The Charles Wood Festival of Music and Summer School

The Charles Wood Festival of Music and Summer School takes place annually during August in Armagh, Northern Ireland. It was founded in 1994 to celebrate and promote the legacy of Charles Wood, who received his early musical training in St. Patrick’s Church of Ireland Cathedral. This unique Festival works to support, nurture and inspire the next generation of choral professionals.

The Festival consists of a week-long programme of over 30 events in Armagh’s treasury of churches. These include concerts, workshops, services and broadcasts, most notably BBC Radio 3 Choral Evensong and BBC Radio Ulster Morning Service. International choral groups such as Stile Antico have featured at the Festival, together with the Ulster Orchestra and well-known musicians including Will Todd and the Festival’s Patron John Rutter CBE. The Festival is also noted for its collaboration with other organisations across the island of Ireland.

The Festival’s resident choir is the Charles Wood Singers. Members are aged between 18 and 28 and are drawn from diverse parts of the UK and the Republic of Ireland, with the Festival priding itself on its cross-community ethos. It also offers smaller ensemble opportunities in outdoor heritage trails and performances in local care home settings. Under the expert direction of the Festival’s Artistic Director, Dr David Hill MBE, the singers develop their vocal technique, musicianship and ensemble skills. Repertoire choices are challenging and varied, spanning the centuries, and the highest standards are delivered. Members also receive mentoring from professional singers within the choir and specialist support from the Festival’s resident vocal coach, Paul Farrington.

The 2022 Festival programme will be officially launched on 25 June and full details will be available on our website.

Application deadline to join The Charles Wood Singers: 20 June 2022