Theatre Nights: Choral delights... and jazz fun too!

It’s May Day, the traditional date for the beginning of our Irish summer. And, as has happened for over seven decades here on our beloved Leeside, the Cork International Choral Festival is in full swing.

Just look at the gala concerts coming up: Syng Selected from Denmark at City Hall tonight; Chamber Choir Ireland at St Fin Barre’s Cathedral tomorrow at 8pm, followed by Cappella Pratensis from the Netherlands at 10pm; the legendary Fleischmann International Trophy Gala Concerts at the City Hall on Saturday at 3pm and 8pm, to accommodate the huge number of participating choirs; and the wonderful closing gala concert on Sunday night.

And it’s not just the big events, wonderful though they are. There are things going on all over the place, many free, in schools, libraries, colleges and galleries.

Don’t forget The Choral Trail all weekend, offering exciting opportunities to experience the magic of performances in unexpected and delightful locations.

And of course The Big Sing at City Hall on Saturday at 12.40pm, school concerts today at Dungourney, Killavullen, Carrigtwohill, and more tomorrow.

See corkchoral.ie to check out all that is happening.

May Bank Holiday also means The Ballydehob Jazz Festival. The little village at the gateway to the Mizen will be alive with music, circus, creativity, and connection.

“We’re so excited to welcome everyone back to Ballydehob,” says festival director Joseph O’Leary, “With everything going on globally - the cruelty, oppression, and negativity we see daily - it feels more important than ever to gather, celebrate, and share joy.”

Benji Bower is there tomorrow with a cross-channel collaboration of musicians including Molly O’Mahony, Leoni Evans, and Kathleen s.

Montpellier’s Canibal Dandies and Belgium’s Blue Mockingbirds return with their irresistible swing, blues, and old-time jazz.

Then there is Belfast’s Tumble Circus, the Carnival of Creatures Parade with all those lovingly-crafted puppets, and of course you wouldn’t want to miss following The Music Trail, would you?

All the details on https://ballydehobjazzfestival.org/.

West Kerryman Cormac Begley, master of the concertina, is at the Opera House tomorrow, Friday, while Sinead Sheppard’s School of Performing Arts will be there on Saturday with Showtime 2025 at both 12.30pm and 6.30pm.

There is another end-of-year performance from young talent with Billie Jean’s RDC and School of Performing Arts giving us Into The Spotlight on Sunday at 2pm. And still more next Thursday, May 8, with The Performers Academy’s end of year show showcase, Gotta Sing, Gotta Dance, directed by Irene Warren and Cian Griffin. Note 6.30pm start.

021 427 0022 or www.corkoperahouse.ie for all bookings.

At Everyman, there’s An Evening with Mike Harding tonight, and the White Horse Guitar Club on Friday and Saturday.

A special treat for the kids on Sunday with Swamped, An Ogre’s Tale, bringing the much-loved world of Shrek to the stage. 6.30pm start. Call 021 501673 or see www.everymancork.com.

The Montfort’s senior drama students present Heavy Weather by Lizzie Nunnery at Cork Arts Theatre tomorrow and Saturday night. A powerful, timely play with songs, about one girl’s journey through a world teetering on the brink. 7.30pm, with an extra matinee on Saturday at 2.30pm.

Call 021 450 5624 or see www.corkartstheatre.com.

Plus, good news for folk fans: the multi-award winning Canadian folk trio Genticorum tour Ireland next week and appear at Baltimore Fiddle Fair on Friday, May 9, Ionad Cultúrtha in Baile Mhúirne on Saturday, May 10, and Éigse na Brídeoige at St.Micheal’s Church, Waterville, on Sunday, May 11.

A great chance to hear one of the finest groups going!