2026: A Centenary to Remember
The 2026 Charles Wood Festival of Music and Summer School marked an extraordinary milestone as we commemorated the 100th anniversary of the death of Charles Wood (1866–1926). Held in the historic city of Armagh from 16–23 August, our 33rd Festival brought together internationally acclaimed musicians, emerging talent, choirs and audiences for a truly memorable celebration of Wood's life, music and enduring legacy.
The Centenary was about much more than looking back. Through new commissions, international competitions, choral performances, educational opportunities and community engagement, we celebrated the remarkable musical heritage of Charles Wood while looking confidently towards the future.
Celebrating the Legacy of Charles Wood
One of the most significant moments of the Centenary celebrations was the unveiling of a specially commissioned bust of Charles Wood, created by Studio Sander & Sander. This permanent tribute provides a lasting reminder of the composer's extraordinary contribution to music and his connection to Armagh.
The celebrations also saw the introduction of the Charles Wood Rose, launched at Armagh Robinson Library in June 2026. This beautiful living tribute offered a distinctive way to commemorate the composer, connecting his musical legacy with the city and community that helped shape his early life.
Another important addition to the Centenary was the Northern Ireland launch of Professor Jeremy Dibble's biography of Charles Wood, offering fresh insight into the composer's life, achievements and place in British and Irish musical history. Professor Dibble also delivered a special Festival lecture, providing audiences with an opportunity to explore Wood's musical legacy in greater depth.
Together, these projects ensured that the Centenary would leave a lasting cultural and historical legacy beyond the Festival itself.
New Music for a New Century
Commissioning new music has always been central to the Festival's artistic ambitions, and the Centenary provided a particularly special opportunity to celebrate contemporary composition.
A major highlight was a new commission by Bob Chilcott, performed as part of our Gala Concert, bringing a fresh musical voice to a Festival rooted in more than a century of choral tradition.
Audiences also enjoyed the Northern Ireland premiere of John Rutter's Bird Songs, while the Gala Concert culminated in a performance of Parry's magnificent Blest Pair of Sirens.
Our International Composer Competition continued this commitment to nurturing new music, with emerging composers invited to set the text Great King of Gods. The competition culminated in the Festival finals, adjudicated by an exceptional panel comprising John Rutter, Piers Maxim McKay and David Hill.
These performances and competitions demonstrated that the Festival is not simply a celebration of musical history, but an active contributor to the creation and performance of new music.
Bringing Voices Together
Choral singing remained at the heart of the Centenary Festival.
The Charles Wood Singers, under the direction of David Hill, brought together talented singers for an intensive programme of rehearsals, musical development and performances. Their contribution to the Festival's major services and concerts demonstrated the extraordinary results that can be achieved when singers come together in a shared pursuit of musical excellence.
The Charles Wood Girls' Choir, directed by Christopher Gray and accompanied by organist Luke Bond, welcomed 21 young singers for a memorable week of music-making. The choir performed in some of Armagh's most beautiful sacred spaces, including a special concert in St Patrick's Roman Catholic Cathedral, showcasing the talent, enthusiasm and dedication of the next generation of choral musicians. Both choirs featured in the Festival's major musical celebrations, with the Gala Concert bringing together the Charles Wood Singers, Girls' Choir and distinguished guest artists for a fitting conclusion to an extraordinary week.
Throughout the Festival, our choral courses offered participants opportunities to learn from leading musicians, develop their vocal and ensemble skills, forge friendships and experience the joy of performing at the highest level.
International Competitions and Emerging Talent
The Centenary Festival continued to provide an important platform for outstanding young musicians from across the world.
The Northern Ireland International Organ Competition brought talented emerging organists to Armagh, showcasing exceptional musicianship and technical skill. The Senior Competition culminated in the award of first prize to Tingshuo Yang, whose performances demonstrated the remarkable international standard of the competition.
Alongside the organ competition, our Composer Competition and wider programme of performances and masterclasses offered invaluable opportunities for emerging musicians to develop their careers, work with internationally recognised artists and perform before appreciative audiences.
These competitions remain an essential part of the Festival's commitment to supporting the next generation of musical talent.
World-Class Performances and Broadcasting
The Centenary programme featured an outstanding range of performers and musical experiences. Our Opening Concert brought together the acclaimed vocal ensemble Dulciana and organist Liesbeth Schlumberger, setting the tone for a week of exceptional music-making.
The Festival's Gala Concert featured the Charles Wood Singers and Girls' Choir alongside acclaimed performers including pianist Ruth McGinley, soprano Aimee Banks and the winner of the Northern Ireland International Organ Competition.
A special BBC Radio 3 Choral Evensong was recorded during the Festival, bringing the music and atmosphere of Armagh to listeners beyond the city and continuing our valued relationship with national broadcasting.
From intimate recitals and lectures to magnificent choral concerts and cathedral services, the Festival celebrated the richness and diversity of classical and sacred music.
Music for Everyone
While the Centenary attracted internationally renowned musicians and performers, community participation remained central to everything we did.
Our programme included Come and Sing events, educational workshops, community singing, care home visits and opportunities for local people to engage directly with music.
These activities brought music beyond the concert platform and into the wider community, creating opportunities for people of different ages, abilities and backgrounds to participate.
The Festival also continued its commitment to music education, offering young musicians and aspiring performers the opportunity to work alongside experienced professionals, develop their confidence and discover new musical possibilities.
