Orchestra Applications for 2024
The 2024 edition of the Esker Festival Orchestra will take place between August 12th and 18th .
This year 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 one week and all players must be available for all of the 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
Applications now Open!
Following on from our 10th anniversary performances of Gustav Mahler's 2nd Symphony in Galway Cathedral and St Patrick's Cathedral Dublin we are delighted to be able to include a choir once again in 2024 for our performances of Gustav Holst’s ‘The Planets’. The S.S.A.A Choir is used in the movement ‘Neptune, the Mystic.’
The Esker Festival Orchestra will be open to all enthusiastic choral singers, of all ages from all over Ireland. The only requirement is that you can read music to a reasonable level and have some experience singing in choirs!
As there will be two concerts, one in Galway and one in Dublin we will be organising a number of rehearsals in those two cities in the weeks before the performances. Attendance at at least one rehearsal and the relevant dress rehearsal is mandatory for participation. It is not mandatory to sing in both concerts, but highly encouraged of course!
A PDF of the music and practice materials are available upon request. There is of course no requirement to work on the piece with your choir in advance but it would certainly be appreciated!
Here are the preliminary dates and times of the rehearsals and concerts:
Saturday - 10th of August
14:00 – Dublin Choir Rehearsal 1 (Location TBC)
Sunday - 11th August
19:00 – Galway Choir Rehearsal 1 (Emily Anderson Concert Hall, University of Galway)
Wednesday - 14th August
19:30 – Galway Choir Rehearsal 2 (Emily Anderson Concert Hall, University of Galway)
Saturday - 17th August
16:00 – Dress Rehearsal (Galway Cathedral)
17:00 – Break
20:00 – Concert in Galway Cathedral
Sunday - 18th August
11:00 – Sound Check and Dress Rehearsal
14:00 – Break
15:00 – Concert in the National Concert Hall Dublin
There will be no cost to take part, but any travel, meals or accommodation required must be arranged personally.
In order to apply, simply fill out this online Form!
Applications will remain open until all of the available positions have been filled.
Looking forward to hearing from you and collaborating on this exciting project!
