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.

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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.