The Cork International Choral Festival is pleased to announce that entries are now open for the 2025 Seán Ó Riada Composition Competition. Open to both established and emerging Irish composers, this prestigious competition offers the chance to win a cash prize (generously donated by the Ó Riada family) and the coveted Seán Ó Riada Trophy. The winning composition will be performed by Chamber Choir Ireland at the Festival’s Gala Concert, held in the stunning setting of St. Fin Barre’s Cathedral on 2nd May 2025.
Established in 1972 to honor the life and work of Seán Ó Riada (1931–71), this competition has evolved into a platform for showcasing the creativity of Irish composers, with a focus on both traditional and contemporary music, including works as Gaeilge. Scores are submitted anonymously to ensure a fair selection process, and the winning piece is chosen by an expert panel of internationally recognized composers and choral professionals.
The selected composition will receive its premiere performance during the Festival at a Gala Concert given by Chamber Choir Ireland. The composer of the work will be invited to attend the festival as its guest.
Since the competition’s format was refreshed 13 years ago, an impressive 302 original works have been submitted, reflecting a vibrant and growing interest in Irish composition. Past winners include notable composers such as Solfa Carlile, Rhona Clarke, Frank Corcoran, Amanda Feery, and last year’s winner, Anselm McDonnell. Several of these winning compositions have gone on to be published by international choral publishing houses.
The competition is open to composers born, or resident, in Ireland and applications are welcomed from both established and emerging composers. The score should be an original work, written for a cappella choir, and up to 5 minutes in duration. It should be in 4 parts, and the selected text may be original or existing, in the English, or Irish, language.
Full information on the competition criteria is available on the Festival’s website with applications now being accepted via https://www.corkchoral.ie/
For more details, please see our website: www.corkchoral.ie .
