Irish choir win top prize at international music festival

The NCH Choir Cór Linn, a distinguished mixed-voice ensemble comprising young singers aged 14 to 18, has achieved a landmark victory at the International Youth Music Festival held in Bratislava. Representing the National Concert Hall in Dublin, this choir earned the festival’s highest accolade, the Grand Prix, by obtaining a near-perfect score of 97 out of 100 in the Youth Choir SATB (Under-21) category.

The competition brought together a diverse array of youth ensembles across disciplines including choir, orchestra, dance, jazz, and percussion. Among these, Cór Linn’s performance stood out, not only clinching the gold medal in their category but also surpassing all participants across the numerous festival events. This outstanding result highlights the choir’s exceptional musicality and technical skill.

Under the guidance of Choral Director Ciarán Kelly, Cór Linn demonstrated a remarkable level of cohesion and artistry that impressed the international panel of judges. The choir’s disciplined approach and expressive delivery contributed significantly to their winning score, marking a milestone in their development and international recognition.

Beyond their competitive success, Cór Linn was also honored with a special participation award acknowledging their exemplary spirit and conduct throughout the duration of the festival. This distinction underscores the choir’s professionalism and positive representation of Ireland on the global stage.

The National Concert Hall’s leadership expressed strong pride in the choir’s achievements, noting that these young musicians serve as a vital component of the organization’s broader artistic mission. The institution’s commitment to nurturing emerging talent is reflected in Cór Linn’s ability to perform at the highest international standards, reinforcing their status as an ambassador for Irish choral music.

Founded by RTÉ in 2018, Cór Linn has steadily built an impressive competitive record. Their recent victories include winning the National Youth Choir Competition at the City of Derry International Choir Festival in 2024, followed by a triumphant return in 2025 where they claimed top honors in both the National Youth Choir and National Sacred & Gospel competitions. These accolades culminated in their designation as the Overall National Choir of the Festival, establishing them as one of Ireland’s premier youth ensembles.

Looking ahead, the choir’s Bratislava success has opened doors to further prestigious engagements. Invitations have been extended for participation in the 20th International Festival and Competition Cançó Mediterrània scheduled for 2027, as well as the upcoming International Pau Casals Choir Competition in Barcelona. These opportunities promise to enhance Cór Linn’s international profile and continue their trajectory of artistic growth.

The significance of Cór Linn’s achievements lies not only in their competitive triumphs but also in their role as cultural representatives of Ireland’s choral tradition. Their international recognition helps to elevate the profile of Irish youth music on a global platform, encouraging engagement and exchange within the wider European choral community.

While detailed information on the specific repertoire performed at the Bratislava festival remains limited, the choir’s success speaks to a rigorous preparation process and a versatile musical approach. This accomplishment further exemplifies the effectiveness of Ireland’s investment in youth arts education and the nurturing of musical excellence through institutions such as the National Concert Hall.

In summary, the NCH Choir Cór Linn’s victory at the International Youth Music Festival marks a significant achievement for the ensemble and Irish choral music at large. Their gold medal and Grand Prix award in Bratislava affirm their standing as leading young musicians on the international stage, setting a promising precedent for future competitions and cultural exchanges.