Our Story

Sing Ireland is Ireland’s national body for the support, development and promotion of all forms of group singing.

We were founded in Cork in 1980 by Dr. Geoffrey Spratt and Aiveen Kearney, to support, develop and promote excellence in choral singing in Ireland. Operating as the Association of Irish Choirs / Cumann Náisiúnta na gCór, the organisation established a range of programmes and activities designed to create high-quality singing experiences for people of all ages throughout the country, responding to the needs of its members, the wider choral community and the public.

As well as creating and supporting a community of choral practitioners right across the country, AOIC established the Irish Youth Choirs, to include the Irish Youth Training Choir and the Irish Youth Chamber Choir, as well as the annual International Choral Conducting Summer School which is now in its 43rd year.

After 38 years as the Association of Irish Choirs, the organisaton rebranded to Sing Ireland in 2019 to allow it to further strengthen its role in supporting the diverse sector of choirs and singing groups in Ireland.  Sing Ireland represents over 229,000 people who regularly sing in groups in Ireland, from amateur youth choirs and singing groups in care homes to professional choirs and singing groups covering a wide range of musical genres and styles. 

At Sing Ireland, our work is about creating a positive future for all people living on the island of Ireland. We champion and demonstrate the many life-enhancing benefits that singing offers to positively impact your health, creativity, and overall wellbeing.  

Today, our purpose remains the same, but our commitment goes beyond the notes on a score as we strive to create a sense of belonging, unity, and joy for more people in Ireland, through the transformative power of singing.