Irish Youth Choirs

The Irish Youth Choir offers exciting performance opportunities for conductors and singers from all over Ireland.

The Irish Youth Choirs are the only dedicated national youth choirs that offers training opportunities for conductors and singers from all over Ireland between the ages of 14-28 years old. Set up as a choir in 1982, IYCs now consists of two choirs; The Irish Youth Choir for 18-28 year olds, and The Irish Youth Choir (Formerly the Irish Youth Training Choir) for 14-17 year olds. 

The Irish Youth Choirs meets annually for a main intensive residential courses in the summer under the expert tuition of their conductors: for the 18-28 year olds,  Artistic Director, Bernie Sherlock, and for the 14-17 year olds, Patrick Barrett. Each conductor is joined by a team of vocal tutors to guide participants through the repertoire.  Each Residential course culminates in a number of performances by the choirs. 

Alumni of the Irish Youth Choir have proceeded to become some of Ireland’s best conductors, choir founders, singers, teachers, and musicians. 
The Irish Youth Choirs are run by Sing Ireland, Ireland's national body for the support and promotion of choirs and group singing, which is principally funded by the Arts Council of Ireland.

What the singers say…

“One of the highlights of my time in the Irish Youth Choir has been the wonderful variety of music that we have the privilege of studying and performing…we have been introduced to an exciting repertoire that has changed the way I perceive certain genres of music.” IYC Soprano

“IYC is much more than a choir; it was the first time in my life I had the opportunity to meet and befriend people who loved to sing as much as I do. I’ve built some wonderful memories and made some fantastic friends for life, none of which would have been possible without this amazing group.” IYCC & IYC Tenor

“Participating in the Irish Youth Choir has been such an incredible experience for me. We have such acclaimed talent and devotion among the staff of our tutoring panel, and Greg brings great enthusiasm and an encouraging attitude, ensuring that the week is full of great work and fun pulled together for everyone. Having the great opportunity to perform as part of collaborations, travel around Ireland for concert tours, and perform at the BBC Proms in London are just among the highlights of the success we have had as members of IYC.” IYCC & IYC Alto