This year’s City of Derry International Choir Festival has announced the final line-up of guest artists for its autumn event, due to take place 25 to 29 October.

In addition to the world-class vocal ensemble Tenebrae, announced earlier this year, the festival will open its doors with Swedish a cappella sensation The Real Group on Wednesday 25 October in St. Columb’s Hall. Known world-wide for their vocal exploration of jazz, pop and folk music, the group has become one of the cornerstones of the modern a cappella genre and has toured internationally for more than 30 years with the voice as their sole instrument.

The festival will also see the second outing of its Festival Chorus, a massed choir made up of members of every choir in the city and local singing enthusiasts, who will come together for a special performance of John Rutter’s Gloria, joined by the Ulster University Chamber Choir and award-winning Codetta. The 100-strong choir will be accompanied by internationally-regarded organist Catherine Ennis, brass and percussion in the stunning surroundings of the Guildhall on Thursday 26 October.

After audiences are wowed by choral masters Tenebrae in St. Columb’s Hall on Friday 27 October, the festival will host a late-night event in The Glassworks featuring ‘atmosfolk’ duo Saint Sister, Morgan MacIntyre and Derry native Gemma Doherty, with their mix of soulful vocal harmonies, dreamy synth and electro-acoustic harp.

Ciaran Scullion, Head of Music for Arts Council Northern Ireland, principle funder of the festival, commented, “The City of Derry International Choir Festival has quickly established an international reputation as a major celebration of the choral tradition with an impressive 60 choirs  taking part in the 2016 festival, reaching total audiences of 15,000. This year sees yet another impressive programme featuring professional, world-class, award-winning choirs alongside local and national choirs from the UK and Ireland.  In only 4 years, the festival has achieved excellent artistic profile, demonstrated significant benefits to the local economy, engaged the communities of Derry-Londonderry and put Northern Ireland on the world map for all the right reasons.”

With such an eclectic and spectacular line-up of guest artists, the festival is sure to feature something for every taste in music and tickets are now on sale for all events via the Millennium Forum.

For all festival information and updates visit www.derrychoirfest.com