“a sheerly beautiful immersion in choral sonority ” Irish Times, March 2019
“The effect of the music is disturbingly moving. ….Under Hillier the choir sang as to the manner born” Irish Times, November 2018
Garnering a strong reputation for its unique approach to creative commissioning, recording and programming, Chamber Choir Ireland is the country’s flagship choral ensemble and national chamber choir under the Artistic Direction of the multi-award-winning conductor, Paul Hillier. The Choir’s programmes span from early renaissance to the present day, incorporating established choral classics with cutting edge commissions, and a style of performance that incorporates versatility, dynamism and often vocal pyrotechnics.
Chamber Choir Ireland performances have been described as having a tone which is ‘liquid in its power and purity’ with ‘a strong vocal flexibility of style’ (Belfast Telegraph). The Choir has a strong commitment to touring in Ireland and continues to develop its touring network in order to present high-quality choral concerts to audiences around the country. International touring has included the USA, Russia, South America and Germany.
Recent recording releases include the premiere recording of Tarik O’Regan and Alice Goodman’s cantata, A Letter of Rights, with the Irish Chamber Orchestra. The choir has previously recorded for the Harmonia Mundi, RTÉ Lyric FM labels including the world premiere recording of works by Gerald Barry, Barry meets Beethoven, featuring the Crash Ensemble and Stephen Richardson on the Orchid Classics label.
Chamber Choir Ireland has a strong Learning and Participation programme, including Composers in the Classroom, Choral Sketches, Sing! at Axis:Ballymun, Choral lectures and various workshop-oriented community choir projects.
Chamber Choir Ireland receives principal funding & support from the Arts Council/ an Chomhairle Ealaíon with additional support from Dublin City Council and the Arts Council of Northern Ireland through their National Lottery Funding.
Chamber Choir Ireland is a resident ensemble at the National Concert Hall of Ireland, Associate Artists to Dublin City University and a member of Tenso, the European network of professional chamber choirs.