800 singers unite for sold-out John Rutter Come and Sing Afternoon in Belfast's St Anne's Cathedral

A massed choir of 800 people from across Northern Ireland and beyond travelled to St Anne’s Cathedral in Belfast for a sold-out John Rutter Come and Sing Afternoon, in a powerful celebration of choral music and community.

Participants travelled to take part in this special event on April 18, forming a massed choir under the direction of Sir John Rutter, one of the world’s most beloved choral composers.

placeholder image — Sir John Rutter conducts the 800-strong choir of singers who gathered in St Anne's Cathedral in Belfast at the weekend for a Come and Sing event, part of the Charles Wood Festival Of Music CREDIT Charles Wood Centenary Festival

For many involved, Rutter’s music has been part of their musical lives from the very beginning. To perform it under his direction, shaped by his characteristic warmth, clarity, and infectious enthusiasm, proved to be a rare and deeply moving experience.

Sir John Rutter said: “I was delighted to come to Northern Ireland for this special Come and Sing day at St Anne’s Cathedral, as part of the Charles Wood Festival of Music. There is something truly uplifting about voices joining together in such a beautiful space, and it was a real joy to share in the music-making with everyone who took part.”

Open to singers of all backgrounds, the event brought together individuals and choirs in a shared journey of rehearsal and performance. Some of those who travelled to the event included Counterpoint Choir and St Patrick’s Church of Ireland choir, both from Coleraine.

One of the youngest participants was 10-year-old Max McGinley from the north coast.

This landmark Singing Day forms part of the Charles Wood Centenary Festival, marking 100 years since the death of one of Ireland’s most influential composers.

The wider programme planned for over the summer brings together world-class artists, emerging talent, scholars, and communities in a year-long celebration of Wood’s life and legacy.

Richard Yarr, Chair of the Festival Board, said: “To see St Anne’s Cathedral filled with 800 singers is a powerful testament to the enduring strength of choral music in Northern Ireland.

"The response to this event has been extraordinary, and we are deeply grateful to our Patron, Sir John Rutter, for leading such an inspiring day. This is exactly what the Charles Wood Centenary Festival is about, bringing people together through music, honouring our heritage, and looking confidently to the future.”

For more information https://www.charleswoodsummerschool.org/