Orchestra Applications for 2025
The 2025 edition of the Esker Festival Orchestra will take place between August 15th and 24th .
For the first time this year’s festival will consist of two of 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 15th to 18th: 'The Creation' Joseph Haydn's Magnum Opus: with the Esker Festival Orchestra and Choir, with one performance in Galway on August 18th. Cost - €250
August 19th to 24th: 'Transfigurations' Orchestral Masterworks: featuring works by Wagner, Stravinsky and Richard Strauss and other works TBC with performances in Galway and Dublin - Cost - €350.
The cost for participating in both parts is €400.
The participation cost includes accommodation. If you wish, it is possible to arrange your own accommodation for a considerable reduction in the participation cost.
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 this seasons 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 our F.A.Q section. Festival details may be subject to change.
Esker Festival Choir 2025
August 15th to 18th: 'The Creation' Joseph Haydn's Magnum Opus.
We are absolutely delighted to announce that this summer the Esker Festival Orchestra and Choir will be performing Haydn's Creation (sung in English) for one performance in Galway on August 18th. We are once again delighted to accept applications from singers of all ages and from all over Ireland to join us in performing this Choral and Orchestral Masterwork!
Rehearsals will take place weekly in May and in blocks in June and August. A preliminary schedule is as follows:
Initial Rehearsals in Galway (Galway City Location TBC)
Saturday May 3rd - St Nicholas’ Collegiate Church Galway
14:00-17:00 - Full Choral Rehearsal and Meet and Greet (Open for all)
Sunday May 11th
13:00 - Soprano Sectional Rehearsals
16:00 - Alto Sectional Rehearsals
Sunday May 18th
13:00 - Tenor Sectional Rehearsals
16:00 - Bass Sectional Rehearsals
Saturday May 24th
13:00 - Soprano Sectional Rehearsals
16:00 - Alto Sectional Rehearsals
Saturday May 31st
13:00 - Tenor Sectional Rehearsals
16:00 - Bass Sectional Rehearsals
Sunday July 27th
10:00 – Galway Tutti Choir Rehearsal 1
14:00 – Galway Tutti Choir Rehearsal 2
Thursday - July 31st
19:00 - Galway Tutti Choir Rehearsal 3
Saturday - 2nd of August
10:00 – Galway Tutti Choir Rehearsal 4
14:00 – Galway Tutti Choir Rehearsal 5
Thursday - August 7th
19:00 - Galway Tutti Choir Rehearsal 6
Saturday - 9th of August
10:00 – Galway Tutti Choir Rehearsal 7
14:00 – Galway Tutti Choir Rehearsal 8
Thursday 14th of August
19:00 - Galway Tutti Choir Rehearsal 9
As the only performance will in Galway, we understand that it may be difficult or unappealing for singers not based in the west of Ireland. We would of course be delighted for as many singers from all over Ireland to join us! Therefore if there is enough interest we would be delighted to offer the following rehearsals in Dublin for anyone that it might suit better.
Saturday July 26th
10:00 – Dublin Tutti Choir Rehearsal 1
14:00 – Dublin Tutti Choir Rehearsal 2
Sunday 3rd of August
10:00 – Dublin Tutti Choir Rehearsal 3
14:00 – Dublin Tutti Choir Rehearsal 4
Wednesday - August 6th
19:00 - Dublin Tutti Choir Rehearsal 5
Sunday 10th of August
10:00 – Dublin Tutti Choir Rehearsal 6
14:00 – Dublin Tutti Choir Rehearsal 7
Tuesday 12th of August
19:00 - Dublin Tutti Choir Rehearsal 8
Final Rehearsals in Galway (Mandatory for all)
Sunday 17th of August (University of Galway)
14:00 – Rehearsals with Choir and Orchestra
17:00 – Dinner Break
18:00 – Rehearsals with Orchestra, Choir and Soloists
Monday 18th of August
13:00 – Rehearsal with Orchestra, Choir and Soloists
16:00 – Break/Dinner
18:00 – Sound Check in St Nicholas Church Galway
19:00 – Break/Dinner
20:00 – Concert in St Nicholas’
22:00 – Post Concert Reception
Due to the increased 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 conducting and accompaniment costs, room hire and towards subsiding the orchestra musicians who will be performing.
You can apply for free online by filling out this form!
Applications will remain open until all of the available positions have been filled.
