The celebrated composer and conductor John Rutter, who arranged music for the recent Coronation Service in Westminster Abbey, will visit Armagh this August as part of the 30th Charles Wood Festival of Music and Summer School. John Rutter is Patron of the Festival, and will be leading one of his popular Come and Sing events on Wednesday 23rd August, with audience members travelling from all over Ireland and further afield to take part. It is his only visit to Ireland this year.The full 30th Charles Wood Festival programme is now available, with a huge range of events on offer from 20th – 27th August. The programme was officially launched on Thursday 22nd June at the Palace Demesne Armagh, hosted by Councillor Kevin Savage, Chair of the Economic Development and Regeneration Committee along with and representatives from Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council.The Festival week will build on the successes of previous years, with big opportunities for community outreach and participation. This year sees the return of the Charles Wood Girls’ Choir for the first time since 2019, with over 30 girls aged 12-18 enrolled from across the island of Ireland. The Charles Wood Singers will also return, led by the Festival’s Artistic Director David Hill.The programme promises a great mix of services, concerts, lessons and masterclasses in the city’s churches. These include the opening concert with the Priory Singers from Belfast, Bach at Twilight and the Festival’s Gala Concert, showcasing all strands of the Summer school. Also listed is an outdoor event called Folk Songs on the Mall, featuring a selection of well-known Irish folk songs. New developments for the 30th Festival include a landmark commission by Bob Chilcott, to be broadcast on BBC Radio 3, and the first ever Charles Wood Composers’ Competition.To view the full programme and book tickets, click here.
