National Symphony Chorus

Chorus Master: David Young 
Rehearsal pianist: Fergal Caulfield
Stewards: Ciarán Crangle, Charlotte Martin
Administrator: Lesley Bishop

Since it was set up by Colin Mawby in 1985, the National Symphony Chorus (formerly RTÉ Philharmonic Choir) has been at the heart of Ireland’s choral music scene. In the capable hands of its subsequent choir masters - Mark Duley (1996-2011), Mark Hindley (2012-2018) and now David Young (2019) - the choir has gone from strength to strength, firmly establishing itself as Ireland’s leading symphonic choral ensemble, with a highly impressive repertoire, well in excess of a hundred pieces.

With the formation of Cór na nÓg in 1987 and Cór Linn in 2018, the National Concert Hall is now the home to three national choirs, accommodating 300 singers, across three stages of voice development, from nine year olds, through to adults in the National Symphony Chorus. As such, it provides an opportunity for anyone with a talent for music and a love of singing to participate.

The inclusive and diverse ensemble is made up of 160 dedicated amateur singers of all ages, from all walks of life and all over the country. Indeed, some travel to Dublin from as far away as Cork, Wexford, Longford, Roscommon and Tipperary, to take part in weekly rehearsals. Every year they perform as many as six concerts during the September-to-May season. These performances include their role as chorus for the National Symphony orchestra, as well as dedicated concerts and recordings of their own. The Choir’s recordings for the Naxos & RTÉ labels have been described as ‘glorious’ and ‘thrilling”.

The National Symphony Chorus is always interested in new members, especially tenors and basses.

To find out more, contact Lesley Bishop at lesley.bishop@nch.ie