800 Singers Unite For Rutter Choral Magic In Belfast
Eight hundred singers from across Northern Ireland and beyond filled St Anne’s Cathedral at the weekend (Saturday 18 April) 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, forming a massed choir under the direction of Sir John Rutter, one of the world’s most beloved choral composers.
Set within the magnificent acoustics of St Anne’s Cathedral, the afternoon became a powerful celebration of music, community, and collective artistry.
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, culminating in a vibrant and uplifting musical experience that will live long in the memory of all who took part.
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.”
Running throughout 2026 and culminating in a major Festival Week this August, the Centenary programme blends performance, education, competition, and new commissions, celebrating Charles Wood’s lasting influence while investing boldly in the future of choral music.
For more information: https://www.charleswoodsummerschool.org/