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Dublin teenagers win big in Derry choral competition

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Wednesday, October 29th 2025 at 9:44 GMT by RTE Online

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Dublin Teens Take the Stage to Derry’s Choral Glory

In an unexpected but delightful twist, a group of Dublin teenagers have claimed top honours at a prestigious choral competition held in Derry. The event, which gathered choirs from across Ireland and the UK, saw the “Dublin Harmony” ensemble—composed of students from St. Columba’s Secondary School—secure multiple awards, including first place in the mixed‑voice choir category, best solo performance, and the coveted “Newcomer Award” for their debut entry. Their triumph has already ignited a flurry of praise from music educators, local media, and the Irish public.

The Competition That Stood Out

The competition in question, formally known as the Derry International Choral Competition (DIChC), is an annual gathering that draws young singers from both sides of the Irish Sea. Held in the historic city of Derry, the festival features a rigorous judging panel comprised of professional conductors, vocal coaches, and academic researchers. The DIChC prides itself on promoting cultural exchange, artistic excellence, and the development of young talent.

In 2025, the event attracted over 30 choirs, ranging from primary‑school ensembles to high‑school and college groups. The 14‑year‑old “Dublin Harmony” squad, however, captured the attention of the judges and audience alike with a repertoire that spanned contemporary Irish ballads, classical arias, and an original arrangement of a traditional Gaelic folk tune.

The Dublin Ensemble: A Close‑Knitted Team

“Dublin Harmony” was assembled in the spring of 2024 by St. Columba’s music teacher, Ms. Niamh Walsh. The choir’s roster includes eight girls and six boys, all aged between 13 and 17. The group’s rigorous rehearsal schedule—three times a week in the school’s music hall—has been complemented by a series of masterclasses with visiting vocal specialists, one of whom was former Irish tenor, Colm Ó Leary.

In a post‑competition interview, Ms. Walsh reflected on the group’s preparation: “We focused on unity, balance, and expression. It wasn’t just about hitting the right notes; it was about telling a story together.”

The choir’s director, Eoin MacCarthy, also praised the students’ resilience. “The travel, the unfamiliar environment in Derry, the pressure of competing against seasoned groups—yet they remained calm and confident. That speaks volumes about their character.”

Award Highlights

1. First Place – Mixed‑Voice Choir
   The ensemble’s setlist, which included “The Wind That Shakes the Barley” and a contemporary composition by local composer Fiona McKeown, earned the highest score for overall performance. Judges commended the choir’s cohesive sound and dynamic contrast.

2. Best Solo Performance – Gabrielle O’Connor (Tenor)
   The soloist, a 15‑year‑old tenor from St. Columba’s, wowed the panel with her rendition of “Anam Cara”, delivering a lyrical line that resonated deeply with both judges and spectators.

3. Newcomer Award – Best Ensemble Debut
   As first‑time participants, the group’s rapid ascent to the top ranks impressed the adjudicators. The award recognised not only technical skill but also the ensemble’s potential for future growth.

4. Audience Choice Award
   A spontaneous poll held during the final gala saw “Dublin Harmony” receive the highest number of votes, signalling broad popular appeal.

Community and Cultural Impact

The win has been celebrated not just as a musical victory but as a cultural milestone. In Derry, the competition has long been a conduit for fostering cross‑border understanding, and the presence of a Dublin choir underscores a shared artistic heritage that transcends provincial boundaries.

St. Columba’s principal, Dr. Sean O’Rourke, expressed his pride in the students’ achievements: “Our pupils have taken what we learned here—discipline, teamwork, respect for tradition—and turned it into something extraordinary. They’ve set an example for other schools.”

The Irish Times noted that the win might inspire other schools to invest more in their choral programs, citing a potential surge in enrollment for music classes nationwide.

Behind the Scenes: The Journey to Derry

The journey began with a local selection process that drew over 200 applicants. Following auditions conducted in early 2024, 14 students were chosen to form the choir. Their first rehearsal in the Derry venue, the MacGillivray Theatre, was a turning point, exposing them to the grandeur of a professional stage and the acoustics that would later become part of their winning formula.

During the week of the competition, the students balanced rehearsals with cultural excursions—visiting the Belfast Museum and attending a local Celtic music workshop—to broaden their musical horizons. Their schedule was grueling, yet they maintained high morale, often sharing moments of laughter and camaraderie over shared meals and spontaneous jam sessions.

Looking Forward: A New Chapter

Following the victory, the choir has already secured a spot in the upcoming Irish Youth Choir Championships in Galway. They are also slated to perform in a broadcast segment on RTÉ Radio 1, where they will showcase a collaborative piece with an orchestra.

Ms. Walsh envisions a future where “Dublin Harmony” serves as a bridge between schools and professional artists. “We hope to inspire the next generation to see the world as a stage where they can collaborate, learn, and grow.”

The competition’s organisers have praised the Dublin entrants, noting that “their fresh energy and authentic vocal quality have set a new benchmark for future participants.”

Final Reflections

The success of “Dublin Harmony” at the Derry International Choral Competition exemplifies the powerful role of youth music programs in shaping cultural dialogue and personal development. Through disciplined practice, creative expression, and mutual support, these young performers turned an ambitious dream into a resounding reality. Their journey—from the halls of St. Columba’s to the celebrated stages of Derry—will undoubtedly inspire countless other young musicians across Ireland to pursue their own artistic aspirations.