Around 3,000 singers from all over the world have started to arrive in Derry for the City of Derry International Choir Festival.
Organisers believe this year will see the largest ever number of choirs taking part, with more than 100 musical groups bringing the City of Song theme to life across the five-day annual event.
Choirs are travelling from Spain, Portugal, Iceland, Germany, England, Scotland, Wales and from across the island of Ireland to be take part in the festival from today, Wednesday, October 23.
Artistic director and founder Dónal Doherty said it had grown since it was first held back in 2013 as part of the City of Culture programme.
Speaking on BBC Radio Foyle’s North West Today programme, Mr Doherty said the festival had become one of the most prestigious events of its kind in Europe.
Choirs ranging from local and school groups to vocal ensembles, adult, community and gospel choirs will also take part.
“The festival is more than just music, the message is all about bringing people together, especially at a time when there’s so much trouble in the world, it’s about peace and humanity working and living together for a better world,” he told Radio Foyle.
“It’s a strong social message, as well as a musical experience and really is a celebration of song throughout the week.
“This is our biggest festival yet.”
The festival kicks off today with a performance of one of the 20th century’s major choral works, A Child of Our Time by Michael Tippett.
Featuring a festival chorus made up of 100 singers from across the north west, alongside guest soloists and the Ulster Orchestra, the performance will be led by renowned Irish conductor David Brophy.
“A plea for tolerance and humanity at a time of oppression and hate, the universal themes of this incredible and unmissable work continue to resonate, never more so than in the current conflicts of today,” said the festival organisers.
