."

The event also supports a cause close to the hearts of choir members.  "We chose the Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association in honour of a long-standing member, who is currently benefiting from their support," said member Angelika Knoll. "We hope the community will join us for a wonderful evening while helping this vital organisation."

Summer Concert

📍 St Augustine’s Church, Middle Street, Galway

🗓 Saturday, 6 June

🕗 8.00pm

🎟 Tickets are available from choir members, at the door, or via Eventbrite.

For members - invitation to take part in Esker Festival Choir 2026

Galway Choral has received the message below from Esker Festival Orchestra.

Since we no longer maintain lists of email addresses for members, it is not possible to forward it individually. Instead, a copy has been placed here, and we will send a link to members via What'sApp.

Please contact them directly (details below) with any questions.

---

From: Esker Festival Orchestra <info@eskerfestivalorchestra.com>
Sent: Tuesday, March 3, 2026 2:29 p.m.
To: Info Esker <info@eskerfestivalorchestra.com>
Subject: Esker Festival Choir 2026

Hello there,

 I hope this email finds you well. After a lot of behind the scenes planning, we are delighted to finally be able to announce the details of the Esker Festival Choir 2026! This will be our most ambitious festival to date not only in number but also in the scope of performances and we hope you might be interested in joining us! 

The 2026 edition of the Esker Festival Choir will take place between August 1st and 23rd and the theme of this year's Festival is Rustic Delights and Dangers. We are particularly excited to be performing an Opera for the first time, the incredible work Cavalleria Rusticana by Pietro Mascagni, featuring The Esker Festival Orchestra and Choir as well as a cast of International and Irish Soloists with two performances in Galway and Dublin on August 22nd and 23rd respectively. 

This year we are delighted to perform again with the choir and both Galway and Dublin. As such it is possible to sing in one or both performances and to attend rehearsals in either Galway or Dublin. Attendance at all relevant rehearsals is required and of course encourage you to perform in both concerts! The preliminary rehearsal schedule is as follows:

Saturday 1st of August (Galway Location TBC)
10:00 – Galway Soprano and Altos Sectional Rehearsal
14:00 – Galway Tenors and Basses Sectional Rehearsal

Sunday 2nd of August (Dublin Location TBC)
10:00 – Dublin Soprano and Altos Sectional Rehearsal

14:00 – Dublin Tenors and Basses Sectional Rehearsal

Saturday 8th of August
10:00 – Galway Tutti Choir Rehearsal 1
14:00 – Galway Tutti Choir Rehearsal 2

Sunday 9th of August
10:00 – Dublin Tutti Choir Rehearsals 1
14:00 – Dublin Tutti Choir Rehearsals 2

Tuesday 11th of August
19:00 - Dublin Tutti Choir Rehearsal 3

Thursday 12th of August
19:00 – Galway Tutti Choir Rehearsal 3

Thursday 20th of August
16:00 – Orchestra and Choir Rehearsal (required)
18:30 – Dinner/Recreational time
20:00 – String Quartet Concert

Saturday - 22nd of August
12:00 – Orchestra and Choir Rehearsal
13:30 – Dress rehearsal in the University of Galway
15:00 – Break
18:00 – Sound Check in St Nicholas' Church Galway
19:00 – Break
20:00 – Concert in St Nicholas' Church

Sunday - 23rd of August
17:00 – Dublin Choir Rehearsal
18:30 – Sound Check and Rehearsal
19:00 – Break
20:00 – Concert in Dublin

 Due to the large amount of rehearsals and different locations required for this year's project there will be a cost of €100 required to participate. This will go towards extra accompaniment costs, room hire and towards subsiding the orchestra musicians and soloists who will be performing.

The deadline for applications is June 1st 2026. Once again we are accepting new applications for all positions in the choir. If you are interested in becoming a member of the choir for this special project you can apply by filling out this online Form.

If you would like any more information about the application process, fees, accommodation or transport, please don't hesitate to contact us or see our website. Festival details may be subject to change.

We are looking forward to hearing from you and collaborating on this exciting project! If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us and please don't hesitate to share this information with any friends or colleagues who might be interested in joining! 

All the best,

Peter Joyce. 

Videos and photos from our February 2026 concert

 

Launch event, January 2026

PRESS RELEASE: Choral Classics for February

Galway Choral Association (GCA) is presenting a powerful evening of choral music, featuring two much-loved works — Fauré Requiem and Schubert’s Mass No. 2 in G — in a richly scored performance with orchestra, organ and harp.

Under the direction of Musical Director Norman Duffy, the 50-strong choir will be joined by an outstanding line-up of soloists:   Aisling Kenny (soprano) and Eoin Hynes (tenor) will be joined by fellow Galway native, David Kennedy (baritone) who makes his debut with Galway Choral.

“We will open with Schubert's delightful Mass No. 2 in G major,” Norman Duffy says.   “Schubert imbued his second setting of the Latin Mass with the melodic gift for which he is so famous. It is a treasure from start to finish.”  

The second half will be a performance of Fauré's iconic Requiem.  "I am thrilled that GCA will to be joined by members of Luminosa, Galway's own splendid, and increasingly renowned, String Orchestra. It will be our second outing with Luminosa following a highly successful performance of Mozart's Requiem in 2023."  

The choir will also be joined by two French Horn players and a Harpist, while Raymond O'Donnell will provide Organ accompaniments throughout both works. "Playing with an excellent orchestra allows us to explore the range of colours and textures of this magnificent music within the extraordinary acoustic of a 700 year old building. It is tremendously exciting!"

Committee member Fiona Caufield adds: “This concert reflects the ambition of the choir and the strength of the musical community around us. We’re very grateful to our sponsors, DAVY whose support has made it possible to work with such an exceptional group of professional musicians.

The concert takes place at 8pm on Saturday, 7 February, at St Nicholas’ Collegiate Church, Galway.

Tickets: €25 / €20  are available from Eventbrite, Opus II, High Street (091 500 300), and choir members. Limited tickets may be available at the door.