Applications for 2026

Esker Festival Orchestra

The 2026 edition of the Esker Festival Orchestra will take place between August 14th and 23rd and the theme of this year's Festival is Rustic Delights and Dangers. Once again this year's festival will consist of two parts, with the option of participating in either one of each or both. Priority will be given to people who take part in both parts.

These two parts are:

August 14th to 18th: Orchestral Programme featuring Brahms' Symphony No. 2 and Aaron Copland's Appalachian Spring with one performance in Galway on Tuesday August 18th. Participation Cost - €250

August 19th to 23rd: Cavalleria Rusticana by Pietro Mascagni, featuring The Esker Festival Orchestra and Choir as well as a cast of International and Irish Soloists with two performances in Galway and Dublin on August 22nd and 23rd respectively. This block will also feature performances for children of Serge Prokofiev's Peter and the Wolf. Participation Cost - €250.

The cost for participating in both parts is €350. The cost of participation goes primarily towards the cost of accomodation. If you wish, it is possible to arrange your own accommodation for a considerable reduction in the participation cost. 

On top of these main concerts and works we are looking forward to sharing details about our ensemble in residence who on top of performing a concert of their own will also provide chamber music coaching to participating musicians.

The Deadline for Player Applications is April 20th 2026. We are accepting new applications for all positions in the orchestra.

If you are interested in becoming a member of the orchestra you can apply by filling out this online form.

Please Include a link to a video recording of your playing, upload a CV or short Biography and a scan of an ID for proof of age. Please remember that you must be over 18 to take part and that the number of places in the orchestra is limited. All rehearsals and concerts will take place within the dates stated above and all players must be available for all of the required dates. The number of required musicians will not exceed those called for in the principal works.

If you would like any more information about the application process, fees, accommodation or transport, please don't hesitate to contact us or see the FAQ page on our website. As details of the Festival may be different from previous years, we highly recommend you read the FAQs. Festival details may be subject to change.

Esker Festival Choir

The 2026 edition of the Esker Festival Choir will take place between August 1st and 23rd and the theme of this year's Festival is Rustic Delights and Dangers. We are particularly excited to be performing an Opera for the first time, the incredible work Cavalleria Rusticana by Pietro Mascagni, featuring The Esker Festival Orchestra and Choir as well as a cast of International and Irish Soloists with two performances in Galway and Dublin on August 22nd and 23rd respectively. 

This year we are delighted to perform again with the Choir and both Galway and Dublin. As such it is possible to sing in one or both performances and to attend rehearsals in either Galway or Dublin. Attendance at all relevant rehearsals is required and of course encourage you to perform in both concerts! The preliminary rehearsal schedule is as follows:

Saturday 1st of August (Galway Location TBC)
10:00 – Galway Soprano and Altos Sectional Rehearsal
14:00 – Galway Tenors and Basses Sectional Rehearsal
Sunday 2nd of August (Dublin Location TBC)
10:00 – Dublin Soprano and Altos Sectional Rehearsal
14:00 – Dublin Tenors and Basses Sectional Rehearsal
Saturday 8th of August
10:00 – Galway Tutti Choir Rehearsal 1
14:00 – Galway Tutti Choir Rehearsal 2
Sunday 9th of August
10:00 – Dublin Tutti Choir Rehearsals 1
14:00 – Dublin Tutti Choir Rehearsals 2
Tuesday 11th of August
19:00 - Dublin Tutti Choir Rehearsal 3
Thursday 12th of August
19:00 – Galway Tutti Choir Rehearsal 3
Thursday 20th of August
16:00 – Orchestra and Choir Rehearsal (required)
18:30 – Dinner/Recreational time
20:00 – String Quartet Concert
Saturday - 22nd of August
12:00 – Orchestra and Choir Rehearsal
13:30 – Dress rehearsal in the University of Galway
15:00 – Break
18:00 – Sound Check in St Nicholas' Church Galway
19:00 – Break
20:00 – Concert in St Nicholas' Church
Sunday - 23rd of August
17:00 – Dublin Choir Rehearsal
18:30 – Sound Check and Rehearsal
19:00 – Break
20:00 – Concert in Dublin

Due to the large amount of rehearsals and different locations required for this year's project there will be a cost of €100 required to participate. This will go towards extra accompaniment costs, room hire and towards subsiding the orchestra musicians and soloists who will be performing.

The deadline for choir applications is June 1st 2026. Once again we are accepting new applications for all positions in the choir.If you are interested in becoming a member of the choir for this special project you can apply by filling out this online Form..