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:
Saturday April 26th - Full Choral Rehearsal (Galway)
Saturday May 3rd - Sectional Choral Rehearsals (Galway)
Saturday May 10th - Sectional Choral Rehearsals (Galway)
Saturday May 17th - Sectional Choral Rehearsals (Galway)
Saturday May 24th - Full Choral Rehearsals (Galway)
Week of June 30th - Full Choral Rehearsals (Galway, exact days and times TBC)
Sunday August 3rd - Full Choral Rehearsals (Galway)
Saturday August 9th - Full Choral Rehearsals (Galway)
Thursday August 14th - 7pm: Choral Rehearsals (Galway)
Sunday August 17th - 2pm Rehearsals with Choir and Orchestra (University of Galway)*
Sunday August 17th - 6pm Rehearsals with Choir, Soloists and Orchestra (University of Galway)*
Monday August 18th - 1pm Dress Rehearsal (Galway)*
Monday August 18th - 8pm Concert (Galway)*
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.
Week of June 23rd - Sectional Choral Rehearsals (Dublin, exact days and times TBC)
Saturday August 2nd - Full Choral Rehearsals (Dublin)
Sunday August 10th - Full Choral Rehearsals (Dublin)
Monday August 11th - 7pm: Choral Rehearsals (Dublin)
Tuesday August 12th - 7pm: Choral Rehearsals (Dublin)
Wednesday August 13th - 7pm: Choral Rehearsals (Dublin)
*Attendance mandatory for everyone. Attendance at all rehearsals is not mandatory, but a minimum attendance of around two thirds will be expected. Exact rehearsals times, dates and location are subject to minor change.
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.
