The Galway Choir Festival — feat. Illuminare, led by Dr. Craig Zamer, composed by Elaine Hagenberg

The Galway Choral Festival: Illuminare was a distinguished choral event that took place in Galway, Ireland, from June 2 to June 7, 2025. The festival culminated in a grand Gala Concert on Friday, June 6, at 8:00 PM, held at the historic Galway Cathedral. This concert featured over 184 singers from various U.S. choirs, accompanied by the 18-piece Galway City Orchestra, under the baton of Dr. Craig Zamer. The centerpiece of the performance was Illuminare, composed by Elaine Hagenberg, who served as the Composer-in-Residence for the festival. For anyone fortunate enough to be in Galway that week, the Gala Concert delivered an evening of exceptional choral and orchestral music in one of Ireland’s most iconic venues. Our own Fayetteville High School choir was honored to be chosen as a participatory choir in this prestigious event.